This document provides an overview of aspects of the process of digitalization that negatively impact (public) health, essential human rights and democracy. It also contains policy recommendations to effectively address these issues and avert harm. Further, this document is meant to empower the reader to take informed decisions in their own every-day life when interacting with specific technologies and the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Social Media
Could your PHONE be making you infertile? Alarming study on plunging sperm counts sparks warning for men to ‘be conscious’ of using their mobile too much
Men who use their mobile phone frequently suffer 21 per cent lower sperm concentration, according to a new study. Researchers wanted to investigate whether electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones might affect semen quality.
A New Type Of Dementia Plagues America
A major health epidemic, digital dementia occurs when one part of the brain is overstimulated and another part of the brain is understimulated. When we mindlessly use digital devices, the frontal lobe, which is responsible for higher-level executive functions, gets little, if any, use. Meanwhile, the occipital lobe, the visual processor located at the back of the brain, gets bombarded with sensory input. Slouched over and spaced out, people, both young and old, are abusing their brains, day in and day out
The International Declaration on the Human Rights of Children in the Digital Age
In this International Declaration, we posit three fundamental legal rights of children regarding the deployment and use of technology: their right to be free from intentionally addictive devices, platforms and apps; their right to be free from excessive exposure to wireless radiation; and their right to be free from commercial exploitation.
Effects of Unregulated Digitalization on Health and Democracy – A Call for Using Technology with Discernment
We are contemporary witnesses to the accelerated implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with central stakeholders aiming at the digital transformation of all areas of life and production. The digital transformation is an ideology and a hype. It is also a vehicle for total surveillance and control if not restricted and regulated pro-perly. It is essential to pause and to analyze the Fourth Industrial Revolution in a rational way.
Stare Into The Lights My Pretties
This era is unprecedented, and perhaps never before has technology been so prolific and shaped our lives so intimately. But there’s a dark side we don’t talk about. Why is that? Is it because we’re too busy being glued to the screen? Why do we shy away from questions about our collective addiction? What’s lurking under the surface?
Michael Vaughan Interviewed On Reality Check Radio – Technology, Children & Keeping Kids Safe Online
Michael Vaughan was interviewed on Reality Check Radio by Paul Brennan on the topic of his talk that he gave in Christchurch earlier this year on the topic of Technology, Children & Keeping Kids Safe Online.
In the year since I quit social media, my screen time has fallen, my mood is up – even my resting heart rate is lower
A snap decision to step away has become a lifestyle shift for Philippa Moore. Though keeping up with friends can be tricky, she has no regrets. After reading one self-righteous rant too many, I made the snap decision to step away from social media. I didn’t announce it. I just disappeared.
Children and Screen Time – What You Need to Know
STANZ organised for Michael Vaughan (Registered Psychologist) to travel to Christchurch in Mid-March to give a talk on what we need to know about the risks and challenges in dealing with children and screen time. He gave a very engaging and informative presentation.
I fear my children are overexposed to technology. Experts say I’m right to worry
The status quo puts the onus on parents to monitor what their children are engaging with when they log on – which puts a lot of strain on us mortals
I fear my children are overexposed to technology. Experts say I’m right to worry
The status quo puts the onus on parents to monitor what their children are engaging with when they log on – which puts a lot of strain on us mortals.
Digital Madness: How Social Media Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis–and How to Restore Our Sanity
From the author of the provocative and influential Glow Kids, Digital Madness explores how we’ve become mad for our devices as our devices are driving us mad, as revolutionary research reveals technology’s damaging effect on mental illness and suicide rates―and offers a way out.
How social media is literally making teens mentally ill
We’re living in the Age of Digital Social Contagions. It’s a time where certain illnesses aren’t spread by biological transmission, but by a digital infection that attacks the psychological immune system. Using algorithms that find and exploit our psychological vulnerabilities, we get sicker as Big Tech gets stronger.
Data Brokers: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
John Oliver discusses how much data brokers know about us, what they’re doing with our personal information, and one….unusual way to change privacy laws.
Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A battle for your time
“I feel tremendous guilt,” admitted Chamath Palihapitiya, former Vice President of User Growth at Facebook, to an audience of Stanford students. He was responding to a question about his involvement in exploiting consumer behavior. “The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works,” he explained
Universal Declaration of Data Rights as Human Rights
CODED BIAS is a documentary film that aims to shine a light on bias encoded in the algorithms that impact us all, and the threat these automated systems pose to civil and human rights. We invite you to sign in support of our Universal Declaration of Data Rights as Human Rights. Please review the text below, and if you stand in solidarity, add your name to the signature list.
The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma documentary features the voices of technologists, researchers and activists working to align technology with the interests of humanity.
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