Social Relations

As a crucial aspect of human nature, our health, and our well-being, Social Relations have completely changed as a result of technological advancements. Making connections faster and easier, it is often assumed that technology has an inherently positive impact on social relations – yet this assumption needs further analyzed, particularly as technology becomes more pervasive and the negative consequences more apparent.

The second 24-hour Thinkathon simultaneously took place in Edmonton and Milan on November 29th-30th, 2019. For 24 hours, participants worked closely with like-minded people from the two cities as well as with motivated online participants; constantly exchanging ideas, progress and results.

The objective was to make opinions count while building bridges between governments to ensure a future with an inclusive digital society! Participants connected with driven young people from Europe and Canada and developed ideas for our future on the topic of “Social Relations”!

Find below some of the ideas that were created this second intercontinental meetup.

Website Thinkathon "Social Relations"

Main outcomes

THE EMPATHY ACT

The Empathy Act calls on federal legislators to draft and implement policy that requires social media and forum platforms to actively remind users to take into account intersectionality (such as with Gender-Based Analysis+ lenses) and requires them to reflect on whether the content that they are posting is offensive to marginalized groups and/or visible minorities

LACK OF NETIQUETTE (ETIQUETTE IN TECHNOLOGY)

We believe that a proper and educated use of technology can have a fruitful and positive influence on online social relations. We would recommend that, policy makers should pursue age-segmented digital education programs, with the aim to:

1. Teach the basic functionality of new technology;

2. Learn to recognize threats and opportunities granted by online interactions;

3. Build bridges between the public and the private sphere.

Beyond the above recommendations, which are fundamental to ensure socially sustainable technological progress, we also believe action must be taken to implement a common “honour code” to define appropriate online behaviour.

All Outcomes

Picture gallery Edmonton and Milan

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