Friend or Foe: Is Tech Strengthening Communities or Eroding Social Bonds?
Neighbourly Lab
Data and Inspiration for the organisations that shape our neighbourhoods
Foreword by Harry Hobson Hobson
As we navigate the complex landscape of technology & AI in social innovation, it's clear that technology can be both friend and foe. Its influence on our communities is undeniable— it holds incredible potential to improve public services, foster connection and support and in recent times we’ve seen just how powerful technology, specifically social media platforms, can be — providing marginalised communities the tools to raise awareness of their experiences with the rest of the world such as the Black Lives Matter movement in the U.S or more recently in areas of conflict in Sudan, The Congo & Middle East.
The recent riots showed both the worst and the best of social-media: the spread of misinformation on social media was the catalyst for the violence, fueling fear and division in our communities...
But at the same time, we also witnessed the incredible resilience of these same communities as they harnessed platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to reassure their residents, share accurate information, and coordinate safety measures.?At Neighbourly Lab, we’re exploring how we can tip the technological scales in favour of connection and support.
We love tech: and?believe that good neighbours depend on having good supporting information and communications - from reliable news about what’s on to inclusive platforms to offer help or share things with neighbours… ?
How has technology played out in your communities?Are we leveraging it effectively, or is there more we can do to ensure it strengthens rather than weakens our social bonds??What’s the role that connective-tech plays in bringing neighbours together? ?
Let’s work together to make technology a true ally in our mission for social connection & cohesion.
How AI is Shaping the Future of Public Health
We are currently living in a world where there is a fear building that AI and technological advancements are moving quicker than we can control. Many are concerned that they will lose their jobs, with humans being replaced by robots, diminishing what humans need the most - connection with one another.?
But, is this fear unfounded or do we all really have something to be concerned about..?
Past Progress, Present Power:
Our?Partnership with the GLA & London Councils: Empowering Community Engagement
Over the last 18 months, Neighbourly Lab has proudly partnered with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils on the "Supporting London Boroughs' Engagement Project."?This initiative, funded by the GLA, launched in Spring 2023 and provided grants to 13 London Boroughs to deliver innovative community engagement projects through a flexible and long-term process. Each project aimed to foster deeper connections with local communities, especially those experiencing post-pandemic challenges and the cost-of-living crisis.
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The Impact of Misinformation on Social Media
Whilst?technology has no doubt enhanced social connections, it can also hinder them.
This month, the United Kingdom has experienced the devastating effects of misinformation that has been shared at alarming speeds through social media platforms, inciting fear and anger amongst the public?resulting in violence and widespread unrest.
The speed at which misinformation can influence real-world events highlights a critical issue: the significant role technology plays in shaping public perception and community stability. Social media platforms, while designed to foster connection and communication between people, have unfortunately also become fertile ground for the rapid spread of false information. The consequences of this are profound and far-reaching, affecting trust within communities and undermining public safety. The recent riots serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for immediate action to combat the spread of misinformation and its harmful effects.
So What Can Be Done...?
Neighbourly Lab Events
At Neighbourly Lab, we are fascinated with social infrastructure (both offline and online) and understanding how we can modify our environment to increase micro-interactions, which have been shown to have a significant benefit on health and wellbeing. Our previous research with Transport for London (TFL) looked into how customers could be encouraged to engage more with their driver by placing stickers we designed at the front of the bus.?
领英推荐
We recently partnered once more with Transport for London to create a campaign to shine a light on the frontline staff of the bus network to get to know these individuals on a personal level, outside of the driver’s cab.Last month, we launched the Bus Driver Appreciation campaign at North Greenwich bus station - where the stars of the campaign, 11 bus drivers, were able to view their larger-than-life posters for the first time, with friends & family.
Neighbourly Lab News
“From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
August 12th saw the celebration of International Youth day where the United Nations celebrated the power of youth and digital innovation. The theme for International Youth Day 2024 was “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the key connection between digitalisation and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.
Digital transformation is one of the six key transitions with "catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs” and a significant determinant for achieving the Goals 1. Technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Data generated from every digital interaction is fundamental to digital transformation, enabling evidence-based decision-making...
Community Spotlight
Check out the organisations we're spotlighting this month?who are making a positive impact or improvements to their environment that benefit the community.?
This month, we're spotlighting two fantastic organisations: Wave Length?&?Screen Share
For people who are lonely, a simple radio or television can feel like a lifeline. WaveLength believes that one of the best solutions to loneliness is for people to connect with each other and spend time together. ?
WaveLength helps people living in poverty, groups prone to loneliness or people who have become lonely through lots of different circumstances such as; the death of a loved one, illness or injury, disability, homelessness, domestic abuse, becoming a refugee or moving away from friends and family. They provide TVs, radios and tablet computers to hostels, refuges and community centers. Their advocacy has one goal: ‘to stop loneliness affecting people who already have too much to cope with’ and they also lobby the government to make sure vulnerable people’s needs are considered in media and entertainment.?
Screen Share
The provision of a device, according to Screen Share,?is the starting - not the finishing point, of refugee support.?It is widely understood that digital inclusion underlies a lot of other problems refugees & those seeking asylum experience as they build their new lives. People seeking asylum are provided with only ￡5.80 a day?and are dispersed around the country away from existing support networks. They are not allowed to work, which promotes boredom, loss of self-worth?and exacerbates mental health issues.
Would you like to feature your organisation, nominate another or an individual in our next newsletter? Email -?[email protected]
Neighbourly Lab Loves.... ??
A round-up of entertainment & media we’re loving this month....
The @Tech For Good Podcast explores technology’s growing role in solving humanity’s biggest issues.From the environment to social injustice, to healthcare and education and ask how tech can truly change our world for the better.?Two of their episodes we found particularly interesting were: ‘How AI is opening video games to the visually impaired’’ &‘Technology & Public Services: We can do so much better?.
Founder and CEO of? Novis Games , Arianna Ortelli discusses an AI-driven future for visually impaired gamers. Young Italian entrepreneurs at startup Novis Games, supported by Microsoft’s Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact programme, are using generative AI to revolutionise how video games can be made more accessible for the visually impaired. In this episode?Arianna shares insights into the company's origin story, how she came to attract the attention of Microsoft, and her goals for a better, AI-driven future for visually impaired gamers.
‘Technology & Public Services: We can do so much better features Andrea Danes, global human services leader at EY and discusses how we might break the paradigm and unburden the public sector's "innovative instigators" to deliver cutting-edge technology faster and deliver better public services for all.
Do you have an area of interest you'd like to discuss with us?
We are always looking for new opportunities to connect with our friends - old and new and would be delighted to hear from you!
Please DM us or send your requests to [email protected]