Digital Society public lecture by Dr. Regula Hänggli Fricker
Professor in Political Communication, University of Fribourg

The public debate is relevant because it shapes political or economic decisions. Furthermore, it is essential for a functioning democracy because it can foster accountability by ensuring that ideas and policies are scrutinized before implementation. It can allow citizens to express diverse perspectives, read about others’ views and engage in discussions. In her presentation, Regula Hänggli Fricker identifies key factors deciding who is heard in public debates. She compares the flow of information in a traditional versus social media environments, and examines different types of debates. She also takes a short look at the public debate about AI.