June 13, 2024
Longer description:
Democratic institutions are hitting critical challenges amid the rapid pace of current technological advancements. This is known as the “Red Queen problem”, where entities must continuously accelerate to maintain their position.
Democracies face the existential risk of becoming irrelevant if they fail to adapt, especially as tech companies begin to implement their own versions of “democratic” processes, which, devoid of a social contract, resemble more an appeal to authority than true democracy.
Marci underscores the necessity of civic technology, both within and outside government frameworks, to ensure that democracy remains responsive, relevant, and grounded in the principle of the consent of the governed.
By showcasing successful examples of civic tech integration within the US and globally, and by proposing concrete steps for governments and civil society, the talk seeks to inspire action towards preserving democracy’s relevance and responsiveness in the digital age.