Collective Intelligence in Polish-Ukrainian Internet Projects. Debate Models and Research Methods

• Main Authors: Rafał Olszowski, Marcin Chmielowski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• Series: Future Internet
• Subjects: collective intelligence; research methods; debate models; migrations; central-eastern Europe; bridging capital
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-5903/12/6/106

In this study, we focus on models of civic debate suitable for use in Polish-Ukrainian internet projects, as well as methods of researching collective intelligence that can help to monitor particular aspects of such debates and consequently create social bridging capital between these groups. The dynamic socio-political situation of recent years, both in Ukraine and in Poland, has created new conditions. Anti-government protests and social turmoil related to the war in Crimea and Donbas, as well as a high level of migration in the region in a short period led to the creation of a multi-ethnic society. This brings opportunities for the development of a new type of social capital: A new participative model of social life based on internet projects, with a relatively low entry barrier, space for creativity, and the widespread use of ICT technologies, can provide the new ways of debating, civic engagement, and collective action. Our research, based on a multidisciplinary literature review, as well as a series of qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs), proved that the selected collective intelligence (CI) research methods and debate models can help to develop internet communities that will contribute to building bridging capital between Poles and Ukrainians.