Spaceship Media, Fostering Dialogue in Online Spaces

Spaceship Media, an ASU journalism 'thinktank' on realizing the power of dialogue to shape ideas and bridge communities

'Journalism to Bridge Divides'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIN2q4uYDWQ&ab_channel=ASUNewsCoLab

"Crack the nut of humanity."

Very much appreciate this gathering of people to share ideas and words to further this cause. This actually gives me a lot of hope, that small groups of likeminded people can work towards distilling the elements of inspired internet dialogue.

Some of my takeaways from this talk:

Key elements to having an open dialogue - Listen, Slow Down, Be Curious, Be Kind, Be Humble, Build relationships, Take the high Road, Have Fun.

(These almost sounded like relationship / dating tips 😊)

There was a strong emphasis on relationship building, viewing the interaction as a long game, and going into the conversation without an agenda.

"We're not here just to talk about topic, we're also here to be people and build a relationship. Be honest about your emotional state, ready body language," and if online, be clear with discernment questions.

A lot of listener questions related to how to deal with antagonistic people or behavior in conversations, and the general response to that is a toolbox of responses. Know your boundaries, clarify where the other wishes to take the conversation.

Throughout, I really appreciated that each speaker essentially gave their perspective on how to participate and engage in fruitful meaningful conversations whether online or in person.

It felt like a convention of zen masters at a roundtable meeting to share their personal truths. The abstracted imperative I took from this talk was for each person (me) to have the polished practice, set of routines, and willingness of heart to seek out the human elements- life and reactions- in each moment and situation. To value all of it.

Appreciation, sincerity, connection - all in the context of progress and truth.

Cheers~ Truman