Digital Technology and Society
In June 2023, the University announced a $50 million investment in initiatives related to Digital Technology and Society. Initial work focuses on improving youth mental health and keeping artificial intelligence algorithms fair and democratic online.
NEWS
Initiatives
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Digital Technology for Democracy Initiative: Laurent DuBois is the faculty lead for this initiative, which will be housed within the Karsh Institute of Democracy. The work will focus on how digital technology can support democracy, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Digital Tech and Youth Development Initiative: Nancy Deutsch and Bethany Teachman are the faculty leads for this initiative. The work will explore how digital technology can contribute to healthy development in young people, with a focus on addressing the youth mental health crisis.
Past Events
In February 2023, researchers gathered with University leaders for a Grand Challenges Digital Technology and Democracy Forum where they discussed three key questions and had small group discussions.
Key Questions:
- What do you consider to be the most urgent/important problem or question about the relationship between Digital Technology and Democracy today?
- What do you see as the most useful avenues of research and interpretation for better understanding this problem or question?
- How can UVA best strengthen and expand its work in the areas you consider most important?
Small Group Discussions:
- Elections, Security and Trust
- Empowerment, Participation, Deliberation
- Law, Policy, and Leadership
In March 2023, researchers gathered with University leaders for a Grand Challenges Digital Technology and Youth Development Forum focused on three domains:
- Education
- Health
- Culture and Civic Life