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futures:social_media_and_fragmentation [2023/06/05 03:09] – sarah.wheelerfutures:social_media_and_fragmentation [2023/06/09 00:11] (current) – sarah.wheeler
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 ======Social Media and Fragmentation====== ======Social Media and Fragmentation======
 =====Summary===== =====Summary=====
-Fragmentation increases social and individual vulnerability to manipulation, propaganda, mis- and dis-information. Social media’s ability to rapidly amplify information is a tool that can, and has been, wielded to produced positive and harmful results. Socially conscious consumers and rising consumer activism have harnessed the power of social media to leverage change. Social media is being used to hold politicians, government officials, business leaders, and organizations accountable to a degree largely unseen before. Social, political, and economic thoughts that previously were expressed behind closed doors, are increasingly aired publicly. Illegal, morally, and ethically ambiguous behaviors are more easily and quickly exposed increasing everyone’s vulnerability to reputation risks. The speed and impact of these risks are causing organizations to rethink risk management and what it means to proactively handle risks.  +Fragmentation in society increases vulnerability to manipulation, misinformation, and propaganda, particularly through the rapid amplification of information on social media. While social media has been used for positive change by socially conscious consumers and consumer activists, it has also exposed illegal and morally ambiguous behaviors, leading to reputation risks for individuals and organizations. The speed and impact of these risks have prompted a reevaluation of risk management practices. 
-  + 
-Risk management isn’t the only regulatory framework under potential restructuring due to social media. Questions surrounding data, free speech, regulation and management of online platforms, the battle between nationalist and populist views, and cybersecurity are relevant across the world. Where do responsibilities fall when it comes to data security, creating safe online environments, or appropriate levels of regulation of citizens online actions?  +The impact of social media extends beyond risk management, as questions arise regarding data security, free speech, platform regulation, nationalist and populist views, and cybersecurity. Governments and organizations face the challenge of finding the right balance in addressing these issues and the pressures of empowered individuals who leverage social media to voice their concerns and drive change. This empowerment, coupled with declining trust in established institutions, contributes to the rise of misinformation, polarization, and divisions across various societal aspects. 
-  + 
-As governments and organizations try to find the right balance, they are in a race against the building pressures of confident, empowered people, like socially conscious consumers, harnessing the power of social media to use their voice and leverage change, through things like the rising consumer activist movement. As individuals feel empowered, and have increased access to platforms, trust in established organizations and governments are declining, mis- and dis-information is increasing, polarization across political, social, religious, race, gender, and more divisions are likely to increase as well. These issues coupled with loss of shared trust is the loss of shared realities and stabilization create vulnerabilities.  +The loss of shared realities and the fragmentation of society pose challenges to collective sense-making and action. Without an understanding of counter-narratives, fragmentation is amplified, which can lead to disruption. However, this situation also presents an opportunity to rebuild shared identities and narratives in positive ways, fostering a sense of connection and belonging within communities. Strengthening community ties becomes crucial in combating polarization and societal fragmentation. 
-  + 
-Shared reality aids our ability to sense-make and act collectively. If our capacity to understand the norms and realities of other groups, fragmentation across these silos occurs and is amplified with each new ‘sense-making’ silo that emerges without the ability to comprehend counter-narratives. While the loss of shared narratives or the emergence of counter-narratives can foster disruption, they also create opportunities to rebuild shared identities and narratives in constructive/positive/better ways. Increasing a sense of connection and strengthening belonging in communities will likely be one of the most powerful ways to combat rising polarization and fragmentation of society. If there aren’t adequate solutions implemented, collective anxiety will continue to rise and people will find the comfort of certainty amongst ideologies and theories that can be problematic. Some of this fragmentation and instability results from increasing pressures on social welfare systems, healthcare, urbanization, population declining, and more. When other aspects of the system are strained, and instability rises, vulnerability to unrest increases. +If adequate solutions are not implemented, collective anxiety will continue to rise, and people may seek comfort in problematic ideologies and theories. Additionally, pressures on social welfare systems, healthcare, urbanization, population decline, and other factors contribute to the fragmentation and instability of society, increasing vulnerability to unrest. By addressing these challenges, promoting shared narratives, and strengthening social connections, we can mitigate the negative impacts of fragmentation and instability, fostering a more resilient and cohesive society.
  
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 ====Chaos or Connection? The Global Media and Information Landscape in 2035==== ====Chaos or Connection? The Global Media and Information Landscape in 2035====
-[[library:Chaos_or_Connection_The_Global_Media_and_Information_Landscape_in_2035|Chaos or Connection? The Global Media and Information Landscape in 2035]] by [[encyclopedia:global_governance_futures|Global Governance Futures]]analyzes the future of media and information landscape until 2035. It explores how emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, and blockchain will impact media consumption and distribution, leading to a fragmented media landscape. The article stresses the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks and promoting digital literacy to effectively navigate this fragmentation and ensure a balanced and informed media environment.+[[library:Chaos_or_Connection_The_Global_Media_and_Information_Landscape_in_2035|Chaos or Connection? The Global Media and Information Landscape in 2035]] by [[encyclopedia:global_governance_futures|Global Governance Futures]] analyzes the future of media and information landscape until 2035. It explores how emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, and blockchain will impact media consumption and distribution, leading to a fragmented media landscape. The article stresses the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks and promoting digital literacy to effectively navigate this fragmentation and ensure a balanced and informed media environment.
  
 ====The Future of Immigration: Four Paths==== ====The Future of Immigration: Four Paths====
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 ====The Future of Sense Making==== ====The Future of Sense Making====
 [[library:the_future_of_sensemaking|The Future of Sense-making]] by [[encyclopedia:policy_horizons_canada|Policy Horizons Canada]] examines the changing landscape of sense-making in an increasingly complex and information-rich world. It discusses the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the way individuals and organizations make sense of information. The document emphasizes the need for adaptive sense-making strategies, collaboration across disciplines, and ethical considerations to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future. [[library:the_future_of_sensemaking|The Future of Sense-making]] by [[encyclopedia:policy_horizons_canada|Policy Horizons Canada]] examines the changing landscape of sense-making in an increasingly complex and information-rich world. It discusses the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the way individuals and organizations make sense of information. The document emphasizes the need for adaptive sense-making strategies, collaboration across disciplines, and ethical considerations to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
- 
- 
-====Challenge Network Scenarios since 1996==== 
-[[library:Challenge_Network_Scenarios_since_1996|Challenge Network Scenarios since 1996]] by [[encyclopedia:the_challenge_network|The Challenge Network]] 
  
 ====Scenarios for the Russian Federation==== ====Scenarios for the Russian Federation====
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 ====A summary of potential cross-cutting missions to address future societal challenges in Norway==== ====A summary of potential cross-cutting missions to address future societal challenges in Norway====
-[[library:A_summary_of_potential_crosscutting_missions_to_address_future_societal_challenges_in_Norway|A summary of potential cross-cutting missions to address future societal challenges in Norway]] by [[encyclopedia:rand|RAND]]+[[library:A_summary_of_potential_crosscutting_missions_to_address_future_societal_challenges_in_Norway|A summary of potential cross-cutting missions to address future societal challenges in Norway]] by [[encyclopedia:rand|RAND]] is a study commissioned by the Research Council of Norway. The study focuses on strategic areas such as oceans, green transition, health and welfare, cohesion and globalization, and technology and digitalization, aiming to identify priority missions and structural measures to address societal challenges in Norway. For scenarios they considered topics under economy and society such as: "discrimination and hate speech" and "use of social media to spread disinformation".
  
 ====Exploring Europe's Capability Requirements for 2035 and Beyond==== ====Exploring Europe's Capability Requirements for 2035 and Beyond====
-[[library:exploring_europes_capability_requirements_for_2035_and_beyond|Exploring Europe's Capability Requirements for 2035 and Beyond]] by RAND +[[library:exploring_europes_capability_requirements_for_2035_and_beyond|Exploring Europe's Capability Requirements for 2035 and Beyond]] by RAND examines the security and defense challenges that European societies may face in the future. It highlights societal factors that could contribute to unrest and conflict, such as polarization along various divisions and the strain on welfare systems due to population decline and increased urbanization. The report emphasizes the need for European defense organizations to adapt and maintain operational advantage in order to address these potential challenges effectively.
- +
-====Scenarios for the Future of Technology and International Development==== +
-[[library:Scenarios_for_the_Future_of_Technology_and_International_Development|Scenarios for the Future of Technology and International Development]] by [[encyclopedia:rockefeller_foundation|Rockefeller Foundation]] +
- +
-====The 5th Science and Technology Foresight (2016-2040)==== +
-[[library:the_5th_science_and_technology_foresight_20162040|The 5th Science and Technology Foresight (2016-2040)]] by [[encyclopedia:korea_institute_of_st_evaluation_and_planning|Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning]]+
  
 ====Central America: 2030 trends==== ====Central America: 2030 trends====
-[[library:Central_America_2030_trends|Central America: 2030 trends]] by [[encyclopedia:global_americans|Global Americans]]+[[library:Central_America_2030_trends|Central America: 2030 trends]] by [[encyclopedia:global_americans|Global Americans]] provides an analysis of the security challenges faced by Central America and the role of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in addressing these challenges. It highlights the region's high levels of violence, transnational criminal organizations, and weak governance as key concerns. The report takes the issues concerning the region into 5 themes: security and violence; weak institutional capacity; economic growth; demography; and technology. 'Technology and communications' states Central America's high internet penetration has facilitated personal connections and pro-U.S. sentiment, but it also exposes the region to risks of misinformation and exploitation by criminal networks. Except for Panama, Central American countries lack cybersecurity awareness and struggle to establish institutions for cybersecurity and law enforcement.
  
  
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-=====Discussion=====+~~DISCUSSION~~
 =====Further Reading===== =====Further Reading=====
 +<span #categories_box> Categories:  </span>
 =====Citations===== =====Citations=====
 /* Do not add anything below this line, footnotes will automatically generate below */ /* Do not add anything below this line, footnotes will automatically generate below */
Last modified: 2023/06/05 03:09 by sarah.wheeler