The Literary Competition of Palacký University Olomouc has announced its results, and among this year’s awardees is a student from the international Digital Society (DigiSoc) programme. In the essay category, Ningxin Han won 2nd place for her text exploring how algorithms shape our attention, emotions, and everyday behaviour in the online world.
About the author
Ningxin Han is a Master’s student in the Digital Society programme at Palacký University Olomouc. She has a background in Animal Science and experience in laboratory research as well as published academic work. At the moment, she is more focused on connecting natural sciences with humanities perspectives and making complex topics more accessible to the general public. She describes her experience at UP as somewhat unexpected, but mostly very positive: ‘When I applied for my Master’s studies, I chose Palacký University a bit randomly because I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But now I feel very lucky. DigiSoc really gives students space to work creatively and develop their own ideas.’
The awarded essay
Her essay, ‘Restoring Life in the Ruins of Algorithms: The Battle for Free Will’, focuses on what she calls ‘digital paralysis’ – the experience of endless scrolling, anxiety, and fragmented attention in online environments. Instead of seeing this as an individual failure or lack of discipline, the essay argues that it is largely shaped by how algorithms are designed – to maximise attention and often also strong emotional responses from users. As she explains: ‘It’s not a failure of discipline, but a result of algorithms designed to capture our attention and monetise emotions like anger or fear.’ The essay also highlights the need for stronger regulation of digital platforms (for example through the EU Digital Services Act), as well as the importance of developing so-called ‘algorithmic literacy’.
From everyday scrolling to academic reflection
She says the essay started from a very ordinary situation: ‘I started with a very common moment – scrolling on my phone at 3 AM and feeling anxious afterwards. I wanted to show how much algorithms actually shape our everyday lives.’ This connection between everyday experience and academic reflection was one of the key reasons the essay resonated. The jury also appreciated the way the text connects personal experience with broader societal and academic questions, making complex topics more relatable and easy to understand.
Beyond the competition
Alongside her studies, Ningxin Han has also received a grant from the Sustainable University Fund for her own creative project. As part of it, she is developing a series of illustrated stickers that turn abstract digital concepts into simple and playful visuals. She also plans to expand the project further with support from the UP Endowment Fund, aiming to create a zine and a website. As she puts it: ‘I’m really grateful for all the opportunities UPOL gives students to actually try out and develop their ideas.’
An international academic environment
Her success reflects how Palacký University is becoming increasingly international and interdisciplinary, bringing together students from different backgrounds and perspectives. Programmes like DigiSoc allow students to explore the relationship between technology, society, and everyday life in a very open and creative way.
