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IGF 2024 WS #271 Navigating the Internet During Times of War and Crisis

    Organizer 1: Larry Magid, 🔒ConnectSafely
    Organizer 2: Brittan Heller, 🔒Stanford University
    Organizer 3: Patricia Regehr, 🔒

    Speaker 1: Larry Magid, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Brittan Heller, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Janice Richardson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Moderator

    Brittan Heller, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Patricia Regehr, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Janice Richardson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Format

    Classroom
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: We envision a panel of experts and a room full of active and interesting people who will be encouraged to ask questions and make comments. A classroom setting should work well for this type of event. Panelists may wish to show slides, which also works best in a classroom setting. Given the nature of this topic, 90 minutes would be ideal, though we could do it in 60 minutes if necessary.

    Policy Question(s)

    How can both stakeholders and concerned citizens of any country engage in online discussions about crises in ways that increase their understanding of the issues and empower them to effectively advocate their positions while remaining civil.

    What are the offline implications of online misinformation and divisiveness on college campuses, other communities and among decision makers and stakeholders in the area affected as well as other parts of the world.

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain an understanding of how to process and post both information and opinions/analysis of crises including wars and major domestic and international conflicts. They will gain insight into the ways that the internet can be used to spread propaganda and false information about these crises as well as how to engage with others in ways that are both civil and effective.

    Description:

    In today's digital age, where the internet is a primary platform for information sharing and public discourse, especially during wars and crises, it's essential to understand media literacy and digital civility. This workshop, led by Larry Magid from ConnectSafely, will examine how the internet can both enlighten and deceive the public and both motivate and divide potential activists around the world. Participants will learn how digital platforms present complex and emotionally charged information about conflicts and explore the psychological effects of online interactions. By the end of the session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of how the internet shapes public perceptions and emotions in times of crisis. They will also acquire practical tools and strategies to critically assess online information and engage more empathetically and effectively in digital spaces

    Expected Outcomes

    Participants will have a better understanding of how to evaluate online information and opinions about crises as well as how to effectively advocate and debate critical issues in ways that are civil and effective. Other outcomes will be a podcast as part of ConnectSafely's "Are We Doing Tech Right?" series as well as blog posts and articles, including possibly one of Larry Magid's weekly syndicated newspaper columns

    Hybrid Format: We will encourage remote participants to participate to ask questions and make comments, similar to previous IGF sessions we have organized. All slides will be visible to the remote participants and there will be a companion web page they can refer to.