Social media - Is it good or bad? Worth it?

Hello TEDheads!

Social media is killing us--but it's also a fantastic platform for staying connect and making change.

Let's have a conversation around the upsides and downsides of social media. No matter which side you fall on, love it or hate it, it should be a great conversation.

The videos below will help you understand both sides before arriving. Please have a watch.

Please watch the following 2 talks on your own device before the event.

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# ★ Talk #1: I quit social media-here's what happened | Gabriela Nguyen

After spending more than a decade “chronically online,” Gabriela Nguyen realized her struggle with distraction, anxiety, and disconnection wasn’t a personal failing—it was the product of technologies designed to hijack attention. In this candid, research-grounded talk, she introduces “appstinence,” a way of reclaiming focus and meaning by redesigning our physical, digital, and social environments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tslzTC3nt_0&t=144s

# ★ Talk # 2: How social media can make history | Clay Shirky

While news from Iran streams to the world, Clay Shirky shows how Facebook, Twitter and TXTs help citizens in repressive regimes to report on real news, bypassing censors (however briefly). The end of top-down control of news is changing the nature of politics.

https://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_social_media_can_make_history

Please note the following:

We want to provide a space for those who are curious about life, enjoy TED Talks, and want to share their findings with others. Please join us as we consider this topic, Wednesday, March 4 at 7:15pm.

Newcomers are most welcome! Hoping to see you there.
(Please sign up only if you really intend to attend).

NOTE: We ask for a 3 Euro contribution on the night to cover costs. Thank you.