Alice Siu: Stanford Online Deliberation Platform
Date: November 10, 2025 Speaker: Alice Siu, Stanford University Duration: ~50 minutes
Overview
Alice Siu presented the Stanford Online Deliberation Platform (ODP), which has expanded to over 40 countries and operates in more than 35 languages.
Platform Capabilities
Global Reach
- 40+ countries
- 35+ languages
- Replicates in-person deliberative polling online
AI-Assisted Features
The platform uses AI to replicate human moderator functions:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Agenda Management | Keeps discussions on track |
| Speaking Queue Control | Ensures equitable participation |
| Offensive Language Detection | Maintains respectful discourse |
Research Findings
Online vs. In-Person Deliberation
Studies demonstrate:
- Similar opinion changes in online vs. in-person formats
- Comparable trust-building effects
- Cost and accessibility advantages online
Real-World Impact
Significant outcomes including:
- Constitutional amendments in Mongolia
- Policy influence in multiple democracies
- Large-scale citizen engagement
Deliberation on Demand
New interface in development:
- Users can create and manage their own AI-assisted deliberations
- Customizable briefing materials
- Expected release in 3-6 months
User Experience Focus
Platform improvements through:
- Participant feedback integration
- Flexible facilitation options
- Balance between automation and participant empowerment
Question Synthesis
Exploring automation of:
- Synthesizing participant questions
- Balancing AI assistance with participant control
- Maintaining participant agency in the process
Strategic Vision
Core focus areas:
- Equitable deliberation - Access for all
- Innovation with humanity - Technology serving human needs
- Scalability - Reaching more people affordably
Collaboration Opportunities
- Demos for interested parties
- Collaborations on scalability and affordability
- Research partnerships on long-term effects
Key Publications
Research available on:
- Long-term effects of deliberation
- Opinion change mechanisms
- Deliberative polling methodology
Key Insight
“The goal is not to replace human deliberation but to make it accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
Resources
- Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab
- Online Deliberation Platform documentation
- Published research papers on deliberation effects