Summary: The internet has played a crucial role in various democratic processes, such as electing the first African American US President and facilitating the 2011 Arab Spring. However, the internet has also been involved in questionable events like the WhatsApp elections in India and Brazil (2019), the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, and the rise of fake news and political polarization. Hence, the internet can be seen as a tool for both democracy and authoritarianism.

Real-World Example: Barack Obama’s 2008 election campaign utilized social media to mobilize voters, showcasing the internet's democratizing potential. On the contrary, the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal involved misuse of personal data to influence voter behavior, demonstrating the internet's potential for control and manipulation.

Summary: The internet’s role in exacerbating or mitigating knowledge inequality is an ongoing debate. Access to knowledge might become a privilege, widening the digital divide, or it could democratize information, depending on how we navigate this technological era.

Real-World Example: The digital divide can be seen in remote or impoverished areas where lack of internet access limits educational opportunities. In contrast, free online resources like Khan Academy have democratized education, enabling self-learning for everyone with internet access.