Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace Lectureship: “Tech and Social Transformation,” Dr. Lisa Schirch

Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace Lectureship: “Tech and Social Transformation: The Best and Worst Impacts of Technology on Peace and Democracy in 2024” by Dr. Lisa Schirch
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Location: Umble Center (Live stream)
Tickets: Free and open to the public

The Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace Lectureship will feature an event that explores the intersection of technology, peace and democracy on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in Umble Center. This free lecture, open to the public, will be led by Dr. Lisa Schirch, a renowned expert in peacebuilding and technology.

Dr. Lisa Schirch

A political scientist by training, Schirch earned her Ph.D. in 1989 from George Mason University’s Carter Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Her most recent book, “Social Media Impacts on Conflict and Democracy: The Tech-tonic Shift,” features thirteen local case studies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. This research records how digital technologies drive “social climate change,” including polarization, extremist anti-immigrant and anti-minority purity narratives.

Schirch’s current research focuses on the positive roles of technology in digital peace building. As a senior research fellow with the Toda Peace Institute, she collaborates with civil society and technology companies to experiment and innovate new technologies that can scale social cohesion.

In an era dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence and social media, Schirch will delve into the significant risks posed by technology to global elections and war zones in 2024.

Her analysis, based on extensive work with tech companies and critics, will shed light on the most dangerous trends in technology. The lecture will not only highlight the potential risks but will also showcase the positive impact of new AI platforms.

Dr. Schirch, who currently directs the Peacetech and Polarization Lab at the University of Notre Dame, will discuss how these innovative platforms have the potential to transform how humans listen to and make decisions with each other.

The Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Lectureship provides an annual opportunity for the college community to focus, re-examine and promote those ideals through a public lecture by a speaker knowledgeable and expert in peace, justice and reconciliation issues in current local, regional, national or international affairs.