Democracy in danger: digital violence and disinformation on the re: publica!

Democracy in danger: digital violence and disinformation on the re: publica!

At this year's Re: Publica in Berlin, which deals with the topic of democracy, there were alarming insights into the challenges that democratic values ​​are facing. Luisa Neubauer, a prominent climate activist of "Fridays for Future", appeared with personal protection, which the growing risk for people who are publicly committed to democracy and climate justice. Johnny Haeusler, the founder of the RE: Publica, made it clear in his opening speech that "democracy is burning" and warned of social media as "weapons of disinformation" that pose a threat to social cohesion.

The event illuminated how social media increasingly contribute to the spread of false information and digital violence. Media scientist Bernhard Pörksen described professionally controlled disinformation campaigns as "networked violence" that stir up distrust in democratic structures. These campaigns not only act online, but also access the offline world. For journalists who are often attacked personally, there are no effective protection concepts in many media houses; Anna-Lena von Hodenberg from Hateaid.

The influence of technology on democracy

The digital environment is shaped by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. According to reports from the Federal Center for Political Education, access to reliable information plays a crucial role in democracy. The changed information consumption behavior has created social vulnerabilities. A study shows that 67 % of the population in 2024 primarily relate messages via the Internet, while 34 % do this exclusively through social media. This contributes to the fragmentation of public discourse.

In particular, political actors use platform algorithms to specifically spread their messages. The AfD has built up a massive digital infrastructure and uses strategically influencers: inside to spread its content. This targeted manipulation leads to further erosion of trust in institutions and makes access to balanced information. The confirmation bias of the users is also exploited in a targeted manner, which increases social polarization.

need for action for the future

The challenges that social media represent for democracy urgently require measures. Markus Beckedahl pleads for the use of decentralized, non -profit platforms to promote independent discourses. In addition, Anja Osterhaus from Reporter Without Borders presented a protective code for media houses in order to better secure journalists. Bernhard Pörksen emphasizes the need for a comprehensive educational effort to strengthen the judgment in dealing with digital media.

Maximilian Oehl from Media Force wants to carry democracy -promoting content more online in order to counteract right -wing influencers. The Center for Digital Rights and Democracy was presented as a platform to address wider target groups and to empower citizens to actively work for their interests. The Re: Publica itself was described as an event with a digital affiny audience, the reach of which should also be extended to rural areas.

Finally, the RE: Publica shows clear deficits that exist in the digital society. Dealing with information, especially on social media, must be rethought in order to protect and expand the potential for democracy. The voices of the expert: Inside and activist: In the inside, make it clear that it is time to proceed against systematic manipulation and the dangers of the digital world.