While the rapid growth of global media and communication should ideally increase understanding amongst diverse groups, research suggests that the opposite may be happening. In the United States, news is increasingly shared inside partisan information bubbles that fuel division and political fragmentation. In conflict-fragile countries, the rapid uptake of mobile devices and social media has led to measured increases in political violence. Everywhere, the news media’s focus on sensationalism has heightened public fears and exacerbated the demonization of rival groups.
Today’s information environment poses a new set of challenges that were unforeseen even a decade ago. At the same time, unprecedented opportunities to reach the masses of humanity instantaneously have emerged over these same networks. The Media and Peacebuilding Project seeks to understand the constantly developing communication landscape and the unique challenges for human security and peace that have emerged as a result. Instead of just focusing on the problems, however, we primarily seek to work with researchers and practitioners to find solutions that lead to just and peaceful outcomes.
Subscribe
Join our email list to get updates on the Media and Peacebuilding Project's research and events.
