Across the world, democracy is increasingly contested – not only in institutions, but in language. Authoritarian leaders and populist movements claim to represent the “true will of the people”, while undermining the very principles that sustain democratic governance. As a result, many citizens today misunderstand what democracy actually entails.
Research shows that people often equate democracy primarily with elections and majority rule, while neglecting core liberal principles such as checks and balances, minority rights, and judicial independence. This matters. When democracy is reduced to voting alone, it becomes easier for illiberal actors to claim democratic legitimacy while eroding its substance.
At the same time, there is a striking global pattern: citizens in authoritarian regimes often believe they live in democracies, while those in established democracies tend to underestimate the quality of their systems. Misunderstanding democracy weakens its resilience – both where it is absent and where it is under pressure.
Can online education help?
In recent research, we tested whether short, online civic education videos can strengthen democratic attitudes and understanding. In a large-scale experiment across 33 countries with more than 40,000 participants, individuals were randomly exposed to brief animated videos explaining key democratic principles – such as civil liberties, checks and balances, and the broader benefits of democracy.
The results are encouraging.
Even a single three-minute video increased support for democracy, improved factual knowledge, and reduced acceptance of authoritarian alternatives. These effects were not limited to one region or political context – they appeared across democracies and autocracies alike. Importantly, the impact was strongest among young people and those who are typically least engaged in politics.
This challenges a common assumption: that meaningful civic education must be long, localised, and resource-intensive. Instead, our findings suggest that short, scalable, and well-designed online interventions can make a real difference.
Why do these interventions work?
First, they meet people where they are. Much of today’s political information environment is online – including spaces dominated by misinformation and polarising content. Civic education that remains confined to classrooms will miss large parts of the population, especially adults.
Second, short videos are accessible and engaging. Rather than confronting people with complex arguments or partisan messages, they provide clear, relatable explanations of democratic principles.
Third, digital tools allow us to reach beyond echo chambers. Paid social media campaigns, in particular, can target audiences who would not otherwise encounter pro-democratic content – including those sceptical of democracy itself.
However, not all messages are equally effective. Our research shows that content focusing on rights, institutions, and accountability has more durable effects than messages emphasising economic performance. Positive and hopeful narratives about democracy also outperform fear-based appeals.
For organisations working to strengthen democracy, the implications are clear.
Digital civic education is not a silver bullet. But it is a cost-effective, scalable, and evidence-based tool that can complement broader efforts to defend and renew democratic systems. Even small organisations can leverage these tools – using targeted online content to inform, engage, and mobilise citizens.
If democracy is to endure, it must be understood. And in today’s world, that means bringing civic education online.
