Christina Barz, who holds an MSc in Psychology, joined the ConPolicy team in April. After working in research and teaching both in Germany and abroad, with a PhD nearing completion and several publications to her name, Christina Barz has found her way to ConPolicy. With her specialisation in environmental psychology and extensive methodological expertise, she will help shape projects in the fields of disinformation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and sustainability communication.
We are delighted to welcome Christina Barz to the team!
ConPolicy feature on MDR
Independent testing in a changing landscape: Navigating everyday digital consumption
In light of current discussions about the role of Stiftung Warentest and the growing influence of digital information sources, Prof. Dr Christian Thorun discussed the importance of Stiftung Warentest and independent comparative testing in an interview with MDR AKTUELL. His conclusion: particularly in an increasingly complex information landscape, they remain central – but face new challenges.
Stiftung Warentest has been regarded for decades as a reliable benchmark for quality and guidance in provider-independent consumer information. Its strength lies in its independence and methodological transparency. At the same time, the environment is undergoing fundamental change: many consumers now obtain information via influencers, comparison websites or platforms. Whilst these offer quick and practical guidance, they are often driven by vested interests or lack transparency.
Added to this is the growing role of artificial intelligence. Digital assistants and chatbots are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions in advance or even making them themselves. This shifts the central question: not just which product is the best – but also who makes the choice and according to what criteria.
Against this backdrop, independent tests are taking on a new role: they can serve as a reliable reference point within a complex information ecosystem. However, this requires that they continue to evolve and remain visible in digital applications as well.
The future of consumer information therefore depends not only on the products themselves, but also on the quality and transparency of the information that reaches consumers. Independent testing, particularly by Stiftung Warentest, remains a key component in this regard.
AI-powered disinformation detection for journalism
ConPolicy receives funding certificate for new ‘PROVAIDE’ project
As a partner in the collaborative project “PROVAIDE”, ConPolicy staff member Dr Julius Rauber received the funding certificate for our PROVAIDE project on 16 March 2026 during the kick-off event for the BMFTR-funded projects “Trust in Democracy and the State: Identifying and Countering Digital Disinformation”. The project aims to develop an AI-supported tool for detecting disinformation in journalism. The tool analyses the origin, dissemination and patterns of information and supports journalists in evaluating sources.
The focus is particularly on supporting local journalism through efficient and practical applications. ConPolicy brings its expertise in user and behavioural research in the digital world and works closely with partners from the fields of research and media practice.
Greening et al. (2026)
The Political Psychology Behind Consumer Decisions: The Complex Relationship Between Political Ideology and Political Consumerism
How and why people use their consumption as a political tool – for example, through boycotts or targeted purchasing decisions (‘buycotting’) – is…
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