A contribution by Karl-Heinz Land:

For years, we have been observing with concern how digitalization and, more recently, artificial intelligence (AI) are influencing our political systems. Digitalization and AI have the potential to strengthen democracy by democratizing and disseminating knowledge and promoting dialogue. Paradoxically, however, it often leads to more of the same – to a strengthening of echo chambers and an increase in conspiracy theories and right-wing thinking.

The simplicity of the digital world, where you can express agreement or disagreement with a click, has led to a decline in complex political discussion. People are looking for easy answers and strong leaders rather than dealing with the nuances of politics and opinions. This favors intolerant and autocratic “leaders”, parties and systems, as they promise simple solutions to complex problems.

This development is contrary to the idea of democracy and responsible citizens. Democracy is based on the assumption that citizens are able and willing to engage in political discourse and make informed decisions. The digital world, however, promotes a culture of “immediacy and superficiality” that undermines the ability for critical thinking and self-reflection.

Nevertheless, I believe that AI and digitalization will ultimately make the world a better place. After all, these technologies have the potential to make us more efficient and more networked. They can help to tackle global challenges such as climate change and social inequalities. The challenge is to find a balance – a world in which technological progress and democratic values go hand in hand.

So we have to ask ourselves: How can we take advantage of digitalization without sacrificing the fundamental values of democracy? How can we ensure that the digital world promotes rather than suppresses diversity of opinion? The answer lies in consciously shaping our digital environments and promoting media literacy and critical thinking. Only in this way can we create a future in which democracy and responsible citizens not only go together, but also strengthen each other.

Karl-Heinz Land is an author, investor, speaker and member of the supervisory board of neuland AI. Land is the author of the books: Stillstand als Beschleuniger; ERDE 5.0 – die Zukunft provozieren and “Digitaler Darwinismus”, among others.