Boston, MA and New York, NY - Berkman Klein Center and Project Liberty are proud to announce the launch of the Applied Social Media Lab, a pioneering program dedicated to assessing and building social media technology in the public interest. This article explores the mission and goals of the lab, as well as the commitment of its founding partners to create a healthier and safer digital world for society.
The Need for a Better Social Media
Explore the current challenges and issues with social media platforms.
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, but it is not without its flaws. The addictive nature of current social media platforms and their focus on exploiting users for profit have raised concerns about privacy, mental health, and societal well-being.
With the Applied Social Media Lab, we aim to address these challenges and build a better digital world where social media platforms prioritize connection and empowerment over addiction and exploitation.
Introducing the Applied Social Media Lab
Learn about the groundbreaking initiative and its mission.
The Applied Social Media Lab, a collaboration between Berkman Klein Center and Project Liberty, is a first-of-its-kind program dedicated to assessing and building social media technology in the public interest. This lab will bridge the gap between research and practice, bringing together experts from various disciplines to develop innovative solutions.
Our mission is to create a healthier and safer technology environment for society by integrating and amplifying underappreciated approaches to improving social media. By collaborating with an extraordinary class of global fellows and the Berkman Klein community, we aim to revolutionize social media for the public good.
Founding Partners and Collaborators
Discover the organizations supporting the Applied Social Media Lab.
The Applied Social Media Lab is fortunate to have the support of esteemed organizations such as Stanford, MIT, Sciences Po, and Georgetown. These founding partners share our vision of building a healthier and safer technology environment and are committed to creating a better web for a better world.
In addition to our founding partners, the lab collaborates with faculty from across the university, including renowned experts like James Mickens, Lawrence Lessig, Latanya Sweeney, and Jonathan Zittrain. Their expertise and diverse perspectives contribute to the development of concrete solutions.
Analyzing and Developing Emerging Technologies
Explore the focus of Project Liberty and its role in the lab.
Project Liberty, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to analyzing and developing technical, ethical, and governance infrastructure for emerging technologies. This includes distributed technologies like the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol.
The Applied Social Media Lab will leverage Project Liberty's expertise and focus on building a better internet. By analyzing and developing emerging technologies, we can take concrete steps towards realizing a healthier digital world for society.
Building a Community of Technologists and Policy Experts
Learn about the open and collaborative nature of the lab.
The Applied Social Media Lab follows an open and collaborative model, inviting technologists, policy experts, researchers, and anyone interested in contributing to our work. This inclusive approach allows us to harness the collective expertise and insights of a diverse community.
We are excited about the modular design of the lab, which enables teams to work nimbly and pull in facility members and affiliates as needed. This flexibility allows us to develop new technologies and move closer to creating a healthier and safer digital ecosystem.
Looking Towards a Better Digital World
Discover the vision and impact of the Applied Social Media Lab.
The launch of the Applied Social Media Lab marks an important milestone in the efforts to build a better digital world. By bridging research and practice, we aim to revolutionize social media technology and prioritize the well-being of users.
Through the collaborative efforts of the lab participants, global fellows, and the Berkman Klein community, we are confident in our ability to create concrete solutions that will lead to a healthier and safer technology environment for society.
Conclusion
The launch of the Applied Social Media Lab at Berkman Klein Center, supported by Frank McCourt and Project Liberty, marks a significant step towards building a better digital world. By addressing the challenges of current social media platforms and prioritizing the public interest, the lab aims to revolutionize social media technology for the benefit of society.
Through collaboration with esteemed partners and the participation of technologists, policy experts, and researchers, the lab will develop concrete solutions to create a healthier and safer technology environment. The Applied Social Media Lab is a testament to the commitment of its founding partners and the Berkman Klein community to shape a future where social media platforms prioritize connection and empowerment over addiction and exploitation.
