In light of current conversations about the need to rethink and redesign online public spaces, researchers from the Pew Research Center and Elon University asked experts how they expect the digital public sphere to evolve by 2035. This report outlines the findings.

Experts are evenly split on whether the coming decade will see a reduction in false and misleading narratives online. Those forecasting improvement place their hopes in technological fixes and in societal solutions. Others think the dark side of human nature is aided more than stifled by technology.

Connection begets connection. The Internet of Things is in full flower but does that leave it vulnerable to cyberattack?

Many experts fear uncivil and manipulative behaviors on the internet will persist – and may get worse. This will lead to a splintering of social media into AI-patrolled and regulated ‘safe spaces’ separated from free-for-all zones. Some worry this will hurt the open exchange of ideas and compromise privacy. The internet supports a global ecosystem...

Algorithms are aimed at optimizing everything. They can save lives, make things easier and conquer chaos. Still, experts worry they can also put too much control in the hands of corporations and governments, perpetuate bias, create filter bubbles, cut choices, creativity and serendipity, and could result in greater unemployment. Algorithms are instructions for solving a...