What are some successful social innovation strategies for addressing polarization and extremism?

Another important aspect of education is to explore what makes certain individuals more prone to radicalisation and manipulation, and embed preventative approaches into our educational system, as well as other corrective initiatives. For example, exclusion, lack of belonging, acceptance, lack of clear identity and sense of direction in life contributes greatly to conflict, violence and radicalisation of society.

In my experience, I have found that people need to be heard. There are multiple ways people learn, listen & see information. Unfortunately, we have become the generations who have 'limited concentration spans'. David Bowie in a film with 40 TV channels on at once comes to mind. With so much information in our 'iPhone hands' we need to find the ways that can be imbedded in young people from the very first time they can engage....Perhaps modelling the 'apps that entice people to gamble' should be used to model the ways of approaching young impressionable children, & teenagers learn & develop the skills and create the tolerance needed. They aren't learning it in their homes. Meeting individuals from 'other subcultures' also works.

On my opinion, citizens assemblies are a powerful means to create bonds between people. Getting together and making shared decisions based on consensus system helps promote widespread agreement among all members of a particular society about norms, values, rules and regulations.

Why do people become vulnerable to radicalization and manipulation? Are they vulnerable if they have their basic needs met? Are they vulnerable if they feel seen, heard, and loved? Are they vulnerable if they feel their life has purpose? Are they vulnerable if they feel a sense of belonging? What disconnects us from our humanity? While I am an advocate of education, including critical thinking and empathy, I wonder if the root causes of polarization and extremism are better addressed by something more foundational, like what does it mean to be human? To be human, is to love oneself, to love others, and to love the planet, to equitably share, in all forms.

Young people are vulnerable and prone to manipulation, and lack of political education and emphasize on the learning of the past, on how both polarization and extremism has led the world estray. Program such as active citizenship and voluntarism, encouraging colloboration amongst youth coming from different social divide and racial lines, must be bridged through this program and help change mindset and perpetual lies spread manipulators.

Biased and sensationalist narratives often fuel polarization and extremism by amplifying fear and anger while fostering division among communities. However, social innovators can utilize media platforms effectively to counter these. Initiatives like the Constructive Institute play a role in training journalists and supporting media outlets to produce more constructive, solution-oriented news. The collaboration of the Constructive Institute with media organizations across countries signifies a substantial outreach in shaping a media landscape that fosters dialogue. These endeavors not only highlight issues but also offer solutions, encouraging engagement and understanding among communties, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive society.

The concept sounds interesting and requires more in-depth study on my part. But I do agree that this program is essential for cohesiveness on a global scale.

Creating an avenue for dialogue to bridge differences and build relationships across borders is definitely key to prevent polarisation. For example, The Young SEAkers (a non-profit advancing the ASEAN-China region) runs a program known as "Meal & Mingle" (M&M), where we invite youths and working professionals from different ASEAN countries to have conversations with each other over a meal. I had the pleasure to organise one in Jakarta where I invited Singaporean and Indonesian university students and a few entrepreneurs to dinner and mingle with each other. Participants learned something new about each other's country, and differences in cultures and the startup ecosystem, with new friendships formed!

Polarization fractures communication among groups. Social innovators, exemplified by the Soliya Network, utilize online dialogues to unite diverse youths globally. With over 30,000 students from 150 universities across 30 countries, Soliya nurtures critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. By fostering empathy and collaboration across cultures, it counters polarization's negative impacts, promoting a more constructive and inclusive society through meaningful engagement and dialogue.