La notte buia di Internet | Giorgio Taverniti | TEDxBergamo

TEDx Talks

6 Dec 202315:20

Summary

TLDRThe transcript reflects on pivotal moments in human history, such as the moon landing and the birth of the internet, and their profound impact on our perception of space and time. It discusses the transformative power of the internet, highlighting both its positive aspects, like enabling global communication and knowledge sharing, and its negative consequences, including the spread of hate and the erosion of meaningful interaction. The speaker calls for a more responsible use of the internet, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and a shift from reactive to thoughtful responses in order to foster a better online environment and, ultimately, a better society.

Takeaways

🌙 The night of July 20, 1969, marked a significant shift in humanity's perception of space as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, watched by a billion people worldwide.
💻 The first message sent over the internet on October 29, 1969, was 'Lo', symbolizing another transformative moment in the perception of time and connection.
🌐 The internet has revolutionized our lives, allowing us to hold the knowledge of the largest library in a tiny hard disk and send it across the world in a short time.
🚀 The aspirations of generations have evolved from wanting to be astronauts to becoming influencers, reflecting the impact of the internet on our dreams and goals.
🎁 The internet has been described as a dream that has enabled the speaker to do everything they wanted to do and more, including connecting with many people.
🛠️ The speaker reminisces about the early days of the internet when uploading an image could take 90 seconds due to slow dial-up connections.
🌍 The story of the speaker's experience with slow internet in Calabria and later in Toronto highlights the evolution of technology and its accessibility over time.
🤔 The speaker raises concerns about the internet's role in spreading hate and increasing distances between people, questioning its original intention to bring us closer together.
🧠 A cognitive neuroscientist explains that dyslexia is a different brain organization, not a disability, challenging our perceptions and understanding of such conditions.
🕒 The internet has altered our perception of time, leading to a culture of instant gratification and superficial engagement with content, rather than deep and meaningful interaction.
🥊 The speaker advocates for responsible use of the internet, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and community efforts to create a better online environment.

Q & A

What significant event is referred to as 'a different night' in the script?
-The significant event referred to is the moon landing by Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969, which was watched by a billion people and changed humanity's perception of space.
What was the first message sent over the internet?
-The first message sent over the internet was 'Lo', which was intended to be 'login' but the connection crashed, resulting in only the first two letters being transmitted.
How has the internet changed the way we perceive time?
-The internet has altered our perception of time by enabling instant communication and access to information, making it seem as if we have less time to engage in meaningful interactions and discussions.
What is the speaker's personal connection to the internet?
-The speaker has a deep personal connection to the internet, having started with a computer as a gift instead of a moped like his friends, and eventually creating his first website, which was a significant part of his growth and learning.
What is the issue the speaker raises about the speed of the internet and its impact on society?
-The speaker raises the issue that the increased speed and ease of access to information and communication on the internet have led to a decrease in the value we place on words and actions, and a rise in superficial interactions and hate speech.
How does the speaker describe the evolution of online content consumption?
-The speaker describes the evolution of online content consumption as a progression from watching about 10 videos in 2 hours on YouTube, to 500 pieces of content on Instagram, and then to 1000 pieces of content on TikTok within the same time frame, indicating a rapid increase in the amount of content consumed.
What role do algorithms play in the way we interact with the internet?
-Algorithms play a significant role in the way we interact with the internet by intercepting our actions, such as scrolling, and shaping our online experience based on our behavior, which can lead to a cycle of superficial engagement and reactions.
What solution does the speaker propose to address the negative aspects of the internet?
-The speaker proposes using the internet responsibly and with awareness, educating ourselves and others, and practicing the art of taking time to respond rather than reacting immediately to stimuli, in order to create a better online environment.
How does the speaker relate the concept of freedom to the responsible use of the internet?
-The speaker relates the concept of freedom to the responsible use of the internet by emphasizing the need for individuals to have the freedom to respond thoughtfully to online stimuli, rather than being slaves to immediate reactions and the influence of algorithms.
What historical figure does the speaker mention to illustrate the importance of fighting for rights and equality?
-The speaker mentions Sojourner Truth, the first black woman slave to be freed in America, to illustrate the importance of fighting for rights and equality, and the willingness to continue the struggle for the betterment of society.
What is the speaker's personal practice in response to online negativity?
-The speaker's personal practice in response to online negativity is to wait a few days before responding to an insult, which is a way of taking time to process the stimulus and respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting immediately.

Outlines

00:00

🌙 The Impact of Space and Internet on Humanity

This paragraph discusses the transformative power of significant events such as the moon landing on July 20, 1969, and the birth of the internet on October 29, 1969. It reflects on how these events changed humanity's perception of space and time, leading to a new era of connection and knowledge. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about the early days of the internet, highlighting the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on our lives. The paragraph also touches on the darker side of these advancements, such as the spread of hate and the loss of meaningful connections in the digital age.

05:02

💡 The Role of Internet in Shaping Perceptions and the Urgency for Change

This paragraph delves into the negative consequences of the internet, such as the proliferation of hate speech and the superficiality it can encourage. The speaker contrasts the idealistic vision of the internet as a tool for bringing people closer with the reality of its divisive nature. The discussion includes the impact of social media platforms on our attention spans and the quality of our interactions. The paragraph also addresses the issue of dyslexia and the need for a more empathetic and informed approach to online communication. The speaker advocates for a more conscious use of the internet, emphasizing the importance of taking the time to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

10:04

🤔 Reflecting on Internet Culture and the Need for Awareness

The speaker shares personal experiences with internet culture, including the challenges of dealing with insults and the importance of not responding immediately. The paragraph highlights the need for greater self-awareness and education to counteract the negative aspects of online interactions. It emphasizes the role of algorithms in shaping our online experiences and the potential for us to influence these mechanisms. The speaker calls for a collective effort to improve the internet, starting with individual responsibility and extending to community education. The paragraph concludes with a powerful message about breaking free from the constraints of the internet and reclaiming our freedom to respond with kindness and understanding.

15:07

🌟 The Journey Towards a Better Internet

In this final paragraph, the speaker reflects on the progress made in addressing the issues discussed earlier. It emphasizes the importance of continued effort and collaboration in creating a better internet. The speaker draws inspiration from historical figures like Sojourner Truth, a former slave who fought for equal rights, to illustrate the power of perseverance and collective action. The paragraph ends with a call to action, urging listeners to consider the 'night' of their own lives and to take responsibility for shaping a brighter future, both online and offline.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Space Perception

The term 'Space Perception' refers to the way humans understand and interpret the spatial environment around them. In the context of the video, it is highlighted by the Apollo 11 moon landing, which fundamentally changed humanity's perception of space, making us realize the vastness and potential of the universe. The video uses this event to illustrate how breakthroughs in space exploration have expanded our horizons and influenced our understanding of the world.

💡Internet

The 'Internet' is a global network of interconnected computers that allows for the exchange of information and communication. In the video, the Internet is portrayed as a revolutionary invention that has changed the way we perceive time and connection, enabling instant communication and access to vast amounts of information. However, it also brings challenges, such as the spread of hate and the superficiality of interactions.

💡Time Perception

The concept of 'Time Perception' deals with how individuals interpret and experience the passage of time. The video discusses how technological advancements, particularly the Internet, have condensed our sense of time, making us feel like we live longer yet have less time due to information overload and constant connectivity. This perception shift affects our ability to engage deeply with content and others.

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain's reward system, influencing our feelings of pleasure and motivation. In the video, dopamine is mentioned as the chemical reaction behind our addiction to the Internet and its instant gratification, such as receiving notifications, which can lead to a compulsive cycle of seeking more online interactions.

💡Responsibility

The term 'Responsibility' refers to the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. In the context of the video, it emphasizes the need for individuals to use the Internet with a sense of responsibility, being mindful of the content they consume and share, and the impact of their actions on others.

💡Disability

Disability refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. The video addresses the issue of how people with disabilities are often misunderstood or stigmatized, and it calls for a more empathetic and informed approach to diversity and inclusion, both online and offline.

💡Community

A 'Community' is a group of people sharing common interests or goals. In the video, the concept of community is used to emphasize the collective responsibility we all have in shaping the Internet into a more positive and inclusive space. It highlights the importance of working together to address the challenges posed by the digital era.

💡Education

Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and habits. In the video, it is presented as a crucial tool for fostering a more responsible and conscious use of the Internet. By educating ourselves and others, we can promote a healthier online culture and counteract the negative effects of the digital age.

💡Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. The video discusses the phenomenon of cyberbullying as a negative aspect of the Internet, where anonymity and distance can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior towards others.

💡Influencer

An 'Influencer' is an individual who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience. In the video, the term is used to reflect on how aspirations and career goals have evolved with the Internet, shifting from traditional roles like astronauts to modern digital personas.

💡Hate

Hate refers to intense or passionate dislike. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the negative emotions and harmful behaviors that can be facilitated by the Internet, such as online harassment and the spread of hateful rhetoric. The video calls for a collective effort to counteract this hate and promote a more positive online environment.

Highlights

The night of July 20, 1969, was defined by poet Ungaretti as a night different from all others, marking a change in humanity's horizon as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon.

On October 29, 1969, a message from the University of California, Los Angeles to Stanford's research center crashed, with only the first two letters 'Lo' sent, signifying a change in the perception of time and connection.

Space and time are two parallel lines on the same track, both being incredible revolutions for humans.

In 50 years, the perception of space and time has changed, with the internet playing a pivotal role in these transformations.

The internet has allowed us to dream big and create incredible innovations, like fitting the knowledge of the largest library into a tiny hard disk and sending it across the world in a short time.

Despite technological advancements, the internet has also facilitated the spread of hate, showing a darker side of human nature.

Children of past generations aspired to be astronauts, while today's children often dream of becoming influencers, reflecting a societal shift.

The internet has been a dream come true, enabling individuals to do everything they ever wanted to and more.

The story of a child receiving a computer instead of a moped and using it to create his first website illustrates the empowering nature of the internet.

The evolution of the internet, from YouTube to Instagram and TikTok, has significantly changed the way we consume content and perceive time.

Algorithms on social media platforms are designed to capture our attention and manipulate our behavior, often leading to a lack of depth in our interactions.

The internet has modified our perception of time, making us feel like we live longer yet have less time for meaningful connections.

The importance of taking time for meaningful actions and words has diminished in the age of instant internet communication.

The concept of 'response' versus 'reaction' is crucial in understanding how we interact with internet content and the importance of thoughtful engagement.

The story of a politician bullying a person with dyslexia and the subsequent lack of accountability on TV highlights the need for a more responsible use of the internet.

The idea of freedom in the context of the internet is the freedom to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

The practice of taking time before responding to an insult or a piece of news is emphasized as a way to overcome the negative aspects of the internet.

The importance of raising awareness about the responsible use of the internet and educating others is stressed as a collective effort to improve the online environment.

The narrative concludes with a call to action for a better internet and a more thoughtful humanity, free from the shackles of hate and mindless scrolling.