What role does technology play in PB?
The use of technology in democratic processes is a serious topic, and it is important that the challenges and opportunities technology offers be considered during the design process. Ultimately, given technology’s reach and accessibility, we encourage practitioners of PB to include digital components.
PB innovations like digital idea collection platforms and ballots are considered essential for PB to scale and to be inclusive for diverse audiences. At the same time, they are not meant to overshadow the valuable in-person experiences that allow for the compelling relationship and trust building benefits. Below are some benefits of using technology in your PB process, along with drawbacks of over-reliance on technology.
Benefits of using Technology:
Gather more information (data)
Increase transparency
Allow for much higher participation rates
Expand accessibility
Widen representation
Involve youth and other disengaged groups
Increase voting security
Drawbacks of Over-relying on Technology (and not building in a robust in-person process):
Loses key democratic experiences of PB such as learning to compromise with neighbors, or build civic bonds face to face
May lead to shallow engagement where people only participate in small parts of the process
May deter participants who do not know how or find it difficult to use the technology
The best design for a PB initiative includes a hybrid of in-person and digital components. Technology will undoubtedly play an important role in the future of PB. It is incumbent on practitioners to make sure it is integrated into the process in a thoughtful and strategic way that encourages participation by all citizens to participate in the democratic experience.