Digital technologies and social media have amplified voice. By leveraging both new technologies and the power of presence, we can begin to build a more inclusive and fruitful society.​

Digital technologies and social media have amplified voice. Any person or group can publicly share their thoughts and concerns. Previously silenced and marginalized groups have a greater ability to participate in democracy, and draw attention to their real, pressing needs. By giving people—including those who have been pushed out of society—a megaphone, these digital technologies have created an opportunity to create stronger and more inclusive societies.

And despite their shortcomings, there’s a lot of hope in digital networks for societies. Think about how quickly citizens can be informed and rise up to take action. In 2010, Twitter users mobilized the public to revolution during the Arab Spring. More recently, the March for Our Lives mobilized the public against gun violence through Facebook and Twitter. And leaders of institutions can use social media to create real two-way dialogue and build trust.

Yet there are groups that are even more underrepresented in the digital world. This includes older generations, those with disabilities, and those who can’t afford or don’t have consistent internet access. Consider that only 66 percent of Americans age 65 and older use the internet at all, compared to 98 percent of 18-29 year olds. And only 81 percent of those earning less than $30,000 annually access the internet, compared to 98 percent of those making 75,000 or more (Pew Research). In short, your use of technology and the internet depend on how old you are, how much money you make, and where you’re from. These factors change how much you engage online.

At the same time, the world will always remain both digital and analog. And while online communities are influential, there is real power when people are working together, face-to-face and shoulder-to-shoulder. There is power when families and communities gather in the same room and around the dinner table. There is power in being physically present that can’t be achieved virtually.

When we’re physically present, we are more thoughtful. We’re more thoughtful of how inclusive we are being, and careful about the way we speak and engage. And organizing through social media almost always ends with a physical, person-to-person gathering or protest.

So when we design new public engagement efforts, we should do our best to use innovative digital tools. Civic discussions should also make room for person-to-person interactions to shape these processes. And most of all, we should ensure that both online and in-person processes and discussions inform one other. Planners need to pay attention to how digital discussions and contributions are communicated in-person and vice-versa.

Ultimately, what matters more than the platform is its purpose. Whether in-person or online, the medium should reflect both the purpose and values that civic planners want to communicate. By leveraging both new technologies and the power of presence, we can begin to build a more inclusive and fruitful society.

Do you have experience with public conversations using digital and analog means? Share your experience!