Digital democracy in a polarised era
Digital technology can serve as a kind of civic gym for training social engagement. That was the message from Audrey Tang, civic hacker and Taiwan’s first digital minister, when she visited Stockholm University on 1 December.
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Audrey Tang, Right Livelihood laureate 2025 lectures on ”AI, Democracy and Plurality in a Time of Polarisation”. Photo: Johanna Säll/Stockholm University
Vice President Jane Reichel welcomed Audrey Tang and the audience to Stockholm University by highlighting Audrey Tang’s work in using technology to transform systems for the public good.
“Using digital technology to empower citizens, renew democracy and heal divides is both relevant and important,” said Jane Reichel.
Audrey Tang, one of this year’s Right Livelihood Award laureates, is an optimistic ambassador for digital technology. She is convinced that it is possible to use the polarisation created by algorithms that reinforce disagreement as fuel for positive energy and engagement.
“Instead of algorithms that reinforce extremes and increase polarisation, we should reinforce the unexpected common ground, the things that bring people together,” she said.
Watch Audrey Tang’s entire lecture and the following panel discussion between Audrey Tang, Eva Erman, Department of Political Science, and Stanley Greenstein, Department of Law.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Source: Kommunikationsavdelningen