A recent portrait introduces Prof. Hendrik Heuer and his work at the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS). The focus is on his research on artificial intelligence and social media, as well as the question of how trust in digital technologies can be established despite the fact that the central functioning of large platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube is largely opaque.
The article makes it clear that Hendrik Heuer does not see AI as an uncontrollable black box, but as a tool that can be shaped. Even if direct intervention in platforms is not possible, he sees considerable scope for action “around” them – for example, through research, critical analysis, and the development of supporting tools.
Hendrik Heuer understands trust in AI as a necessary reduction of complexity, but one that must be based on understanding, control, and joint design with users.
Several specific CAIS research projects from the “Designing Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence” research program are presented. For example, Hendrik Heuer is working with Besjon Cifliku on a tool that helps journalists systematically collect large amounts of data on platforms such as TikTok or YouTube and examine algorithmic recommendation systems for possible distortions or manipulations. The project is being implemented in collaboration with investigative journalists and aims to make journalistic research significantly more efficient.
Another project comes from Ricarda Luther, who surveyed social movements, including feminist collectives and climate protection initiatives, about their use of social media. Based on these interviews, technical solutions are discussed, such as browser extensions that could help initiatives better filter hate speech and make their work in digital spaces safer.
In addition, a project developed by Hendrik Heuer in collaboration with Jasmin Baake is presented. The goal is to create a chatbot that encourages working-class children and people without academic role models in particular to engage with news and socially relevant topics in a low-threshold manner. The approach combines digital technologies with issues of educational equity and democratic participation.
In addition to his research, the article emphasizes Hendrik Heuer’s practice-oriented approach to teaching: Students should not only learn about current research, but also develop their own projects that enable them to critically reflect on digital technologies and actively shape them.