SHS MOST/GEG Seminar on "Human transformations in the face of media concentration"

While already 66 percent of the global population are active internet users, we move eerily closer to a world where social interaction is primarily digital. What do say the latest research on the effects of the development of digital sociability on social bonds?

While mass media play an important role as an agent of the secondary socialization process, its growing ownership concentration, and potential effects in social life of societies and ability to affect publics is a growing concern. In the past, an individual's political identity was defined by their affiliation with a political party or regional and national organizations, but how is it defined today? What is the geography of the new political identities?

These political changes also stem from the emergence of eco chambers facilitated by the dissemination of information on digital platforms. Are discussions and social cohesion being hindered due to fundamental disagreements on truth and disinformation?

This session aims to explore these critical questions, seeking to foster a deep understanding of the ramifications of digital corporations' influence on the social fabric. What insights can social and human sciences bring to this discussion?

Opening remarks

• Mathéo Malik, Editor in Chief of Le Grand Continent

Panelists

• Anne Alombert, Lecturer in contemporary French philosophy at the Paris 8 University, author of Schizophrénie numérique, Allia, 2023.
• Sachin Chaturvedi, Director of the Think Tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
• Bertrand du Marais, Member of the Commission Nationale Internet et Libertés (CNIL), State Councillor.
• Anita Gurumurthy, Founder and Executive Director of IT for Change.
• Arul Chib, Professor of Technology and Development, International Institute of Social Studies, University of Roterdam.