Participating in the technological society

We will further develop the concept of “technological citizenship”. Much more is required than education alone to come to grips with the high-tech society, such as being able to recognise fake news or protect one’s own cyber security.

Besides that, the Rathenau Instituut conducts research that looks into trust in social institutions such as government, science, the media and public administration. We will be doing so again over the coming years. What factors influence people’s trust in social institutions, in particular when controversial issues are at stake?  Digital technology enables people to engage in a much more intensive dialogue with each other and with government.  How can this strengthen the quality of democracy and support for it?  And, what can be learned from recent experiences about involving individuals in democratic decision-making during a pandemic like the coronavirus crisis?