That’s a criticism of direct democracy, not republics; it’s been a known failure mode (and base case) for millennia.
The novel elements are social media and AI. I am increasingly convinced that ad-funded social media should be banned and/or tightly regulated like utilities are.
Well, I wouldn't entrust critical infrastructure to the private sector which.. blindly optimizes shareholder value and sells your data anywhere. Germany's train privatization also comes to mind,.. or US healthcare - worse service for more money.
We pay for utilities directly. Also, even it if it was funded from state budget(s), there are known and working controls to make publicly funded <> state controlled.
The novel elements are social media and AI. I am increasingly convinced that ad-funded social media should be banned and/or tightly regulated like utilities are.