Reflections on the Virtual Public Sphere ： Analysis and reflection on Habermas’ Structural Transformation in light of the new media/communication environment

Abstract

In this paper, I reflect on Habermas’ Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere in light of modern day developments. This analysis is intended to A) review important concepts from Structural Transformation and serve as a reference point for future exploration into public sphere theory; B) introduce the argument that advances in unfettered communication correlate positively with strengthened democracy; C) introduce and consider the importance of the concept of the “lay-expert” in modern critical theory; D) draw correlations between trends that Habermas points to in the late 18th century and those of today; and E) set the stage for arguments relating to the existence and function of what has come to be termed as the “virtual public sphere.”