DIGITALISATION – THE ROAD TO PEACE OR CONFLICT?

In addition to creating new business models, industries, and job opportunities, digitalisation has long been seen as a force for reducing global conflicts. By improving communication, promoting transparency, and streamlining information sharing, digital technology has the potential to bring people closer together and create a more understanding and interconnected world.

Social media and other digital platforms allow people from different cultures to interact and learn from each other, which can help reduce prejudice and misunderstanding. Furthermore, fast and effective information sharing through digital channels can prevent conflicts by disseminating accurate and relevant information in critical situations. Digitalisation can also promote transparency and accountability, which can reduce corruption and abuse of power, two factors that often underlie conflicts.

Rising Scepticism Towards Digitalisation as a Conflict Resolver

Despite these benefits, recent statistics reveal a decline in Swedes' trust in digitalisation as a means of conflict resolution. What is behind this increased scepticism?

I believe a significant reason is the rise of cyber-attacks and digital warfare, which illustrate the dark side of technology and its potential to destabilise societies rather than unite them. The ongoing debate on AI and its risks has also contributed to this mistrust. Concerns have grown that AI and automation could lead to job losses and a loss of control over technology. Scenarios where AI is used to manipulate information or direct military operations create a sense of uncertainty and fear.

The Path to Restoring Trust in Digitalisation

To restore trust, we need to focus on ethical guidelines and clear strategies for AI and digitalisation. We must strengthen global cooperation to regulate and monitor the use of digital technologies, increase transparency and accountability among companies and governments, and foster an open and inclusive debate about the future role of AI in our society. Only by addressing these issues can we fully realise the potential of digitalisation to contribute to a more peaceful and stable world.

Do you believe digitalisation primarily promotes peace or conflict?

Share with us in the comments!

Read the Tomorrow Report – Cyber security here.