Helping to shape digital democracy

Nonsense! There are various definitions of digital democracy and we work with the following:

The term digital democracy describes a form of democracy in which digital tools are used to promote democratic processes. It is characterized, for example, by the provision of information via online channels, dialogue in digital forums and new opportunities for participation such as online petitions or digital student surveys. The overarching goal is to develop a practice that can make political participation accessible, transparent and democratic through digital communication and interaction.

And why all this?

Do we really want to leave digital tools to those who use them for hate and populism when they actually offer a great opportunity to increase participation? In this project, we are looking at approaches to how digital tools can be used for more democratic participation, but also where the limits lie. How can we use digitalization to strengthen civil society and which digital processes help to better integrate citizens into the legislative process? What role can citizens' councils play in this and what possibilities do digital solutions offer? How can AI applications/software be designed to be explainable, transparent and non-discriminatory? The central question will be what research is needed to develop, test and gradually optimize new democratic approaches. How can such research be designed at a time when democracy is already under pressure?

What does this have to do with you?

Since you are studying here at KIT, you will probably be a decision-maker in the near future and possibly work in positions of great responsibility. Therefore, it is all the more important for you as a KIT student - since you usually bring a high level of technical expertise in the design of digital environments or develop it during your studies - to understand the complex interrelationships of digitization and democratization. Here at KIT, we would like to work with you to keep an eye on both the potential and the risks in this area of tension, productively shape and moderate dialog with others and, for example, develop AI applications in an explainable, transparent and non-discriminatory manner.

Our project will focus on precisely these topics and much more. With the help of students, we want to get something big off the ground together!