Digitally Confident

Digitally confident Header © ZKM Karlsruhe

How do we assert ourselves in the digital society? Which tools do we have to master, which skills do we have to learn? ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medien Karlsruhe and the Goethe-Institut provide answers. Digital Confident provides food for thought and empowers people to take action.


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Digitally confident: how it works

Have you ever wondered what personal data you have already disclosed online today? What information Internet companies have collected about you? You don't know? Then you're like most of us. Nevertheless, it is crucial to know what risks you are being exposed to and how you can protect yourself against them. sovereignty means taking responsibility – digitally as well. It sounds exhausting, but it's not that difficult!

  • <b>Do you feel the same way? </b>While we navigate the Internet and popular software like a fish in water, we are sometimes completely in the dark about what the mechanisms behind it look like. What footprints are we leaving behind? Who can read them? And what decisions hinge on this? <i>Text: Tapping in digital darkness</i> graphicrecording.cool

    Do you feel the same way? While we navigate the Internet and popular software like a fish in water, we are sometimes completely in the dark about what the mechanisms behind it look like. What footprints are we leaving behind? Who can read them? And what decisions hinge on this? Text: Wandering in digital darkness

  • <b>But a lot in our lives has long since hinged on this:</b> Whether Google search results or the newspaper articles we are shown - everything is tailored to our personal data profile. Our data is used to influence our decisions and thus even election results. Whether we get a loan, an apartment or a job may depend on the information available about us. <i>Text: How shall I protect myself? Do I care?</i> graphicrecording.cool

    But a lot in our lives has long since hinged on this: Whether Google search results or the newspaper articles we are shown - everything is tailored to our personal data profile. Our data is used to influence our decisions and thus even election results. Whether we get a loan, an apartment or a job may depend on the information available about us. Text: How shall I protect myself? Do I care?

  • <b>The key: Proactive thinking and questioning.</b> But not all information on the Web is neutral. What information is relevant for me? Where does it come from and what interests are behind it? If you don't think for yourself, others will decide for you - and only seldom for your own benefit. <i>Text: Think? Other people do it for me…</i> graphicrecording.cool

    The key: Proactive thinking and questioning. But not all information on the Web is neutral. What information is relevant for me? Where does it come from and what interests are behind it? If you don't think for yourself, others will decide for you - and only seldom for your own benefit. Text: Think? Other people do it for me…

  • <b>There's plenty of information and knowledge out there.</b> Only those who are sufficiently informed can can participate in a responsible manner. This has seldom seemed easier than it is today: vast amounts of knowledge and background information are available to everyone on the Internet free of charge. <i>Text: Free knowledge</i> graphicrecording.cool

    There's plenty of information and knowledge out there. Only those who are sufficiently informed can participate in a responsible mannervoice. This has seldom seemed easier than it is today: vast amounts of knowledge and background information are available to everyone on the Internet free of charge. Text: Free knowledge

  • <b>What Kant already knew:</b> “Have the courage to use your own reason!” What was true then is no less true today: an empowered citizen thinks for him- or herself. More than ever, it is important to question the information we receive, as well as ourselves and our attitudes again and again. Who gets more power by making me use free services? Who will be harmed if I divulge information?  <i>Text: Dare to know!   Reason “Help yourself!”</i> graphicrecording.cool

    What Kant already knew: “Have the courage to use your own reason!” What was true then is no less true today: an empowered citizen thinks for him- or herself. More than ever, it is important to question the information we receive, as well as ourselves and our attitudes again and again. Who gets more power by making me use free services? Who will be harmed if I divulge information? Text: Dare to know! Reason “Help youself!”

  • <b>Only the well-informed can have a voice.</b> The digital world is changing. In order to stay up to date and have a voice, we have to keep ourselves informed and educated. Education is participation, and participation is the common good. <i>Text: Education Is Participation</i> graphicrecording.cool

    Only the well-informed can have a voice. The digital world is changing. In order to stay up to date and have a voice, we have to keep ourselves informed and educated. Education is participation, and participation is the common good. Text: Education Is Participation

  • <b>Social commitment must become routine.</b> Do I consent to having self-driving cars in my city? Should artificial intelligence be allowed to make state decisions? Do I want to give companies power over my data? We should not shy away from these questions: social commitment must become routine. <i>Text: Social commitment? – Routine </i> graphicrecording.cool

    Social commitment must become routine. Do I consent to having self-driving cars in my city? Should artificial intelligence be allowed to make state decisions? Do I want to give companies power over my data? We should not shy away from these questions: social commitment must become routine. Text: Social commitment? – Routine

  • <b>Digital empowerment is also a part of this. </b>Anyone who is not concerned today about the opportunities and dangers of the digital world runs the risk of losing influence on an aspect of social life. Only those who understand and are able to interpret contexts will be able to shape the digital world. <i>Text: No confidence without digital confidence</i> graphicrecording.cool

    Digital empowerment is also a part of this. Anyone who is not concerned today about the opportunities and dangers of the digital world runs the risk of losing influence on an aspect of social life. Only those who understand and are able to interpret contexts will be able to shape the digital world. Text: No confidence without digital confidence

More on the topic















How do we develop into a competent, digital society?

We asked personalities who deal with digitization in Germany. Read their answers here.

  • Along with media literacy in society, we also have to focus on promoting social skills and humanity. <br><i>Jennifer Pankratz, game designer</i> Photo: © Jennifer Pankratz / privat

  • Digital literacy doesn’t just drop out of the sky; we need a lot of educational programs for different segments of society. It will cost money, but the social costs will be even higher if we don’t act.<br><i>Markus Beckedahl, journalist and net policy activist</i> Photo: © Markus Beckedahl / privat

  • We have to draft a European agenda for an inclusive, digital society. It should safeguard personal liberties and enable multiplicity. <br><i>Gesche Joost, professor for design research</i> Photo: © Gesche Joost / privat

  • Computers and mobiles are spies, as are cameras and robots in public spaces. We should all be taking precautions to protect ourselves from surveillance.<br><i>Oliver Bendel, information systems expert and author </i> Photo: © Oliver Bendel / privat

  • We have to intensify the conversation around how algorithms make decisions. To do so we need more transparency and the necessary technical know-how. <br><i>Christina Elmer, journalist</i> Photo: © Christina Elmer / Christian O. Bruch LAIF

Goethe-Institut initiatives worldwide


How to read Social Media © Goethe-Institut Moskau

The Earth Is Flat – How to Read Media?

Dealing confidently with digital information sources: "The Earth Is Flat - How to Read Media? by the Goethe-Institut Moscow supports young people, teachers and media experts in exactly this respect.




Cooperation with ZKM worldwide




A co-production of



Responsible for project

ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medien Karlsruhe
Stefanie Strigl Digital Communication
Regina Hock Press Officer

Goethe-Institut
Christine Ruhland / Jörn Müller; Online Editors

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