Programmable Politics: Civil Society in the Age of Algorithmic Automation

Entirely new civil society dynamics have been introduced following the rise of automation, algorithms and datafication.

Using a mixed-methods case study design, this project will contribute to the empirical understanding of the changing nature of civil society in the age of algorithmic automation.We focus, firstly, on how civil society practices are affected by algorithmic automation in terms of possibilities and hindrances for political deliberation on digital platforms.

Secondly, we investigate how specific civil society organisations are trying to impact the shape and future of algorithmic automation.Our work is centred around four research questions:How do programmable platforms operate as limiting and enabling structures for civil society actors in the age of automation?How do non-human agents in political communication online impact on (a) the social organisation and mobilisation of civil society actors, and on (b) how ideas and opinions spread?How do civil society actors make sense of and imagine algorithmic governance in relation to their political goals?In what ways do civil society actors attempt to actively shape algorithmic automation?Aside from producing important empirical knowledge, the project will contribute more broadly to the development of a nuanced approach to civil society in the age of automation, that takes challenges into serious consideration while also providing visions to solving them.