Abstract

Introduction

Prediction 1

The “fake news” arms race will grow further, shifting the focus of public debates.

Prediction 2

“Social scores” will influence political and governmental responsiveness.

Prediction 3

ID technologies will increase citizens’ pressure on decision makers.

Prediction 4

More political parties will develop policy and choose candidates using digital platforms.

Prediction 5

Different national regulation of social media will lead to increasingly different spaces for public debate.

Prediction 6

Activists and tech companies will fight over who gets to speak to citizens.

Prediction 7

“Free internet” will influence civic and political conversations.

Prediction 8

Augmented reality may become a driver of increased citizen awareness.

Prediction 9

Automation will reduce certain kinds of citizen feedback.

Prediction 10

Bots will be used to acquire, mobilize, and coordinate activists.

Prediction 11

Many will try to use ‘blockchain’ to raise trust in participative exercises.

Implications

Measure 1

Governments should adopt user-centered digital practices.

Measure 2

Set boundaries for the use of social scoring.

Measure 3

Make use of citizens assemblies to set digital policies.

Measure 4

When regulating tech companies, don’t forget to consider citizen engagement.

Measure 5

Telecoms regulators need to consider citizen engagement.

Measure 6

Design civic technologies for inclusiveness.

Conclusion

Authors

References