The Symbiotic Crisis: The Dependency of Democratic Systems on Modern Media Ecosystems

In the contemporary era, the structural integrity of democratic governance is inextricably linked to the information architecture provided by mainstream and social media. This paper examines the transition from a ``watchdog'' model of journalism to a complex dependency on digital platforms. It analyzes the mechanisms by which democracy relies on these mediums for voter education, political mobilization, and accountability, while addressing the systemic risks posed by algorithmic polarization and the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Finally, it surveys the global regulatory response in 2026, highlighting the shift toward digital sovereignty and corporate accountability.