Participación ciudadana y tecnologías digitales. Entre las grietas del Estado y la transformación de la política

Abstract

In many citizen participation spaces and processes, digital tools are more or less systematically used. Herein, we analyse the potentials and limitations of these social practices convened by the state, based on an action research project implemented in Uruguay between 2020 and 2022 by a multidisciplinary team composed of members coming from engineering, communication and social sciences. Firstly, we describe the historical, political and technological context in which these practices take place. Then, we proceed to analyse factors favouring or disfavouring participation, as well as tensions that run through them. The functions that digital tools can play in them and the methodology developed for selection and evaluation, are also addressed. In addition, we take a look at the diversity of ways, levels or "orbits" of participation that are frequently observed in participatory processes, involving both state and social movements spaces. Finally, we conclude with some reflections on democracy, participation and technologies from a political perspective.