A new geopolitical situation is putting democracy, freedom of expression, and values we have long taken for granted under pressure. New times demand new answers, and inspired by Bjørnson’s legacy, we have invited young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to think, form opinions, and express themselves.
The winner of the Young People’s Public Address writing competition is Eline Ruud Kristiansen (b. 1999) for the text “I Am a Little Afraid,” which will be performed at the Public Meeting for Freedom of Expression during the Norwegian Festival of Literature and the World Expression Forum on Tuesday, June 2, at 17:00.
Eline Ruud Kristiansen won the Young People’s Public Address writing competition for the text “I Am a Little Afraid”.
«I’m a bit worries» by Eline Ruud Kristiansen
What is a democracy?
I’m a bit worried
worried that we donate our brains to science before dying
that distractions are the paycheck
working part time for Big Tech
selling our souls, our data, our eyes
clicking accept
without reading between the lines
we don’t even read the lines
doing only what we’re meant to –
accept and continue
saving time
What is a democracy?
My deadline is tonight
an essay about “democracy in Norway”
I should think by myself –
But I’m tired
And a bit worried
Maybe the Norwegian democracy is not here to stay
but to be
optimised
upgraded
I’m worried that our democratic model is outdated
that our freedom of speech created even more hatred
Once upon a time we were doubting Wikipedia
look at us now
spreading deepfakes like chlamydia
Comfortable parrots in echo chambers where the angriest wins
more polarised than polar bears and penguins
Every debate becomes a fight
the world is black and white
And Norway, red, blue and
always doing what’s right
What is a democracy?
In 2026 most people live in faulty democracies or dictatorships
and if the majority is always right
maybe we should consider, reconsider
if our democracy is here to stay
how democratic really is Norway?
We vote, but we don’t decide
while politicians debate to keep the party’s erection up
for the next election, to stay on top
another term
And now with the sperm of Silicon Valley
The AI-horny say:
Imagine a language model trained with Norwegian values
without double standards
without corruption scandals
without welfare-propaganda and a hidden agenda
A Big Brother that not only watches you, but hears you, believes every word
knows you better
than you know thyself
Tell me who you follow, then I’ll tell you what you feel, what you need …
What is a democracy?
The AI-cracy can help us save time
And we don’t have time, we need time
Let’s optimise, the numbers don’t lie
it’ll be worth it
Today’s politics is a candy shop
the masses are messing it up
The experts promise success
the grass is greener where less people step
What is a democracy?
It’s now or never, and as they say
it’s typically Norway
to be statistically best
to have the highest freedom of press
to be the freest of the free
in this Olympic game of democracy –
But I am scared
scared that we’re losing ourselves without noticing
auto-pilot-parrots on repeat
When was the last time they listened to their heartbeat
while encouraging us to
enhance AI
keep productivity high
at work, school, uni
And to love AI, desire AI
and what more?
Unify in an orgy of technology where prophets and disciples
only glorify the one who optimises?
What is a democracy?
I still haven’t written a word
My fingers are frozen, stuck in thoughts that aren’t mine
I should focus, but I don’t have time
It could be so easy
only a click
But I resist –
“A democracy is …”
I’m fantasising about sudden power outages, worldwide black screens, pandemic blackouts, COVID-19 in reverse, forcing us out through open doors, eyes meeting eyes, emotions without emojis, knowing each other without following each other, caring without sharing it to strangers, the continuous peace of mind without alarms cutting time in two –
But we don’t have time
we must save time, make time, find time
optimise and produce, life’s short, so let’s use it well
I’ve got an essay to write, a course to pass, a degree to complete, a work market to compete in, no time to think, so without a blink
I ask: What is a democracy?
No time to waste
copy, paste
Doing what everyone else would do
saving my future
accept, continue
The jury’s statement:
The text “I Am a Little Afraid” by Eline Ruud Kristiansen is rhetorically innovative within the tradition of public oratory, given its slam poetry style. It possesses strong literary qualities, with a stringent structure and rhythm. In addition, Ruud Kristiansen demonstrates linguistic playfulness, for example by twisting familiar expressions and phrases so that they acquire a new, surprising, and often absurdly humorous undertone.
Nevertheless, the text carries a clear seriousness. It explores whether rapid digital development is compatible with maintaining a vibrant democracy. This is partly because we all have “a part-time job for Big Tech,” where our lives are consumed by screen time and our understanding of reality is distorted by filter bubbles, algorithms, and AI. It is also due to the demands for efficiency and speed, which collide with democracy’s need for time-consuming dialogue and deep reflection.
The author uses herself as the focal point, which gives the text a sense of closeness and authenticity.
The jury has consisted of Joakim Hammerlin (Nansen Academy), Gunnar Klinge (Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences), Kristin Brandtsegg Johansen (Lillehammer Museum Foundation), Anne Marie Løkken (Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen), Ingrid Donovan (student at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences), and Emi Páez Rokseth (student at the University of Bergen).