Civic Participation in the Digital Age: Insights from the Take Part Online Event
On March 27, 2026, we had the pleasure of bringing together 24 organizations from across countries for an online event in the Take Part project. The discussion tackled a key question: Is civic participation declining—or simply evolving?
The answer, grounded in research and dialogue, is clear: participation is not disappearing, but rather shifting toward new forms of engagement.
Participation: more accessible, more flexible
One of the key findings is that citizens prefer low-cost, low-risk actions—such as signing petitions or donating—over high-intensity activities like protests. At the same time, support for organizations remains higher than formal membership .
This signals a need for organizations to adapt and create more flexible engagement pathways.
The influencer effect: new drivers of mobilization
A major takeaway from the event is the powerful role of influencers. Exposure to civic content through influencers is one of the strongest predictors of offline participation.
Influencers don’t just communicate—they shape behavior and bridge the gap between online and offline action.
The emotions that drive engagement
Analysis of content across platforms like YouTube and TikTok shows that anger and surprise are the most effective emotions in generating engagement.
Unlike traditional media, fear and disgust are less effective for civil society organizations. Additionally, emotions often get mirrored in comment sections, amplifying the original message.
Platforms matter—but strategy matters more
Organizations are becoming increasingly “platform literate,” adapting to algorithmic dynamics:
- Instagram is preferred for visual storytelling
- Facebook remains relevant for older audiences
- TikTok offers reach but requires significant effort
- X (Twitter) is increasingly perceived as hostile
Many organizations are also shifting toward owned communication channels, such as newsletters and private groups, to reduce platform dependency.
Generative AI: opportunity and challenge
Generative AI is becoming part of the information ecosystem, particularly among digitally engaged users.
However, as users become better at identifying AI-generated content, a “human premium” is emerging. Authenticity, empathy, and human connection are becoming key differentiators.
What’s next for civil society?
The event highlighted several strategic directions:
- Collaboration between organizations boosts visibility
- Influencer partnerships are critical
- Emotions should be used strategically
- Success should be measured through action, not just engagement
- Communities should be nurtured beyond platforms
Bringing together 24 organizations, the event was a strong example of how dialogue and shared learning can shape the future of civic engagement. One thing is clear: civic participation is not fading—it is evolving, becoming more digital, collaborative, and adaptive.
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