In a world where social technologies dominate our daily interactions, it is crucial to understand their profound impact on our lives. Last year, CCC brought together information, computing, and social scientists, communication and journalism scholars, and policy experts to discuss how we can navigate these complexities to harness the benefits of social technologies while mitigating their harms. 

From shaping our cultural norms to influencing political landscapes, these systems wield immense power. But with power comes responsibility, and the shadows of harassment, disinformation, and mental health concerns loom large.

Through dynamic discussions and innovative formats, attendees explored the gaps in social media users’ knowledge and charted pathways for future research. This interdisciplinary report seeks to dissect the nuances of social technology’s impact.

CCC has also engaged the community on the topic of social technologies in other areas by hosting a roundtable in 2019 on misinformation, which discussed how individuals can stay connected and share information through social networks. But on the other hand, can lead to a rise in the spread of disinformation in media including text, images and videos. 

The Future of Research on Social Technologies workshop report will be released on Wednesday, and it provides approaches for translating knowledge to various audiences including citizens, funders, educators, industry professionals, and policymakers. Keep an eye out for this important report!