Author: Benard Njane
Last saved by: Simon

World Media System Discussion
1.	The public sphere is the conceived social space where distinctive opinions are expressed, problems that are of social concern deliberated, and collective solutions realized communicatively. It the epicenter for society communication. In the contemporary society, the public sphere is sustained by the mass media as well as the online network media. 
2.	The public sphere in the United States is regarded as the fourth branch of government. It ensures that the government is doing its mandate in accordance to the rational thoughts of the citizens. Only rational discourse is allowed in this public sphere with democracy being the result of people who can freely think without manipulation by authorities, money, or fear.
In Cuba, the public sphere is characterized by manipulation and influence of the authorities. Magazines get barred from presenting their articles if they fail to align to the objectives of the government (Torres, 2012). The bureaucratic obstacles in social communication and expression of ideas block the authenticity of the public sphere in this country and people barely use their rational thoughts in keeping the government in check.
In Ghana, the public sphere is construed along tribal and religious convictions whereby citizens limit the rationality of political thought on their tribal affiliations and religious beliefs. Regardless, people are allowed to freely express their thoughts on governance owing to the country’s commitment to free speech and a free press (Duke Law Scholarship Repository, 2013). There is freedom to acquire and share information, which facilitates the country’s democracy and economic development.
3.	The internet has increased citizens’ engagement in the public sphere of the United States. Through its technical properties of openness, interactivity, and the potential for equality, it provides the ability for many-to-many communication (Rauchfleisch and Kovic, 2016). The social media has allowed the citizens to be active and interconnected agents of the government, as they are able to follow through discussions in topics of social concern.

References
Duke Law Scholarship Repository. (2013). Democratic development and the public sphere: the rights to hear and be heard in Ghana. Retrieved from https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=studentpapers
Rauchfleisch, A., & Kovic, M. (2016). The Internet and generalized functions of the public sphere: Transformative potentials from a comparative perspective. Social Media+ Society, 2(2), 2056305116646393.
Torres, I. D. (2012, March 4). Cuba: The Concealed Sphere vs. the Public Sphere. Havana Times. Retrieved from https://havanatimes.org/diaries/isbel-diaz/cuba-the-concealed-sphere-vs-the-public-sphere/