Grassroots Citizens in Taiwan Use Digital Tools to Build Whole-of-Society Solidarity

Written by Yen Lin (mashbean) Huang. This article argues that Taiwan’s experience demonstrates that the digital space need not be characterised by quarrelling and indifference, or a tool for stronger control and deeper division. It can also be a space of digital collaboration that unites people and builds solidarity. The true divide lies not in which technology is adopted, but in whether society retains agency.

Let’s Stop Calling Taiwan a “Digital Democracy” (And Start Telling Better Digital Stories)

Written by Sam Robbins. This is what is at stake with how we tell digital stories: If we focus only on the tech itself and its impressive uses, we risk leaving most citizens feeling like they have no voice on the matter due to a lack of expertise. When we tell stories of civil society collaboration, of how governments are interacting with citizens, and of policies whose ramifications are much greater than the new data they create, we can start to create a space for greater public participation on these subjects.