Humanising the Digital Public-From User Models to Civic Systems
Authors: Westling, C.E.I., Bjurling, O., Bronson, J., Berggren, P., Johansson, B.J.E.
Journal: Proceedings of the 36th Annual Conference of the European Association of Cognitive Ergonomics Ecce 2025
Publication Date: 06/10/2025
DOI: 10.1145/3746175.3746191
Abstract:This paper proposes a paradigm shift in how digital publics are conceptualised and modelled. Current platform monetisation relies on reductive personalisation metrics that shape incentives across infrastructure, interface, and user interaction producing systemic effects detrimental to civic resilience and information integrity. We argue for a reconceptualisation of digital publics as emergent sociotechnical collectives, drawing on modelling approaches from live event and civic design. We outline a multi-method programme combining tabletop games, megagames, and simulations to develop and test new metrics that support alternative incentives and humancentred platform governance.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41793/
Source: Scopus
Humanising the Digital Public: From User Models to Civic Systems
Authors: Westling, C., Bjurling, O., Bronson, J., Berggren, P., Johansson, B.
Journal: Behaviour and Information Technology
Publication Date: 07/10/2025
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
eISSN: 1362-3001
ISSN: 0144-929X
Abstract:This paper proposes a paradigm shift in how digital publics are conceptualised and modelled. Current platform monetisation relies on reductive personalisation metrics that shape incentives across infrastructure, interface, and user interaction—producing systemic effects detrimental to civic resilience and information integrity. We argue for a reconceptualisation of digital publics as emergent sociotechnical collectives, drawing on modelling approaches from live event and civic design. We outline a multi-method programme combining tabletop games, megagames, and simulations to develop and test new metrics that support alternative incentives and human-centred platform governance.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41793/
Source: Manual