Democracy in times of disinformation

Diskussionsrunde im TRIANGEL am Marktplatz

The FZI Research Center for Information Technology, an independent and non-profit research institution, is a true pioneer in the world of digital innovation when it comes to innovative information technology. One focus of its work: In Karlsruhe and Berlin, scientists are working on researching and developing new technologies to promote digital democracy and citizen participation. The FZI uses state-of-the-art technologies to involve citizens more closely in political processes. We spoke to Dr. Jonas Fegert, who heads the House of Participation (HoP) at the FZI and is Senior Expert for the topic area “Digital Democracy & Participation”.

“One of our focuses is on inclusive digital participation formats and how these can be implemented using immersive systems such as augmented reality and virtual reality,” explains Fegert. These technologies are used to make complex projects such as urban planning projects more tangible. “We want to develop platforms that enable better citizen participation or even citizen participation in the first place,” he adds. After all, it’s not just about getting people more involved – they should also be happy to do so.

Between high-tech and social issues

But the FZI is more than just a technology hub. The work at the House of Participation goes deep into social issues. How is technology changing our social structures? What effects do platforms such as X, TikTok or Instagram have on our democratic processes? Fegert and his team are not just observers of this development, they are active shapers.

“We not only analyze the status quo, but also develop ways to understand the platform mechanisms. Also to be able to suggest concrete improvements,” says Fegert. A particularly hot topic: Disinformation. In an increasingly digital world, fake news is spreading at breakneck speed and has the potential to divide societies. “Disinformation is often used as part of hybrid warfare,” explains Fegert, referring to conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Manipulating public opinion is a strategic means of promoting political and social instability.

Jonas Fegert speaks in front of an audience
At an event in the Effects series in August 2024. Photo: FZI

Innovation meets exchange

In addition to research, the FZI is also heavily involved in social discussions. “In recent years, we have managed to bring together people from civil society, politics and administration,” says Fegert. The FZI House of Participation organizes roundtables and podcast formats to network research and political practice.

The FZI is particularly proud of the growing attention that the work in this area is attracting. “Last week, Baden-Württemberg’s Science Minister Petra Olschowski visited us,” reports Fegert. “This shows that our research is also being recognized at the highest level.”

People at a House of Participation round table in Berlin in September 2023.
At a round table of the House of Participation in Berlin in September 2023. Photo: FZI

Disinformation – a huge risk for democracy

The World Economic Forum reports in 2024 that disinformation and AI-generated fake news and cyber attacks are classified as the greatest risk to people and society. They can endanger democratic systems and lead to social polarization, unrest and domestic violence. The World Economic Forum even sees a global catastrophe coming – within the next two to ten years.

In projects such as DeFaktS, SOSEC and TWON, the FZI actively promotes secure and resilient democratic processes and helps to minimize the negative effects of misinformation. Fegert is dedicated to the question of how platforms can be designed in such a way that they do not contribute to the spread of disinformation. “We have to realize that it is always deliberate decisions that contribute to this. And these are also things where we can demand from politicians that changes are implemented and that there is more transparency.” The business models of social networks often promote extreme content, as this generates the most clicks and reactions – a mechanism that reinforces polarization and social division.

“Platforms such as Twitter and Instagram play a key role in the spread of disinformation,” says Fegert. In an EU project, the FZI is investigating how design changes on these platforms – such as the subscription model on X – influence the visibility of content. “Such a model means that important channels are suddenly no longer visible,” warns Fegert. This means that X loses its original function as a platform for public debate that reflects diverse opinions.

The FZI is working on gaining a better understanding of how platform designs work in order to use the research results to provide policymakers with something they can use to curb the risk of disinformation on social media if necessary. “It’s about understanding these mechanisms and finding better solutions,” emphasizes Fegert. His vision is clear: “We don’t just want to conduct research, we also want to share the results of this research with politicians and civil society so that they are used where they are most urgently needed.”

More detailed information about the FZI’s research is available for all interested parties in the HoPcast, the “Podcast on Participation and Democracy in the Digital Age” with guests such as Max Czollek or Luisa Neubauer and many experts.

Screen with connection of deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann.
At the FZI Open House in February 2024, Jonas Fegert discussed disinformation as a social challenge and approaches to analyzing and combating it with deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann, project manager and journalist Carolin Lindekamp from CORRECTIV and Achim Rettinger, Professor of Computational Linguistics, at the FZI Open House. Photo: FZI