IGF 2024 Lightning Talk #80 Designing for Peace | Adopting pro-social tech design

    Council on Tech and Social Cohesion
    Lena Slachmuijlder, Executive Director of Digital Peacebuilding at Search for Common Ground and Co-Chair of the Council on Tech and Social Cohesion

    Speakers

    Lena Slachmuijlder, Executive Director of Digital Peacebuilding at Search for Common Ground and Co-Chair of the Council on Tech and Social Cohesion

    Onsite Moderator

    Lena Slachmuijlder

    Rapporteur

    Lena Slachmuijlder

    SDGs

    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    16.1
    16.2
    16.7


    Targets: Designing Tech for Peace: The Power of Prosocial Design Governance," is directly aligned with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, provides access to justice for all, and builds effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. This talk will explore how the adoption of prosocial tech design can significantly contribute to reducing all forms of violence and enhance social cohesion, crucial aspects of SDG 16. By focusing on prosocial tech designs and affordances, the presentation aims to showcase how technology can be steered away from perpetuating violence and division, instead fostering environments of trust and collaboration. This shift not only aligns with SDG 16.1's goal of significantly reducing violence but also supports the broader mandate of ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms as outlined in SDG 16.10. Furthermore, the session will address how deliberative tech can strengthen institutions and ensure more inclusive and participatory decision-making (SDG 16.7), thus enhancing the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all (SDG 16.3). Through this talk, attendees will gain insights into how technological advancements, when governed thoughtfully, can serve as powerful tools for achieving the peace, justice, and strong institutions envisioned by SDG 16.

    Format

    Lightning Talk. If we can make space for questions and answers, that would be ideal.

    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description

    Designing Tech for Peace: The Power of Prosocial Design Governance.” Discover how we can pivot away from the toxic polarization that fuels real-world violence by adopting prosocial design governance. This isn't just an idea; it's a practical approach that can transform the landscape of digital interactions.
    Highlights of the Talk:
    Pivoting Tech Design: Learn how current technology design incentivizes divisive and polarizing content, and explore how we can shift this to promote peace and social cohesion.
    Prosocial Design Principles: Drawing insights from the "Toward Prosocial Tech Design Governance" article, we will discuss the fundamental changes needed in tech governance to prioritize human well-being and societal health over mere engagement and profit.
    Real-World Applications: Understand how prosocial design not only mitigates harm but actively fosters trust and collaboration online, paving the way for a unified approach to tackling global challenges like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
    Why This Matters:
    Technology shapes our perceptions, relationships, and actions. By redesigning tech governance to be more prosocial, we can produce tools that inherently support collaborative and positive interactions.
    We will explore case studies, examples of regulations and theoretical models that demonstrate the success of prosocial designs in enhancing social interactions online and reducing conflict.
    Your Takeaway:
    Gain actionable insights into how tech companies, policymakers, and civil society can collaborate to implement design changes that lead to more ethical and supportive digital environments.
    Be part of the movement that champions tech designs that enrich our social fabric, promoting an internet that connects, supports, and uplifts, rather than divides. Reference will be made to this paper about ProSocial Tech Design Governance: https://techandsocialcohesion.substack.com/p/toward-prosocial-tech-desi…

    Welcome to online participants if they can be able to hear and ask questions (if that is permitted).