This video features Heather Marsh's talk at RMLL 2017. She discusses online collaboration methods, the structures created by technology, and the need for a universal database to address issues with information control and manipulation in the digital age. The talk focuses on how mass movements utilize information and the challenges of maintaining trust and accuracy in a world of misinformation.
Stigmergy: Mass collaboration often occurs through stigmergy, an action-based method driven by a shared idea or goal, rather than direct communication or consensus. This type of collaboration can be very powerful but also unpredictable.
Coercion: Powerful entities use various forms of coercion to manipulate mass movements, from hard coercion (violence, economic pressure) to seductive coercion (fear, manipulation of emotions). The internet initially enabled a resurgence of stigmergy-based movements, prompting responses aimed at controlling information flow.
The Need for a Universal Database: Marsh argues that a universal, decentralized database is crucial to counter misinformation and manipulation. This database would distinguish between personal data, public data, and personality-focused data, ensuring better control, transparency, and accessibility of information. The structure would incorporate concentric circles of epistemic communities and knowledge bridges to facilitate auditing and dissemination of information.
Decoupled Data: The proposed system uses decoupled data, separating information from the software used to access it. This increases data reusability and versatility, allowing various applications to interact with the same information. A trust network would allow users to filter information based on their chosen levels of trust in sources.
Information as a Human Right: Marsh concludes by advocating for information as a fundamental human right, essential for informed participation in society. The creation of a universal information commons is vital to combat misinformation and facilitate effective collaboration.
