Digital dynamics and change: Challenges concerning media, social processes and democracy

Digitalization and change within the sphere of media have been societal phenomena in the midst of public discourse for years. The technological changes not only influence direct communication between people, but intervene in all other spheres of society, work and private life. One can't conceptualize real life and digital life apart. Both interact, intervene and are part of each other. Analyzing digitalization always means to rethink social processes and dynamics in real life as well in digital domains. People interact directly as well as digitally and organizations therefore also exist on these levels. Media and its organizations are especially challenged to cope with these requirements. As an important factor for democracy they have to watch over the freedom of press and opinions as well as being responsible to control and observe the ones who are in power. This contribution to the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. discusses the outcome and terms of digital change and the consequences for the field of media and its organizations. An insight into media literacy and its connections to these discourses provides a perspective on similarities in the process to obtain media literacy as well as competences towards social dynamics. New designs for organizational labs with implemented digital elements display an opportunity to provide new ways in developing democratic culture and approaches within society with a practice based method.