Deb Roy

Deb Roy, an MIT professor and former Twitter scientist, discusses how better technology can nurture trust and dialogue in democracy. He shares insights on fostering empathy through storytelling, leveraging AI for community engagement, and the importance of diverse voices in public discourse. The conversation also highlights innovative platforms like Cortico that improve civic collaboration, alongside a light-hearted coffee rivalry between Tim Hortons and Starbucks. Roy's vision reimagines how tech can turn division into constructive dialogue.

Join Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and venture capitalist, alongside Deb Roy, MIT professor and director of the Center for Constructive Communication, as they delve into the pressing challenges democracy faces from Big Tech. They discuss the evolution of Reddit and advocate for a shift towards constructive digital engagement. The duo critiques the internet’s advertising-driven business model, explores misinformation's grip on public discourse, and examines how tech platforms can encourage authentic interactions in our increasingly fragmented online world.

Deb Roy, a media arts and sciences professor at MIT and co-founder of Cortico, joins Kathy Cramer, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to discuss innovative AI systems promoting dialogue. They delve into how technology can elevate underrepresented voices, the effectiveness of smaller group discussions over traditional meetings, and the emotional disconnect felt by rural voters in politics. The conversation emphasizes understanding personal narratives to bridge political divides and create healthier community interactions.