In today’s digital world, social media platforms don’t just host conversations – they shape them. Algorithmic ranking, AI-drivencontent, and reduced moderation and fact-checking amplify hate speech, antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism, racism and misinformation, threatening democratic values and inclusivity.
The DialoguePerspectives Vienna Citizen Lab 2025 invites you to join the frontlines of this urgent debate. Together, we’ll explore the cutting edge research of the challenges that exist and how platform design and digital policies can counter polarisation, combat online discrimination, and safeguard democracy.
Why Apply?
- Understand the Impact: Uncover how algorithms and platform decisions shape public discourse and amplify harmful narratives.
- Build Solutions: Collaborate with experts, activists, and policymakers to address the challenges of AI-driven misinformation and rising hate speech and security risks to minority groups.
- Shape Change: Co-create actionable strategies to foster inclusivity, pluralism, and democracy in digital spaces.
What You’ll Do
- Participate in Citizen Labs – interactive discussions bringing research to the public.
- Contribute to policy recommendations that redefine social media regulation and design.
- Be at the fore front of research into social networks to test solutions for healthier online debates.
Format
The DialoguePerspectives Vienna Citizen Lab 2025 invites young European leaders to deepen connections and collaborate with European and international experts. Through interactive sessions and hands-on training, participants will gain practical tools, exchange insights with experts, and cocreate impactful solutions for a stronger European democratic and pluralist future.
The Citizen Lab workshop is part of the international TWON project. TWON (Twin of Online Social Networks) is an EU-funded project that sets out to study the potentially harmful effects of online social networks (OSNs) on democratic debates and to provide the European Commission with strategic recommendations for possible regulation of technology companies or platform operators. The Citizen Lab workshop is realised through a partnership with the FZI Research Center for Information Technologies.
Application Details
We invite 30 young European professionals to take part in the DialoguePerspectives Vienna Citizen Lab 2025. If you would like to participate, please apply here. The application deadline is 13 April 2025.
Join us in rethinking the future of online platforms and their role in democracy. Apply now to the DialoguePerspectives Vienna Citizen Lab 2025 and be part of the solution!
Costs
Travel expenses can be reimbursed up to €100 for national travel and €300 for international travel (only second class travels). Accommodation and meals related to the event will be included. More detailed information will follow after the application process.
Workshop Lead
Kira Wisniewski (Programme Manager DialoguePerspectives)
Scientific Monitoring
Dr. Jonas Fegert & Prof. Dr. Achim Rettinger (FZI Research Center for Information Technologies)
