The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Digital Democracy: Moving Beyond ‘Big Tech’ to Save Open Societies with Audrey Tang

Mar 26, 2025

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Digital Minister and Cyber Ambassador-at-large, passionately discusses how technology can preserve democracy and enhance civic engagement. She shares insights from Taiwan's Sunflower Movement, showcasing innovative digital tools that foster public dissent and collaboration. Tang emphasizes utilizing social media to combat polarization and misinformation, while advocating for decentralized technology that prioritizes community well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of language in democratic participation and the role of intergenerational collaboration in resilient governance.

01:24:41

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Audrey Tang

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Quick takeaways

Reframing technical language to a more human-centric perspective fosters inclusivity and guides technological advancements towards shared human experiences.

Audrey Tang's initiatives in Taiwan exemplify how technology can empower citizen participation in governance and enhance public engagement in policy discussions.

Addressing misinformation through collaborative citizen engagement not only fosters shared responsibility but also leads to more informed legislative responses that reflect community consensus.

Deep dives

Reimagining Digital Language for Humanity

The episode emphasizes the significance of reframing current technical terminologies to foster a more human-centric perspective. Instead of terms like 'human resources' or 'user experience,' it advocates for concepts such as 'human experience' and 'internet of beings,' which prioritize people's needs and experiences. This shift in language aims to correct category errors in our societal perceptions and reflections, ultimately guiding technological and governmental innovations towards more inclusive and understanding frameworks. By adopting more empathetic language, it becomes easier to create a collective vision that resonates with the shared human experience.

Intro

3min

The Sunflower Movement: Revolutionizing Governance through Digital Engagement

5min

Empowering Civic Engagement Through Technology

23min

Harnessing Technology to Combat Polarization and Apathy

3min

Embracing Plurality in AI and Social Media

14min

Language and Civic Engagement in the Digital Age

20min

Incentivizing Care Through Technology and Human Interaction

2min

Democratic Resilience in Taiwan

5min

Building Connections in a Digital Age

11min

As the world is increasingly shaped by the dominance of ‘Big Tech’ – including the race for Artificial Intelligence – the outsized impact on our democratic and information systems has left many with fears and confusion about the path forward. But what if we could use technology as a tool that helps preserve the values of democracy and increases civic engagement, rather than eroding them? Furthermore, what sorts of people, projects, and policies are already paving the way?

Today Nate is joined by Taiwanese Digital Ambassador at large, Audrey Tang, to explore real-world examples of how technology is being leveraged globally to address – and in some cases reverse – critical societal challenges, such as polarization, misinformation, and the erosion of trust in governments and institutions.Tang emphasizes the importance of digital democracy, civic engagement, and incentivizing care in our policy making decisions to create a better experience and world for all humans.

Is it possible to use social media as a tool that unifies citizens across polarized societies? How could technology be used to amplify the voices of citizens and influence policy making with human and planetary well-being in mind? And finally, even as technological corporations continue to consolidate power, what options are available to individuals who want to engage with technology in new and empowering ways?

(Conversation recorded on March 4th, 2025)

About Audrey Tang:

Audrey Tang is Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador-at-large and was the first Digital Minister of Taiwan. Audrey is celebrated for their pioneering efforts in digital freedom. Named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in AI” in 2023, Tang was instrumental in shaping Taiwan’s internationally acclaimed COVID-19 response and in safeguarding the 2024 presidential and legislative elections from foreign cyber interference. Audrey is now focused on broadening their vision of Plurality — technology for collaborative diversity — to inspire global audiences.

Show Notes and More

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