Public Parks and Re-creation (with Eli Pariser)

Right now we interact with the public more online than offline. But these digital spaces are not designed with our collective wellbeing in mind. Baratunde speaks with Eli Pariser, Co-founder of New_Public, about how we are missing intentionally designed digital public spaces, like libraries and park spaces online, and they discuss New_Public’s NEW! design playbook for creating platforms that bring us together instead of tear us apart. 

Guest: Eli Pariser 

Bio: Author, Activist, and Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of New_Public 

Online: New_Public website; @elipariser on Twitter; Eli’s website

Go to howtocitizen.com for transcripts, our email newsletter, and your citizen practice.

ACTIONS

- PERSONALLY REFLECT 

Public Interactions

Reflect on some recent online interactions you’ve had with total strangers on social media. Now think about some interactions you’ve had with strangers offline, maybe in a public park or library. How did each experience make you feel? Did you prefer one over the other? Why? 

- BECOME INFORMED

Check out New_Public’s work

Check out New_Public’s new design playbook for building digital public spaces of the future. It was built from two years of global research and feedback. Also, read Eli’s thought-provoking article in the Atlantic about envisioning a future online that serves the public good and supports a culture of democracy.

- PUBLICLY PARTICIPATE

Join a niche, online community forum.

Consider joining or starting your own online community where you can practice some of the 14 signals using a platform like Hylo or MightyNetworks. Most of the signals don’t require code as much as thoughtful governance, culture, and norm-setting to create a different kind of online space that helps us citizen. Said another way, try finding or creating an online community in a space that isn’t a giant shopping mall.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT & SUPPORT

• Leave a review and rating. It makes a huge difference with the algorithmic overlords!
• Find us at @howtocitizen on Instagram and tag us in your actions.
• Visit our non-Bezos bookshop. 

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