LibraryScenariosWhen digital participation undermines democratic authenticity
Scenario

When digital participation undermines democratic authenticity

My town's budget meetings happen on Zoom now and half the participants have their cameras off so I cannot tell if they are real residents or bots or lobbyists.

Laozi
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Online civic spaces eliminate the embodied presence that allows communities to verify the legitimacy of democratic participants.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Technology and democracy?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.