Following their meaningful influence, this workshop aims to foster a collective discussion about the evolution of public opinion studies in an era shaped by social media, emotional engagement, and polarization. In addition to reflecting on the extent to which media and new communication platforms contribute to the creation—and perpetuation—of a polarized society, we would like to promote dialogue on how we, as scholars, can redefine the role of communication in this context. Our goal is to explore together how we could rebuild this fragmented landscape, addressing issues in public opinion research and exploring new ways of enhancing civic engagement. This reflection seems timely in the current context of international conflicts and crises that threaten democracy and often appear to undermine rational dialogue.

The starting point of this workshop is to return to the fundamentals of public opinion dynamics. Understanding how opinions are formed, expressed, and transformed requires revisiting the basic mechanisms that shape collective judgment in contemporary societies. For this purpose, it is essential to challenge some of the entrenched clichés that too often underlie general explanations of current phenomena. Are we, as researchers, engaging with social issues in a sufficiently critical and nuanced manner? Can we expand the scope of our enquiry and seek the causes of this lack of engagement?

Take, for instance, the term populism—a concept that is frequently invoked yet often used in superficial or misleading ways. Such terms tend to oversimplify complex social realities and obscure the deeper mechanisms through which public opinion operates.

Moreover, we must ask whether the drive toward simplification—amplified by digital communication—has become one of the main obstacles to meaningful public discourse.

This raises several key questions: Is public opinion today more simplistic than ever? Does the public arena still serve as a genuine space for democratic debate, or has it come to be dominated by emotional narratives and polarization? And if so, how can we regenerate the public sphere so that meaningful dialogue is possible?

The distinction between what is considered true and what is dismissed as fake news comes to the forefront. Public opinion can increasingly be understood as a social construction that no longer necessarily refers to reality itself. Instead, it is shaped by mediated representations, emotions, and collective perceptions that circulate within the public sphere. As a result, the boundaries among information, perception, and belief become progressively blurred. How, then, can public opinion remain genuinely informed in an environment shaped by echo chambers and algorithmic reinforcement? What is the role of traditional media in this context? How is Artificial Intelligence shaping debates and content?

In sum, in a context where freedom of expression is often curtailed, and public participation is facing growing disruptions, this workshop seeks to discuss the conditions for a rational and open public sphere.