Conflict Entrepreneur

Amanda Ripley in her book "High Conflict" has coined a critical word for our century: "Conflict Entrepreneur".

A "conflict entrepreneur" is an individual or entity that deliberately fuels and escalates conflict for personal, political, or financial gain. These actors thrive on division and polarization, often using tactics like misinformation, emotional manipulation, and the framing of issues in overly simplistic, black-and-white terms. By doing so, they create an environment where the conflict becomes self-perpetuating, making resolution more difficult and keeping people engaged in a cycle of hostility.

Conflict entrepreneurs can be found in various roles, including politicians, media personalities, activists, or businesses, and their influence can have a significant impact on society by exacerbating tensions and prolonging disputes.

Amanda explores in her book in depth and identifies these actors as key drivers of intractable and destructive conflicts. Amanda explores this state of "high conflict" where our brains work differently. She finds a space in her stories called "good conflict". Here, questions get asked, people get heard and understood. There is still conflict, but it's smart, has dignity and over all humility. It's better for the soul!

When it comes to technologists, are our tools, products and apps creating in themselves high conflict?

Will you pledge to make technology create “good conflict” instead of “high conflict"?

Check out all of Amanda's work here: https://www.amandaripley.com.

Amanda Ripley