The Public Sphere is a method by which we are all able to engage in the transferral and exchange of information in a public setting. Habermas defines the public sphere as an institution that eradicated class structure and united the public in a common concern: the economy. The foundation of the public sphere is the notion of access--the understanding that no person (public nor private) should be denied equal say in a such a forum. The idea of a public sphere first emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries when coffee houses broke ground for the new norms of public debate and exchange. These places provided an element of commonality for people of differing lifestyles.

Translating the public sphere for a technological world gets complicated. The idea of equal access prevails, but the validity of the web's users is questioned. The availability of countless medias presents us with a problem: How biased are the most prominent news outlets and how many people consume their ideologies without question?

Generally speaking, we are living in an age where the availability of information is instantaneous. We have smartphones, iPhones, laptops, micro-laptops, satellite radios, broadcast radio and television. At any given time or place we are being constantly showered with large amounts of detailed information. The rate and methods by which we receive the news is wholly dependent upon the individual. In this aspect, I believe Habermas' idea of the public sphere may be regressing.

Because the internet has become a tool of personal expression, the material we choose to absorb is at our disposal. If we wanted to only read news about Apple Computers, Caribbean sailing and the Hall and Oates reunion tour, by all means, we have the resources to do so. This deflates the idea of deliberation and debate in a meaningful public atmosphere. The "echo chamber" effect is just that: we are capable of closing our minds to aspects of society that are seen as fundamental. This cultural deficit in conjunction with the frequent misinformation seen in mass media outlets creates quite an alarming scenario.

While writing this blog, the familiar intro song to The Daily Show comes on. I am instantly suckered into his method of comical criticism and suddenly, I feel better. I've now got something to talk about tomorrow. I haven't ventured to any meaningful political blogs or news outlets today. Am I contributing to the collapse of the public sphere?