Social Impact of Technology

You can now join us for some friendly Badminton games on Wednesdays too! All levels welcome! IMPORTANT: in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Sunday 18h00. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waiting list. Refunds will only be possible after Monday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our Whatsapp group as well for faster, often better, updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FTipqtyIwcZLThbw8KpQtZ?mode=gi_t

Welcome to our card games night. We will play on Wednesday from 19h-21h at CHEZWaWa Châtelain, a small restaurant. The address is Rue Américaine 91, 1050 Brussels. (Be careful, there also is another CHEZWaWa restaurant.) Please arrive on time. Feel free to call Bruno if you need directions or have questions at +32 485 298 713. We'll bring a selection of games, and you are welcome to bring any of your own. The restaurant serves delicious Mexican-Californian food you might wanna try. It will be available until 20h30. Our group gets a 10% discount on food. We encourage you to have at least a drink, it helps to keep the business running ;) If you like, you can also come a bit earlier for a chat or a snack. We'll be there from 18h30. Katja and Bruno

Romantic relationships can be exciting, comforting, confusing, intense, messy, or all of those things at once. Whether it’s communication, trust, attraction, compatibility, conflict, or simply figuring out what we truly want from a partner, navigating relationships rarely comes with a clear instruction manual. Why do some relationships thrive while others slowly fall apart? What actually makes a relationship work in the long run? And how much of love is about effort, timing, chemistry, or choice? Join us for an open and thought-provoking debate as we explore the challenges, expectations, and dynamics of modern romantic relationships. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a committed realist, or somewhere in between, come share your perspective! This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two. Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. ⚠️ Disclaimer: We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming. • Respect ideas and people: Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. • Be concise and civil: Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. • Respect boundaries and time: No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. • Follow moderators: They guide the discussion and ensure fairness. Looking forward to seeing you there 😊

[Grab your ticket here! 🎟️ 🔗](https://luma.com/ftst4brussels) On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Maybe in the end, it'll be all about the friends we made along the way 🧀 **📦 WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is an out-of-the-box **social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in Brussels every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You'll be guided by an experienced host who'll make sure everything goes smoothly. 🍭 **🕹 HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up 👈](https://luma.com/ftst3brussels)** 🔗 On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. **Confirm your spot on the link above** to make it happen! We prioritize a balance of gender and age. If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) NOTE: We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **Sold out or can't make it?** [Drop us your email ](https://epicllama.myflodesk.com/brussels)and we'll keep you in the loop for the next one! 😎 **🧧 HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is €15 (early bird) or €18 (general), and includes the following: ⏰ 3 hours of facilitated and curated activities 🙌🏽 Access to the Llamas in Brussels WhatsApp community 👥 A space to meet new people in the least boring way possible 💛 Supporting our mission to spread human connection events around the world *(🎫 also includes those annoying ticket fees!)* **🌳 WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome bars & parks across the city. *We only **reveal the location** upon confirmation.* **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** 🗣 “This is the kind of activity **humanity needs every weekend**. Thank you for all.” - *Sonya* 🗣 “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from "Where are you from?" to "When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?" and I think that's beautiful.” - Monika 🗣 "It’s a **wonderful** **experience**, it’s like being a kid again, when you were at the park, playing with other kids, and just decided you were going to be best friends for the next hours. Maybe you’ll never see those kids again. But that hour was amazing because you both opened up and trusted each other." - Sara **[Read our 130+ Google reviews here 👈](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7)** **🤓 FAQ** **• Can I come alone?** Of course, we encourage it :) **• Can I be late?** Please don't! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. **• I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups yet we like to keep it cozy & only invite around 30 people. Please try again next time if you do not receive an invite - no hard feelings 💛 **• Why do you charge?** We value our time and put a lot of love, planning, and effort into creating & designing these experiences. ♥️ This is our project/business and what we give to the world and we think everything should be a fair exchange! 🎈 However, money should never be the reason for people not to attend. If you can’t afford it send us a message! **• Is this a networking or dating event?** Nope! Think of us as the* anti-networking *and* anti-speed dating *event. There’s no pressure, no pitches, and no cringy icebreakers. Instead, we create spaces where strangers can connect through fun & meaningful conversations. It’s all about authentic connection—no business cards or romantic expectations required. (doesn’t mean it* can’t *happen—it’s just not the intention!) 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. ✨ \* Location is only revealed to ticket holders! 🙅‍♀️📱This event is a no-phone experience. 🙅‍♀️📱 We started in Berlin back in 2019 out of the frustration of being asked 'Where are you from?' multiple times at every single meetup! Now there are chapters in 15 cities including Medellin, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Zurich, and London! 🗺️ \*\*\* Follow us on[ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/)👈 Our [website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk)[ ](https://epicllama.com/)👈

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

tbd

Wil je sterker leren spreken voor een groep? Meer zelfvertrouwen krijgen tijdens presentaties, vergaderingen of sociale situaties? Welkom bij de eerste bijeenkomst van **De Sprekersclub Brussel** – de enige volledig Nederlandstalige Toastmastersclub in Brussel. Dit is geen cursus met theorie, maar een praktische en interactieve bijeenkomst waar je leert door te oefenen, te observeren en feedback te krijgen in een veilige en positieve omgeving. *** ## Wat kan je verwachten? Tijdens deze bijeenkomst ervaar je hoe mensen hun communicatievaardigheden ontwikkelen door: • korte voorbereide speeches • spontane spreekmomenten (vrijblijvend) • constructieve feedback • een gestructureerde maar ontspannen sfeer • kennismaking met het Toastmasters-concept Je hoeft geen ervaring te hebben. Veel gasten komen gewoon kijken tijdens hun eerste bezoek. *** ## Wat is Toastmasters? Toastmasters is een wereldwijd netwerk dat mensen helpt groeien in **publiek spreken, presentatievaardigheden en leiderschap**. Door regelmatig te oefenen en feedback te krijgen, bouwen leden stap voor stap meer zelfvertrouwen op. Meer dan een opleiding is het een leercommunity waarin iedereen elkaar vooruithelpt. *** ## Voor wie is dit? Deze bijeenkomst is ideaal als je: ✔ beter wil leren presenteren ✔ zelfverzekerder wil spreken in het Nederlands ✔ spreekangst wil overwinnen ✔ communicatievaardigheden wil verbeteren ✔ persoonlijke of professionele groei zoekt Introvert of extravert? Iedereen is welkom. *** ## Praktische info 📍 Locatie: GC Den Dam, Waversesteenweg 1741, Brussel 🕒 Start: 19u (kom gerust iets vroeger voor kennismaking) 💶 Deelname: gratis en vrijblijvend Je mag deelnemen wanneer je wil, maar observeren is perfect oké. *** ## Nieuwsgierig? Klik op **“Inschrijven”** en ontdek hoe oefenen in een ondersteunende omgeving het verschil maakt. Misschien is dit wel de plek waar spreken plots natuurlijk begint te voelen.

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [[ Whatsapp groupchat link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRmOwQksJ1g8qTd8z4RniU) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/664542?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

Welcome to the IHL's Sci-fi book and movie club. Exceptionally, this month's event is about Microchip Implants with a workshop titled "What If We All Get Chipped?" led by Charlotte Parion, a PhD student from KUL. In her words: You will be invited to a 2-hours workshop (might be less) in which we will investigate the potential future implications of the widespread implantation of microchips or other technologies (the scenario in question will be presented at the start of the session) in human bodies for non-medical purposes. This makes part of my PhD project where I study the (future) use and societal implications of non-medical implants. I aim to shed light on how to implement these technologies in a way that contributes to building a fairer society and increasing people’s well-being in work and life. This study should allow us to better understand the positive and negative long-term implications of human enhancement (and insertables in particular) and what policy-makers, employers, technology producers, researchers and citizens need to be mindful about when envisioning the development of these emerging technologies. During the workshop, you will be confronted to a scenario of a future society where most people have microchips or other technologies implanted under their skin. It will be written in a circle on a large sheet of paper. You will then be asked to think (and write down around the circle), in groups of 4-6 people, about the potential implications it can have from a social, political, economic, legal, environmental, ... point of view (both positive and negative implications). For every consequence identified, each group will then be asked to identify and write down the consequences that would ensue from this first set of consequences. There will then be a final round of iteration to identify even longer-term consequences. This is called the Futures Wheel method. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to present your thinking to the other groups and reflect on each group’s contribution. The discussions will take place in English. Are you wondering how Thomas (as a moderator) will go about with the discussions? See books&babble’s very helpful guidelines:[ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-52rt7q9pVWTwgBhhbCxymrrD6b-q3De/view?usp=sharing](https://antispam.leuven.be/fmlurlsvc/?fewReq=:B:JVMxOj47MS19NjklOy1ibzY7OjE7Oi14Ymxlan9+eW42aDk4Pj4/O2g4OTxqOm5pODppOG85PG5qPjg6OD48Mj87aj46OTs/PC1/Njo9PD47Ojs7OzgtemJvNjg7X0xcZG0zOzg6Oj88Jjg7X0xcZG1KOzg6Oj88LXloe382SmVlaiVfeWJ7e0tnbn59bmUlaW4taDY5Py1jb2c2Ow==&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1-52rt7q9pVWTwgBhhbCxymrrD6b-q3De%2Fview%3Fusp%3Dsharing) Registration is required so we know how many people to expect. If you sign up and can no longer come, PLEASE let us know in advance. This is a volunteer initiative and it is important to respect their time put into organization and preparation. Hope to see you soon at Sci-fi Leuven!

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

# Digital freedom isn't just for techies. It's for everyone. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to adopt Europe-made **and/or** open-source day-to-day applications to gain independence from big tech providers. Concretely: 1. Understand which Europe-made **or** open-source applications exist in the market for *email, calendar, chat, browser, search engine, operating system, etc.* 2. Step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure. You choose which apps you feel comfortable testing! # Agenda 1. Welcome & Introduction (10min) 2. Short documentary on Digital Sovereignty (10min) 3. Hands-on workshop (90min) Together, we can move away from surveillance platforms toward open-source and privacy-friendly alternatives. Europe's digital future depends on choices we make today and it starts with the tools on your phone and computer. ## Inspired by Ghent’s Digital Sovereignty movement Inspired by FOSS workshops that have been thriving in Ghent, this event brings hands-on guidance to help you make the switch, step by step, at your own pace. # What to bring **Preferably**: Laptop. **Optional**: Phone or tablet & USB Stick (8GB) We will work with all types of applications *(email, calendar, chat, browser, search engine, operating system, etc.)* but **you choose** the ones you would like to adopt! # About the organizers This initiative is entirely self-funded, rooted in the belief that understanding our digital world should be open to everyone. ## Carolina Aguilar Carolina is an engineer by training who has spent a career at the intersection of data and artificial intelligence. Deeply committed to European Digital Sovereignty, she hosts this independent workshop to empower others with the knowledge needed to navigate and shape Europe's digital future. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-aguilar/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-aguilar/) ## Tom Michels Tom is a co-founder and community builder at Flordi (Ghent), a meeting place for changemakers who want to build a more just and ecological society. With a cafe, coworking, cohousing, market and events, the aim is to inspire, connect and co-create with people, businesses and organizations. Tom is convinced that when working together like we do with Free Open Source Software (FOSS), we can change the world! Since January 2025 Tom co-hosted around 20 FOSS-workshops together with the FOSS community in Ghent. This time, he's coming to Brussels to share with us the learnings from those events. [https://social.flordi.be/@tom](https://social.flordi.be/@tom) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-michels/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-michels/)

This workshop series is a **follow-up to the ESP32 Robotics workshop**, but with a different concept. Here, there will be no subject set in advance, instead **all participants are welcome to join at any point and at any level, from beginner to expert**. Beginners will be guided though the basics (C programming, how to use measurement tools, soldering, PCB design, etc…) and can get advice on what tools and kits to start with, others can come with their own projects to get help or share some knowledge. ## Requirements * Bring your own laptop (Windows, Linux or Mac) * Any microcontroller/dev kit to develop your project(s). If you are a beginner and don’t know what to buy, come and we’ll find the best starter kit for you ! * A strong desire to learn stuff, good mood and some patience !

**💖 Speed Dating Built for Locals for Burnaby Locals** As a guest, you'll enjoy guided one-on-one video rounds with Burnaby singles matched to you by age and personality, with someone hosting live from start to finish. As part of your registration, you complete a short personality quiz — those results are used to match you with Burnaby people who are actually compatible, so every person you meet has been matched to you on purpose. Once the evening wraps up, your mutual matches are disclosed — with no one-sided reach-outs ever happening — and from that point you call the shots. **Registration — choose your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=sparking-lasting-ties-through-outdoor-socials&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=sparking-lasting-ties-through-outdoor-socials&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=sparking-lasting-ties-through-outdoor-socials&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Burnaby&groupurlname=sparking-lasting-ties-through-outdoor-socials&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) **⚠️ Please note:** Rsvping on meetup does not confirm your spot at the event, so click your age range link above, complete the sign-up, and take the personality questions — limited capacity means you should not wait, and only a completed registration locks in your seat. --- **Perfect for:** - Professionals from around Burnaby getting away from unread messages and dead-end conversations and are serious about meeting someone. - Individuals from around Burnaby getting away from matches that ghost after two messages and need a better way to meet people. - Returners around Burnaby moving on from shallow connections that never lead anywhere and are ready for a genuine first impression. **What happens** 1. **Grab your spot** – through the age group link above, then complete the short personality quiz, as the quiz plus registration is what counts. 2. **Join Zoom** – by opening the Zoom link at the event start, phone computer or tablet — whatever you prefer, and everything runs on the host's schedule from that point. 3. **Go through the rounds** – back-to-back private Zoom rounds with personality-matched Burnaby locals in your group, as the host keeps everything smooth and well-timed, as every round is with someone selected for you by the quiz. 4. **Review your matches** – we share mutual match results after the session closes, with no one-sided reach-outs since only mutual matches get each other's details, and then the rest is yours to decide entirely. 💡 **Worth knowing:** log into Zoom five minutes early, so nothing interrupts the flow of a good conversation, and the host handles everything else from that point. --- ✨ Real people, short rounds, no apps — use the link above to register and the evening takes care of itself whenever you are set. See you in the first round. 🫶 ✨

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at** Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD