DL 377
Before Rational Thinking Occurs
Welcome to Digitally Literate, issue #377. This week, I explored social media's role in protests, fostering creativity, the science of perspective-taking, and managing emotional reactions.
🔖 Key Takeaways
- Social Media & Protests: Social media platforms both empower and complicate modern protest movements.
- Racial Equity in Tech: Tech policy must center on racial equity to create a fairer society and economy.
- Emotional Resilience: Understanding the brain’s emotional responses can lead to self-compassion and better emotional regulation.
📚 Readings & Insights
1. The Complex Role of Social Media in Protest Movements
Zeynep Tufekci’s Twitter and Tear Gas examines how social media shapes modern protests. The book explores both the empowerment and challenges networked technologies bring to activism. Learn more.
Why this matters: Modern social platforms amplify voices but also create disinformation and weaken accountability, complicating the dynamics of democracy and protest.
2. Racial Equity Through Tech Policy
A report from AI Now advocates for centering racial equity in tech policy decisions. The authors argue that policies must address inequalities to build a fair tech sector and economy. Explore the report.
Why this matters: Regulatory agendas prioritizing equity can help ensure technology benefits all communities, reducing disparities and creating equal opportunities.
3. The Oppenheimer of Our Age
A profile of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman explores his vision for AI’s future. Altman remains optimistic about AI's potential despite uncertainty about whether it will bring technological or societal revolution. Read more.
Why this matters: Understanding how leaders like Altman approach AI helps us grapple with its societal and ethical implications.
4. The Science of Perspective-Taking
Hunter Gehlbach highlights how social perspective-taking improves relationships. This process involves four phases: perception, motivation, strategy-selection, and evaluation. Addressing its weak points can foster deeper connections. Learn more.
Why this matters: Perspective-taking encourages empathy and understanding, essential for meaningful social interactions and relationships.
5. Emotional Resilience and the Amygdala
The amygdala governs emotional responses, often triggering “hijacks” that bypass rational thinking. Pausing, breathing, and identifying the source of anxiety can prevent these reactions, fostering self-compassion. Explore more.
Why this matters: By understanding our emotions, we can approach ourselves and others with kindness and build emotional resilience.
🛠️ DO: Foster Creativity and Innovation
Key steps for fostering creativity and innovation in education:
- Prioritize skills that balance human creativity and technological proficiency.
- Create environments where students feel safe to explore new ideas.
- Encourage lifelong learning and adaptability.
🌟 Closing Reflection
“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.”
— Howard Zinn
Thank you for being a part of Digitally Literate. Let’s navigate these digital landscapes together! Reach out at hello@digitallyliterate.net or browse the Newsletter Index for more insights.