Making sense of our connected world
Empowering workers with data
As workplaces become data-driven, can workers use people analytics to advocate for their rights? This article explores how data empowers workers and unions.
Two years after the takeover: Four key policy changes of X under Musk
This article outlines four key policy changes of X since Musk’s 2022 takeover, highlighting how the platform’s approach to content moderation has evolved.
Between vision and reality: Discourses about Sustainable AI in Germany
This article explores Sustainable AI and Germany’s shift from optimism to concern about its environmental impact. Can AI really combat climate change?
Platform governance
Platform Governance refers to the rules, regulations, and framework within which digital platforms in our society are managed. This includes social networks, online services, digital marketplaces, or messaging services, for example. These digital platform ecosystems facilitate the exchange of information, goods, and services in our daily lives. As an integral part of our modern communication, they also have a profound impact on public discourse and economic processes. In our research on sustainable platform governance, we therefore examine how entrepreneurial goals, individual rights, and societal values can be harmonised in these online communication spaces. This includes questions related to online platform regulation, competition law, freedom of speech, individual autonomy, and (democratically anchored) decision-making.
One step forward, two steps back: Why Artificial Intelligence is currently mainly predicting the past
While AI is seen as technology of the future, it often relies on historical data. This blog post examines how AI can reproduce social inequalities and bias.
Between time savings and additional effort: Generative AI in the workplace
Generative AI in the workplace is enhancing productivity, yet employees face mixed results. This post examines chatbots’ paradoxical impact on efficiency.
Resistance to change: Challenges and opportunities in digital higher education
Resistance to change in higher education is inevitable. However, if properly understood, it can contribute to shaping digital transformation constructively.
From theory to practice and back again: A journey in Public Interest AI
This blog post reflects on our initial Public Interest AI principles, using our experiences from developing Simba, an open-source German text simplifier.
Mobility transition in the neighbourhood: Simulating citizen participation in Berlin’s digital administration
How can data and digital solutions drive urban development? In the living lab, we tested citizen participation within Berlin’s digital administration.
Participation in smart cities
This blog article examines citizen participation in data-driven processes and the challenges that must be overcome for successful participation.
There’s no one following me around the supermarket
In the public debate about personalisation there are many misconceptions. The SID project studies user perceptions to develop new approaches.
Navigating platform power: From European elections to the regulatory future
Looking back at the European elections in June 2024, this blog post takes stock of the Digital Services Act’s effect in terms of navigating platform power.
AI under supervision: Do we need ‘Humans in the Loop’ in automation processes?
Automated decisions have advantages but are not always flawless. Some suggest a Human in the Loop as a solution. But does it guarantee better outcomes?
The plurality of digital B2B platforms
This blog post dives into the diversity of digital business-to-business platforms, categorising them by governance styles and strategic aims.
Debunking science myths: Preconceptions about science put to the test
What is really true about preconceptions about science? Four popular myths about a constantly quarrelling group of professionals explained simply.
No Smartphone = Cringe Weirdo
In this blog post, author Jascha Bareis shares his experiences since getting his first smartphone just this year.
European elections and digital policy: German party positions
To what extent are German parties addressing digital policy in the European elections? A glance at the election programmes reveals different priorities.
Integrating gender and inclusivity in digital cultural policies: insights from Berlin and Barcelona
Could Berlin and Barcelona’s integrative approach to digitalisation serve as a blueprint for a new European cultural policy in the digital age?
One small part of many – AI for environmental protection
What role does AI play in applications for environmental protection? This blog post takes a look at six German projects that use AI for this purpose.
Navigating the Urban Maze: GIS technology and the blurring boundaries between digital and physical infrastructure
The progression of GIS technology and Geodata questions if digital maps should be regarded as physical public infrastructure.
Making Sense of the Future: New brainteasers for digital futures in the classroom
Explore “Making Sense of the Future”, an open educational resource combining futures studies and creative exploration to reimagine our digital futures.
Honey, we need to talk about the future
Can futures studies challenge the status quo beyond academia and approach public dialogue as an imaginative space for collective endeavours?
