AIdemoc is a research project funded by the Strategic Research Council to explore how AI, and especially generative AI, is shaping the future of democracy. In the Imagine2025 session, we examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that AI-driven virtual worlds (including CitiVerse, Metaverse, Virtual Reality, Digital Twins, etc.) pose for democratic participation, decision-making, and civic trust. By focusing on evidence-based views rather than science fiction, our researchers aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers, designers, and citizens navigating the next evolution of digital society. In the panel, the audience has the opportunity to suggest ideas for future research, express expectations and threats of the future democracy, and ask questions and discuss openly.

AIdemoc presenters include:
Nina Wessberg, Docent of Environmental Policy, Principal Scientist at VTT
Antero Karvonen, Doctoral Researcher in cognitive science (JYU), researcher at VTT
Jaana Leikas, Docent of Cognitive Science, Principal Scientist at VTT
Jukka Niittymaa, doctoral researcher in communication management (JSBE), Interaction Lead at AIdemoc, Head of AI & Innovations, Sherpa