Battling an internet of intimidation
Isabelle Kumar
Presenter, Moderator, former News Anchor *****Posts possibly tweaked by AI but written by me! *****
It was an honour to share the stage with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Maria Ressa as MC for UNESCO's two day high level consultation on internet safety. Maria Ressa who was once targeted online for her work as a journalist, receiving up to 90 hate messages per hour, reminded the audience of how the spread of lies online gets far more traction than the truth : “For some reason, facts are really boring,” she said. “The lies, especially when laced with fear, with anger, with hate, with tribalism – us against them – they spread.”
There were more than 4000 participants - these included Brazilian President Lula da Silva who after the chaotic and violent election last year is no stranger to the danger disinformation poses to democracy. The issue of violence came up again and again. Melissa Fleming , told the audience that 44% of peacekeepers report that misinformation and hate speech on social media is impacting there ability to carry out there jobs.
Even though Facebook and Tiktok was present there was no clarity as to why algorithms do not stop hate but instead appear to promote it. More online moderation is one answer but will not solve the problem. Some speakers broached the issue of the flawed architecture of platforms others like Rym Ali , in an enlightening panel, the necessity to empower users against misinformation and hate.
This global consulation was a first and detailed step in a long process to find draft global guidelines for regulation of digital platforms but one that also needs to deliver results fast given the wrecking ball battering our democracies and right to free speech.
@Adiaratou (Atou) DIAKITE?
#performance@work #organisationalculture #leadership WeAreReady4U.com
2 年I get scared when I see that 80% of the people travelling on a bus or subway train, are hypnotised by the crap they watch on their smartphones. The media are in charge of bringing quality content but the citizens are in charge of their own awareness, education and wellbeing. If we keep keeping education low, we'll keep manipulation high. It's a very bad short term strategy. And I'm afraid that one day, humanity will pay the price for that mistake.
Founder CEO Goodness & Co. Business as a force for good. From purpose to practice. Catalyst for positive impact. Author ??. Keynote speaker. #ChangeMaker
2 年Congrats Isabelle Kumar
Media and Audiovisual Partnerships at UNESCO
2 年Your rock beautiful Isabelle! ravie que tu aies rejoint notre famille UNESCO
Founder at Jordan Media Institute
2 年Well summarised Isabelle, you are so right! It is a crucial issue for the future, that will define how we live together online, and yes, it is urgent! Was great to be working alongside you and Maria and Melissa again after all these years!????