We missed social media’s dark side. Let’s be smarter about the metaverse 👾

I often discuss the unintended consequence of emerging technology. I doubt peer-to-peer publishing came about and people started sharing photos online, that, within a decade it would have irrevocably eroded the ability of our democracies to function. 📷

In 2009, we focused on the benefits of these newish technologies, not the dimly perceived problems that would grow into threats. ⚙️

We missed these threats because no one took the time to think about where these technologies could lead us. 💡

Public policies to allow unfettered access and use of these technologies did not lead to an increase in civic engagement nor the spread of democracy. It has done just the opposite. 📡

The question we must ask ourselves now is: will we repeat our mistakes by hoping that these same digital actors will be good corporate stewards? 🛡

Will they protect our data, our privacy, and our human rights? Are we okay with allowing them to operate virtual worlds without regulation? ❓

We missed social media’s dark side. Let’s be smarter about the metaverse. 🧠

Read the article: https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2023/02/we-missed-social-medias-dark-side-lets-be-smarter-about-metaverse/382964/

#SocialMedia #Metaverse #DigitalThreats #DataPrivacy #HumanRights #RegulationNeeded #TechPolicy #OnlineSafety #Insights