“I am human.” This is the simple passphrase that will give you access to a new initiative that aims to make the internet more human gain.
‘The Internet Needs More Humanity’ is a retro refresh of the Multicultural NSW Remove Hate from the Debate initiative. It remembers a time when the internet held out the promise of connection and the hope of human community.
“The internet was built to connect us — a digital space where distance was no barrier to connection. But somewhere along the way, the very platform designed to unite us began driving us apart. The promise of community has given way to division, hostility and isolation,” says the explainer on the retro-aesthetic design project website.
“It’s time to reclaim the Internet and restore its humanity: a place where empathy thrives, where conversations build bridges, and where technology brings us together, not tear us apart.”
Delegates at the COMPACT X DIGI Engage Summit held in the Blue Mountains in December were treated to an exclusive preview of the new online initiative. The Summit brought together changemakers, digital activists, and youth leaders from across the state to build connections and collaborate on ways to build safer and more harmonious online communities.
Newsflash: Listening is so hot right now. Take a sec to actually hear people out before jumping in. It makes all the difference.
A key component of the initiative is a series of easy, practical tips designed to remind internet users that their online interactions are human interactions, and to treat people online with the same level of respect and empathy they would in offline conversations.
“Newsflash: Listening is so hot right now. Take a sec to actually hear people out before jumping in. It makes all the difference,” is an example of the kind of friendly advice you can find on the project website and share with your friends.
Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, said the nostalgic feel of the project design is a deliberate attempt to make people think about what the internet has now become.
“Gone are the days of nostalgic dial-up tones and our inability to make a call while accessing the web. With age, we have moved away from the original intent of social media, and more broadly, the internet,” Joseph said.
“Our hope for a more connected society has been overshadowed by the spread of misinformation, echo chambers, and online hostility.”
“Many of us have come to accept online hate speech as an unfortunate aspect of modern life. But online hate speech is dividing us, and it’s damaging the fabric of who we are as a society.”
Joseph said it is not only up to individual users to moderate their online behaviours. A collective response is required that applies community-building principles to online communities.
“Addressing the threat of online hate and extremism requires ‘counter communities’ who are committed to the cause of countering online hate.”
The promo video for the project reinforces the need for a collective effort.
“Remember when the internet was a safe place for communities and loved ones? Remember when the internet showcased the best of humanity rather than its worst impulses? Together, we can make it more human again.”
‘The Internet Needs More Humanity’ is a retro refresh of the Multicultural NSW Remove Hate from the Debate initiative. You can access the online resources to share here: We Are Human.
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