Democracy in danger? Steffen Mau warns of polarization!

Democracy in danger? Steffen Mau warns of polarization!

In an insightful interview, sociologist Steffen Mau sheds light on the challenges our democracy is currently facing. As the new head of the Max Planck Institute in Göttingen and a member of the Federal Government's Advisory Council for Integration and Migration, Mau has made some pertinent observations. He points out that social divisions are not as pronounced as is often claimed. In fact, there is a “quiet middle” that often retreats in overheated discussions. This is particularly relevant when one considers the developments of the last few years, in which polarization has increased, also due to social media and the weakness of the parties, reports the LVZ.

This quiet middle is a phenomenon that Mau sees as crucial to the common good. He suggests strengthening citizens' councils to make this center more visible and improve public communication. He also laments the death of regional newspapers, as media publicity is essential for a functioning democracy. The loss of these platforms could lead to a further weakening of the political center, said Mau.

Social media: curse or blessing?

Social media is a double-edged sword. They have revolutionized the way we consume and distribute information, enabling connectivity that was unimaginable two decades ago. Like the Federal Agency for Civic Education describes, social media has the potential to both democratize and fragment the public sphere. While they give voice to some social movements, critics warn about the danger of misinformation and the resulting division in society.

Social media use is particularly strong among young people: 88% of 14 to 29 year olds are active on a weekly basis. These networks often provide a platform for extreme views, which is particularly visible in the AfD. The party and its youth organization Junge Alternative are extremely active on platforms like TikTok, making them a dominant force in the digital landscape, reports the Tagesschau.

The influence on elections and opinion formation

But how much influence do social media have on voter decisions? Experts disagree. Judith Möller from the University of Duisburg-Essen notes that the influence of social media on the federal election on February 23, 2026 could be small, while Andreas Jungherr points out that opinion formation depends on cumulative information in the long term. This means that social media may not directly influence individual voting decisions, but it can have a lasting impact on political perception. That's the assessment of the Tagesschau.

Given this complexity, it is essential for traditional parties to improve their social media strategies. The media scientist Philipp Müller calls for these channels to be used more to support pluralistic democracy. Given the increasing influence of right-wing ideologies in these spaces, including racial and gender discriminatory issues, society needs a good knack for distinguishing between the different arenas of discussion. Experts also warn that unreflective reporting on false information can spread it even further.

The challenge is great, but Mau gives reason for hope. Engaged citizens committed to the common good could be the key to consolidating the political center and strengthening our democracy. In this dynamic and often heated culture of debate, it is important to find a voice for this silent middle and call on media professionals to be responsible with the information they disseminate.