Status: Ongoing
This study examines the role of Clubhouse, a popular audio-based social media platform, as a public sphere for organic interaction and opinion formation. With its unique format of real-time audio conversations, Clubhouse has gained significant attention as a space where individuals can engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. This study aims to explore the dynamics of communication within Clubhouse and investigate how it fosters the formation and dissemination of opinions. Through qualitative analysis of user interactions and content, this research identifies key characteristics of Clubhouse as a public sphere. It examines the organic nature of conversations, the diversity of participants, and the impact of the platform's audio-based format on opinion formation. Additionally, this study explores how Clubhouse enables the exchange of ideas, the negotiation of meaning, and the potential for collective decision-making. By analyzing the various mechanisms and dynamics at play within Clubhouse, this study provides insights into the nature of public discourse in digital spaces. It contributes to our understanding of how social media platforms can shape and influence opinion formation, as well as the role of organic interaction in fostering public dialogue. The findings of this research have implications for the broader study of digital public spheres and highlight the evolving nature of online communication in contemporary society.
Keywords: Digital media, legacy media, journalism startups, digital disruption, qualitative, funding model, content strategy.