Before you dive in, a quick note on our "Perspectives":
Imagine standing at the crossroads of history, where the decisions we make today will shape the democracies of tomorrow. This is not a distant future; you're a participant in these transformative times right now. That's why you're here, and that's why you need new perspectives.
Our "Perspectives" are scenarios. Through these stories we take you on a journey into urgent societal transitions related to socio, eco or techno shifts. The Perspectives are also the starting points for our ongoing research.
As these complex concepts are continually evolving, so is our understanding of them. As new data comes in, as fresh perspectives emerge, this section will be updated, refined, and expanded.
Is democracy ready for a post-reality society?
Welcome to a world where the lines between the tangible and the illusory are not just blurred but have dissolved. Imagine a time where the collective experience of watching the same TV show, moments once shared by a nation, is now a nostalgic memory. You are now in the post-reality world.
In this space, the distinction between real and fake – authentic and fabrication - is not just obscured but rendered meaningless. Irrelevant. Every experience, every interaction is tailored, customized, and intricately woven to fit the unique contours of your existence. Artificial Intelligence has permeated every digital service, every virtual experience, ensuring nothing remains untouched, unaltered, or genuine. Big Tech are now the architects of your existence, shaping what you define as your live. Remember, every click, every interaction, is a piece of data, and used to serve not the collective, but the corporate.
Is there room for democracy in this place? Traditionally democracy was a collective endeavor. It thrived on shared narratives, collective truths, and the common good. However, in this post-reality world, the norm is fragmentation and hyper-individualization. The collective stories that once united us, have splintered into a billion personalized streams. Every individual is an island.
Who will hold the powerful accountable? The press and media, once the guardians of truth and the architects of shared narratives, find themselves navigating uncharted waters. In a world where everything is personalized, what role is left for journalism? Is there space for collectiveness in a world defined by individual truths?
And beware too. In this realm, anti-democratic actors move like shadows. Manipulation is now a science, precise, targeted, and devastatingly effective.
Yet, remember, as you navigate this post-reality world, you are not just a passive observer but a creator. Your choices, your actions, your voice still have the power to define, to shape, and to construct. Wield that power with intention. Stand up, speak out, and be the architect of a post-reality proof democracy.
related projects
In our Post-Polarized Society project we work on improving the understandings of how digital media effect polarization and support young people in navigating Post-Reality.