Digitalization implies a wide range of transformation processes at all levels of democratic societies. The political, public and academic debates about digitalization and democracy have always been controversial and still are today. Greatly intensified research activities in recent years have expanded our knowledge about the effects of digitalization, but show that debates still range from optimistic views to sceptic or even dystopian perspectives. The former emphasize the potential of the internet to drive innovation in society and to enhance democracy. Moreover, the expanding digitalization of everyday life seems as an opportunity for increasing individualism and free choice. From this perspective it is claimed that digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and algorithms are to be seen as helpful tools in optimizing social life. In contrast, skeptical views highlighting the risks and even threats of digitalization for democratic values have increased recently. This finds expression in many well-researched aspects such as the growing relevance of fake news and “alternative facts” online. Algorithmic filtering promotes visibility of polarizing content and politically extreme positions. Furthermore, social media platforms can no longer be seen as neutral gathering places for rule-governed discourse. In addition, it is warned about digital technology and AI threatening autonomous decision making and the digitalization of everyday life is critically viewed as a misuse of data in terms of public surveillance and control. All of this makes it necessary to further research the role of digitization with regard to strengthening and preserving democracy in the digital age.
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