Polaris Summit Warns of Online Political Violence, Celebrates Creative Campaigns
The sixth Polaris Leadership Summit and Awards, held in London on 21 June, explored the intersection of politics, technology, and public opinion. The event, organised by Polaris, a group combating human trafficking, delved into 'The New Age of Intelligence' and its impact on democracy and communication.
The summit highlighted rising online political violence as a serious risk for politicos. Panellists discussed anti-democratic trends, with 77% supporting representative democracy but half dissatisfied with political elites. They emphasised the need for a more representative political elite to change public attitudes.
TikTok, content creators, and influencers are increasingly shaping politics and elections. Successful campaigns in New Zealand and the US demonstrate their influence. The event also focused on trends in digital campaigns, with strict spending limits in Europe requiring agility and creativity.
Scottish agency Always Be Content scooped the most Gold Polaris Awards for their 'Nature Calls' campaign on behalf of Scottish Water. The awards recognised campaigns leveraging creative effectiveness to drive change, with winners from around the globe.
The sixth Polaris Leadership Summit and Awards underscored the evolving landscape of politics and communication in the digital age. It highlighted risks, influences, and trends, while recognising creative excellence in driving change. The event served as a platform for discussing and addressing these issues.
