Guide to the Network Society

Reposted from: http://www.vu.nl/en/anniversary/guide-network-society/index.aspx

Ever increasing numbers of people are connected through the World Wide Web. The digital highway makes information rapidly and widely accessible. Thanks to social networks, we are constantly aware of all kinds of events – from the smallest details to world news – and we are able to share a wealth of personal information. Meanwhile, intelligent machines are collecting and sharing data about us. The pace of progress is rapid but also raises questions. How does digitization affect our social contacts? What happens when computers know more about us than we do ourselves? How can we protect our data from cyber criminals? Can lack of access to online resources lead to exclusion and inequality? What impact is the global network society having on our cities, our heritage and our religious experiences?

This VU Amsterdam anniversary conference brings together computer scientists, humanities scholars, economists and social scientists and challenges them to focus on our network society and present their visions for the future. The result is a programme of innovative projects, debates and workshops. 

Registration required.