The Commercial Hijacking of Digital Democracy: How Profit Motives Undermine the Democratization of Information on Social Media

Abstract The rise of social media was initially hailed as a revolutionary force for democratizing information and empowering citizens. However, the increasing dominance of profit-oriented business models has shifted the purpose of these platforms from serving the public interest to maximizing corporate revenue. This paper explores how the monetization of visibility, algorithmic manipulation, and paid promotions have undermined the democratic promise of the internet. It further analyzes the societal implications of this trend, including information inequality, the manipulation of public discourse, and the erosion of authentic digital participation. Finally, it proposes pathways toward reestablishing a democratic digital ecosystem rooted in truth, equity, and public good.