Civic Engagement in the AI Age: The Role of Digital Activism in Fostering Democratic Technologies

Abstract

This paper examines the crucial role of activism and civil society in strengthening democratic values, particularly in the context of the contemporary challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). People’s involvement through different forms of associative participation fosters accountability and social capital, essential for democratic resilience. However, the rise of AI poses risks, including manipulation through disinformation, deepfakes, and privacy violations, which threaten democratic processes and fundamental rights. In response to such threats, digital activism emerges as an essential tool, not only for mobilising people but also for steering technological development towards more inclusive and responsible forms. The article argues that digital activism should not be limited to awareness-raising or AI literacy initiatives, but rather should be recognised as a proactive force in the definition of an ethical AI consistent with democratic values. In this framework, participatory design represents a fundamental methodological tool; indeed, it aims at involving different stakeholders in AI design processes to create more responsible technologies. Therefore, through the active involvement of digital activism associations in AI decision-making processes, people can contribute to the democratic control of technologies and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms. Just as civic engagement has historically strengthened democratic institutions, digital activism therefore has the potential to guide AI development towards fairer and more transparent and accountable technological futures.