Procedure

This task consists of three or four parts.

The first part is optional. Here, the moderator provides a brief introduction to the topics that will be covered in the rest of the task.

Help in preparing this input is provided at the end of the moderator briefing.

In the second part, participants divide into groups of 2–3, draw a topic (working materials 1–9) and read the information text aloud in their group. They then discuss this topic within their small group using the questions on their working materials.

In the third part, the groups become experts on their respective topics and conduct research. Based on the information they have learned, they develop an awareness campaign to share their knowledge. This campaign can be designed freely – from pure concept proposals to working with digital media to crafting physical posters.

In the fourth part, the groups present their campaigns to each other and answer any questions the other participants may have about their topic.

Preparation

• Worksheets 1–9 must be printed out.
• For creating the awareness campaigns, it is a good idea to provide craft materials or at least flipcharts and colored pens. Digital tools for creating the campaign also work, of course.

Tips for moderation

• The number of working materials that need to be prepared should depend on the size of the group of participants. Accordingly, a selection of topics should be made for smaller groups. Alternatively, the working groups can also do two rounds of the tasks if there is enough time.
• If necessary, the fourth part of the task can be made a little more competitive. For example, participants could be presented with a scenario in which, unfortunately, only money is available to carry out a campaign. Participants must then not only develop their campaign, but also a short pitch to present it, emphasizing why their topic is the most relevant.
• Working material 5 “Gig Economy” and working material 6 “Technopolitics from Below” are similar in terms of the impact of power. Here, it may be useful to check in with both groups from time to time to highlight the differences between the two topics. This will prevent two very similar results from being presented at the end.

Overview of the stations

• Targeted political advertising, SchuFa, eID, biased algorithms, gig economy, technopolitics from below, hacktivism, Internet Archive, network effect.

Extension

• The task can be expanded to include any number of other topics in this context. Further topics could include:
• Predictive policing, facial recognition algorithms, state Trojans.

Input from the moderator

Participants should approach the task and later their research with the following assumptions:

• Power in the digital world mainly means owning data or information and managing its accessibility (restricting or concealing it).
• There is a fundamental asymmetry in data ownership between large companies and users, in favor of the companies.
• New ways of extracting data from users and using it profitably are constantly being sought and found.
• Users should be as unconcerned as possible about which organization or person they are “voluntarily” handing over which data to.
• Further information can be found in the Thematic Introduction to Module 6.3 or in the introductory task for this module, 6.3 The Internet Engine Room.