The impact of developing technology on human life and society is so massive that it cannot be understated. It influences all areas of life for communities around the world. Despite this ubiquity, peacebuilders often think of technology as separate from the realm of and forces that generate conflict in the physical world. One way to conceptualize technology is as a tool, implicitly neutral but capable of being used for great good or great evil, depending on how it is wielded. In their chapter “Understanding Digital Conflict Drivers,” authors Helena Puig Larrauri and Maude Morrison present a different framework through which to view technology. In their view, technology is not separate from conflict but operates as an integral part of the forces that drive conflict in the modern era. Technology is not inherently bad, but as a significant part of life, it is also a significant part of conflict.
Tag Archives: technology
Edited Volume Read Along: What Are Our Twitter Alternatives?
In his article “Decentralized Networks vs. The Trolls,” author Derek Caelin discusses the Fediverse. It’s a combination of the words federation and universe, and it is something I had never heard of until reading this chapter. The Fediverse is made up of a number of alternatives to popular social media sites, and they all rely on software developed by ActivityPub. Rather than hosting all users on one central website like Twitter or YouTube, the Fediverse is made up of individual servers that can all communicate with each other, creating opportunities for more niche communities and broader communication.
Edited Volume Read Along: The Power of Technology
For everyone who is keeping up with our read-along, we’ve finished Part I! Now on to Part II: Technology and Peace.
In her chapter “ Utilizing Technology for Peace: Seeking New Solutions,” Dr. Kate Seaman sets the tone for this section by raising many complex questions about the role that technology plays in our lives and in global peace. Technological advancements can present exciting opportunities and aid the world in previously unimagined ways. However, like most things, they require critical evaluation and analysis to help mitigate the potential negative repercussions they can bring. New technologies present new ethical and moral quandaries that deserve significant attention and discussion.
The Future of the International Order: The Ethics of Human Rights in a Digital World
This post is the third in a series examining the future of the international order. One of the five programmatic series that the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace explores is Global Governance, and in 2018, the Chair began a series of conversations focused on the future of the international order. This series of short reflections highlights the ideas discussed, and the solutions offered for improving international relations. Continue reading
How can Collaboration and Open Source Tech Protect Civil Society Privacy? – Derek Caelin
This is a reflection written by Derek Caelin, Innovation and Data Senior Specialist at Counterpart International, for the new series from The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace on Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Continue reading
Insights: The Future of Virtual Reality
The Future of Virtual Reality
This is an insight written by Esther Kaufman on an event cosponsored by The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace and organized by the Future of Information Alliance on June 6, 2017 at the Phillips Collection. Continue reading
Insights: Dr Michael Robb on Technology Addiction
A gleaning of some of the insights shared during the conference on Children and Youth in an Interconnected World, full of presentations from a broad range of distinguished speakers, all talking about the role of children and youth in this fast-changing world.
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Technology Addiction: Cause For Concern of Media Hype?
Dr. Michael Robb discusses how the concept of ‘technology addiction’ comes with a lot of prejudices. Families, educators and policy makers rely on ratings that reflect research on appropriate use of technology and media based on age, but there are many controversial ideas floating around on our complicated relationship with technology. Is it the mere hours spent with technology? Or is this addiction-panic a moral phenomenon? If you look closer, technology is mostly used to access more traditional media like music and television. Continue reading