How can tech bring us together instead of pulling us apart?
We reimagined platforms to rebuild trust and foster connection
Trust isn’t just lost in dramatic moments of betrayal; it erodes slowly, click by click, in the quiet exchange of attention for engagement. Digital spaces, meant to connect us, often feel isolating, reducing people to profiles and conversations to noise. Rebuilding trust—in each other and in the platforms we use—requires us to rethink not just what we build, but why we build it.
This challenge took center stage at our final Humane Tech Meetup of 2024 (yes, this post took a moment to write). Far from being a forum to simply diagnose the problems of the digital age, our gathering served as a hub for ideas and action.
Drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Donella Meadows, whose systems thinking offers a powerful lens for addressing complex challenges, and Martin Luther King Jr., whose words remind us of our interconnected destiny, we dove deep into what it means to center humanity in technology.
"Through our scientific and technological genius, we have made of this world a neighborhood, and yet we have not had the ethical commitment to make of it a brotherhood," - Martin Luther King, Jr.
His statement encapsulated the essence of our discussion: technology must unite us in shared purpose and understanding.
The Challenges of Today’s Digital Systems
Modern platforms often prioritize engagement over empathy, incentivizing divisive or sensational content. Algorithms amplify outrage, creating distorted perceptions and eroding the trust essential for societal cohesion. These challenges, while systemic, are not insurmountable.
Our meetup highlighted three key challenges that need addressing:
Perception Gaps: Social media algorithms often show us content that deepens misunderstandings. As we discussed, people frequently misjudge others’ beliefs due to the polarizing nature of online echo chambers.
Algorithmic Influence: Far from neutral, algorithms are designed to maximize engagement—often at the expense of truth or constructive dialogue. This bias has profound implications for public perception and democratic processes.
The Human Element: Despite systemic flaws, technology holds immense potential if designed to prioritize values like fairness, empathy, and connection. As participants noted, it’s about finding ways to empower shared understanding and collaborative problem-solving.
Activities That Reimagine Connection
Two key activities brought the meetup’s themes to life:
Clean Communication Exercise: Participants paired up to explore their values and unmet needs through guided dialogue. This exercise underscored the power of empathetic listening and authentic expression, qualities often missing in digital interactions.
Why it matters: This ladder from logic to emotions to vulnerability helps bridge the gap between surface-level exchanges and meaningful connections. We should strive to embed this principle in digital tools.
Redesigning Platforms for Trust: In small groups, attendees reimagined platforms like Facebook and Reddit through humane design principles. Suggestions included introducing "viral friction" to limit the spread of misinformation and incorporating prompts for emotional regulation before posting divisive content.
Key takeaway: Small design changes, like WhatsApp’s limits on forwarding messages, show how subtle adjustments can mitigate harm and promote healthier online behaviors.
Designing for a Humane Future
The solutions discussed were grounded in the belief that technology should empower us to connect deeply and thoughtfully. Key takeaways included:
Systemic Accountability: Real change begins with redesigning systems, not blaming individuals. Transparency and accountability in algorithmic design are essential.
Intentional Design: Features like "pause and reflect" prompts encourage thoughtful interactions, helping users move beyond impulsive reactions.
Cultural Shifts: As one participant noted, "Small signals, repeated over time, can change culture." Designing platforms that emphasize shared understanding over division can reshape online norms.
As the evening concluded, one question remained: How can we design platforms that foster trust, empathy, and collaboration in a world often divided by technology? The answer lies in a commitment to reconnecting with our humanity and designing systems that reflect our highest values.
Join us at our next Humane Tech meetup as we continue to explore how we can redesign the digital world to be more connected, empathetic, and, ultimately, humane.