EPISODE NOTES

It’s no secret that digital technology, in particular social media, stokes division in society and sometimes provokes violent conflict. Toxic polarization prevents us from solving problems, from making decisions together, from being constructive in our approach. In this episode, we explore the dangers of social media, but we also talk about ways technology can be used to build bridges and promote social cohesion.

Guest Shamil Idriss, is the CEO of Search for Common Ground. SFCG is the largest peacebuilding organization in the world, and has a long history of using media in reconciliation efforts. Almost fifteen years ago, Shamil established a virtual exchange program connecting young adults in Europe and North America to their peers in the Middle East, and he’s been working at the intersection of peacebuilding and tech ever since. In February, Shamil helped launch the Council on Technology and Social Cohesion to foster collaboration between peacebuilders and tech workers. Shamil says it’s crucial for the peacebuilding field to understand and harness digital technology.

Follow Shamil Idriss on Twitter @ShamilIdriss

Mapping the Enemy Image through Different Conflict Stages, University of Canterbury, 2011

Did pictures in the news media just change U.S. policy in Syria? Washington Post, 2017

Peacenews.com

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