Last month, Media Impact Funders explored two documentary films—“The Social Dilemma” and “Coded Bias”—which take different but complementary approaches to warning us about the dangers of artificial intelligence. We used these cautionary tales as a jumping-off point to discuss the threats that Big Tech pose to democracy, including whether these social platforms and tools are consistent with a representative democracy. If the platforms’ business model centers on keeping our attention for as long as possible, there’s a serious question about whether—and how—Silicon Valley can be pressured to take these issues seriously. We also heard from two experts on what philanthropy can do to combat the problems.
Join MIF for the second program in a three-part series, which will focus on what it will take to design digital public spaces that support and engage all people of diverse backgrounds. There are many leaders in the field who have been working toward building digital public spaces that serve us as citizens instead of as consumers. Ideally, digital public spaces would build and encourage a reciprocal relationship of listening and sharing with the public, and would ensure emerging media and communications technologies are created by people from diverse backgrounds and identities. But the current reality is far from that: Our digital public spaces push algorithms that are biased and inequitable, that allow for the rapid spread of disinformation, and that undercut real journalism.
How do we create a roadmap for justice, well-being and prosperity online? Who do we need to engage?
Presenters:
- Michelle Ferguson, National Community Initiatives Director, Dream Corps Tech
- Eli Pariser, Co-Director, Civic Signals
- Kamal Sinclair, Executive Director, Guild of Future Architects
- Alaphia Zoyab, Advocacy Director, Reset (moderator)
This is a funders-only discussion, but the recording will be available on our website afterward.