Emotions in democracy: How they divide our society!

Emotions in democracy: How they divide our society!

On November 2nd, 2025, the exciting forum of the Hersfeld-Rotenburg Future Academy took place in the assembly hall of the Klinik am Hainberg. The theme of this event, entitled “Defensive Democracy,” was nothing less than the influence of media education and social institutions on the polarization in our society. The Emeritus Professor Prof. Dr. Ernst-Dieter Lantermann from Kassel led the discussion with his lecture “The capitulation of reason in an overwhelmed society - when thinking and acting come under the direction of extreme feelings”.

Over 80 guests, including students and committed citizens, had gathered in advance around the topics of maintaining trust and reason in an increasingly emotional world. Lantermann not only illuminated how to deal with uncertainty, but also the challenges of searching for identity in today's often overwhelming living conditions. Particularly interesting was his reference to the difference between “cold” and “hot” thinking and the role of social media in this. These platforms, according to Lantermann, stir up extreme emotions and endanger rationality through perceived truths, as Hersfelder Zeitung reports.

Student participation and emotional issues

Participants from the Democracy AG at the Obersberg model school, such as Zoé Fischer and Lucy Landefeld, also contributed to the event by addressing emotional topics from the school context. Joachim Lindner and Andrea Budde emphasized the importance of group therapy, while Karsten Vollmar, the school principal, addressed the difficulties young people have in distinguishing between truth and reality. The audience was complemented by reflections from Aaron Wild, a dedicated student, who highlighted the emotionalized argumentation in political discussions.

Lantermann's challenge to those present was clear: the emotionalization of democracy and political discourse must be recognized and directed in positive directions. This could happen through the active role of social institutions that can satisfy the emotional needs of citizens, not only in times of crisis, but also in everyday civic education.

Social media and its dual role

In the context of media education, the influence of social media cannot be ignored, especially when considering the developments of the last few decades. Social media has become popular since the turn of the millennium, allowing users to create and share content and network. However, there is an area of ​​tension: While social media can promote political mobilization, critics warn of a fragmentation of society. According to an article by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, there are strong differences in the use of these platforms. Among 14 to 29 year olds, 88% use social media weekly - a clear indication of their central role in political perception, especially among first-time voters in the 2021 federal election campaign.

Nevertheless, the question remains of how cultural and social areas can be brought together. The challenge lies in promoting media literacy and regulating and monitoring political content on social media. Greater education and accountability could help citizens to form political opinions. An important insight from Lantermann's remarks is not to demonize the emotional discourse in democracy, but rather to actively shape it.

Overall, the forum shows that there is an urgent need to address extreme emotions and their influence on democracy. The active participation of all generations is essential to maintain reason in political discussion.