As part of her NRW Digital Tour, Green Party politician Julia Eisentraut (Member of the State Parliament) visited the DIID on 23 May to discuss current research projects and digital policy issues with several members of the institute.
During a two-hour “project show,” DIID members Jun.-Prof. Dr. Tobias Escher, Dr. Dennis Frieß, Prof. Dr. Susanne Hahn, Viviana Warnken, and Lena Wilms met with Julia Eisentraut, spokesperson for digitalization, science, data protection, and continuing education for the Green Party faction in the state parliament, at the University House (Haus der Universität). The aim of the meeting was to give Julia Eisentraut an overview of the DIID's current projects in order to identify areas for action in digital and science policy.
The meeting began with a brief round of introductions before coordinator Dennis Frieß presented the DIID. Lena Wilms then reported on the “KOSMO” project, in which an AI-supported prototype for moderating online discussions was developed. The ensuing discussion addressed issues such as the problem of automation bias and the fundamental role that AI should play in practice. AI has great potential for increasing efficiency in professional practice (e.g., in administration). At the same time, however, a fundamental competence in dealing with AI must be in place in order to use AI tools efficiently. This ever-widening “AI competence gap” must be taken into account.
Viviana Warnken then presented the “INDI” project, which has been investigating how AI can be used to make online discourse more inclusive since November 2023. The subsequent discussion focused primarily on the dynamics of online comment sections, in particular how to deal with hate comments. In this context, Julia Eisentraut reported on the growing political orientation of platforms. The subsequent discussion focused primarily on the dynamics of online comment sections, in particular how to deal with hateful comments. Julia Eisentraut reported on the growing orientation of politics toward platform logic, which is becoming increasingly problematic, especially due to the infiltration of extreme groups. In her role as a Green Party politician, the MP has also observed a declining willingness among online users to engage in discussion. The INDI project will investigate the extent to which AI interventions can restore this willingness to engage in controversial but productive debate.
Next, Susanne Hahn offered a philosophical perspective on the topic of artificial intelligence. In particular, the question of attribution of responsibility and the resulting gaps in accountability were discussed. The participants agreed that the use of AI should not be an end in itself. Rather, AI applications should be accompanied by scientific monitoring. Julia Eisentraut made a special note of media narratives on AI, which are primarily characterized by rejection of AI and accusations of prohibition. It is also important to promote scientific formats and critical media considerations that discuss the ethical aspects of AI tools.
Finally, Tobias Escher provided a brief input on the “CIMT” project, which deals with public participation in the context of the transport transition, but has also researched how AI can support the evaluation of large amounts of text. This also addressed the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in the research project. In addition to different disciplinary logics, the fact that interdisciplinary studies are often difficult to publish because many specialist journals still have a very disciplinary profile was also discussed.
At the end, the participants summarized the topics and projects discussed and reviewed the current digital policy agenda. Julia Eisentraut reported on her experiences as digital policy spokesperson for the Green Party, particularly on problems in the context of administrative digitization. She said that more research is needed on governance structures that reflect both administrative logic and the needs of employees. The powerful role of large platform companies was also discussed, which raised questions of regulation. More comprehensive regulation often fails due to a lack of political majorities. Julia Eisentraut has experienced firsthand what a lack of regulation of social media can lead to. She reports that verbal abuse against politicians has increased significantly, both digitally and analogously. To counter this development, politicians in particular have a responsibility not to adapt their political communication to platform logic and not to respond to populism with populism themselves.
Ultimately, it was the lack of time that prevented a more in-depth exchange on the many burning issues of our time. However, it was decided to continue this discussion elsewhere. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Julia Eisentraut and her team for the exchange, as well as to all the speakers for their input.