Embracing Liminality and Navigating Societal Change

The 25th World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) World Conference in Paris is poised to explore the concept of liminality, offering insights into the complex nature of societal change. This gathering of leading foresight scholars and extraordinary thinkers promises to shed light on the confusion and ambiguity surrounding the transformative shifts we are experiencing. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the key themes and ideas emerging from highlighting the importance of shared values, ideologies, and the need for a grand narrative to shape our collective response to the meta crisis.

Embracing Liminality: 

Liminality reflects the transitional phase we find ourselves in as a society. It signifies a departure from the old and a step towards the new, a period where established norms are challenged, and new possibilities emerge. We need a platform for thinkers from diverse backgrounds to address the profound questions and uncertainties that accompany societal change.

Shared Values and Universal Ideals: 

Contrary to popular belief, the confusion and complexity arising from societal change are not exclusive to specific generations. Regardless of age, individuals can embrace the speed and scale of change, finding comfort in the opportunities it presents. Wendell Bell's empirical research on values and ideologies reveals that at the core, humanity shares a common set of universal values. These values transcend political differences and connect us through a collective pursuit of well-being and the flourishing of our planet.

Predicting Futurists' Writing and Advisory: 

An intriguing question pertains to the correlation between ideologies and preferred descriptive and prescriptive frameworks. Is it possible to use someone's favorite ideology as a reliable predictor of their futurist writing and advisory? While further research is required, it is important to recognize that addressing all sides of societal change in an apolitical manner is not limited to centrists alone. Scholars and thinkers across the ideological spectrum can contribute valuable insights by approaching the complexities with an open mind and a commitment to shared well-being.

The Grand Narrative of Civilization: 

One of the central challenges faced by our civilization is the meta crisis - a convergence of various global issues. Addressing this crisis requires a grand narrative that encompasses our ethical system core first principles and values, along with a certain level of certainty regarding our epistemological qualities. The leading foresight scholars, influenced by the collective wisdom of ordinary people, are calling for a global or planetary consciousness. This shared vision seeks to reduce uncertainty, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnections that bind us all.

Triangulating Extraordinary Perspectives: 

The call for global consciousness and reduced uncertainty about the ethical system is reverberating throughout the noosphere, the sphere of human thought. Extraordinary individuals, such as scholars and scientists, are embracing this grand narrative and advocating for a common understanding of our fundamental principles. Like the cosmic microwave background radiation that permeates the universe, this call is echoed from every direction, irrespective of personal affiliations or ideological differences.

The 25th WFSF World Conference in Paris stands as a testament to the importance of embracing liminality and navigating the complexities of societal change. Ordinary people and extraordinary thinkers alike recognize the need for a shared set of core universal values and a grand narrative that guides our civilization towards a brighter future. By fostering global consciousness and reducing uncertainty, we can collectively address the meta crisis and shape a world that thrives on interconnectedness, sustainability, and well-being. The insights and discussions emerging from this conference will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our path forward.

The Age of Consciousness: Addressing the Alarming Dimensions of Social Media and Ideological Extremism

In recent years, various threats to humanity have gained significant attention, with experts warning about artificial general intelligence (AGI), environmental crises, and the potential repetition of historical conflicts such as world wars. However, there remains a critical area that has not received adequate coverage: the alarming dimensions of the age of consciousness empowered by novel social media technologies. This essay aims to shed light on the profound impact of social media on our collective psyche, the emergence of extremist ideologies, and the potential risks associated with the rise of troubled leaders who exploit these platforms to propagate dangerous narratives.

The Power of Social Media: Novel social media technologies have revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and shape public opinion. These platforms have provided unparalleled access to information and facilitated global connectivity. However, the rapid dissemination of information without proper validation has also created an environment where misinformation, echo chambers, and extremist ideologies can flourish.

The Geist and Collective Psyche: The age of consciousness empowered by social media has enabled the rapid transmission of ideas, values, and beliefs on an unprecedented scale. The Geist, or collective spirit of society, is now shaped by the interplay of diverse perspectives and ideologies. However, the unregulated nature of social media platforms often leads to the amplification of polarizing narratives, fostering division and animosity among different groups. This poses a significant threat to social cohesion and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue.

Emergence of Extremist Camps: Social media has become a fertile breeding ground for the emergence of extremist ideologies. The combination of algorithmic biases, echo chambers, and filter bubbles creates an environment where individuals are increasingly isolated from opposing viewpoints. This isolation reinforces pre-existing beliefs, deepening ideological divisions and diminishing the importance of critical thinking and skepticism.

Threat of Troubled Leaders: As the global index of miserableness increases and societal challenges persist, vulnerable individuals susceptible to radicalization may seek solace in troubled leaders who offer simplistic solutions and charismatic rhetoric. The rise of these leaders, empowered by social media, poses a serious risk to social stability, democratic values, and global security. The recent passing of Ted Kaczynski serves as a reminder of the potential danger posed by individuals who exploit societal grievances for their ideological agenda.

Addressing the Challenges: Given the escalating risks associated with the age of consciousness empowered by social media, it is imperative to develop proactive strategies to mitigate the threats posed by ideological extremism and troubled leaders.

Responsible Regulation: To safeguard the collective psyche, governments, technology companies, and civil society must collaborate to establish responsible regulations that promote transparency, accountability, and fact-checking. Striking a balance between free expression and minimizing the spread of harmful ideologies is crucial to prevent the amplification of extremist voices.

Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: Education systems must prioritize media literacy and critical thinking skills to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate the complex information landscape of social media. By fostering an understanding of the mechanisms behind echo chambers, filter bubbles, and algorithmic biases, individuals can develop resilience against extremist ideologies and make more informed decisions.

Strengthening Global Security: Security organizations must adapt to the evolving landscape of ideological extremism, placing a particular emphasis on monitoring and countering the dissemination of dangerous narratives through social media channels. Collaborative efforts at the national and international levels are necessary to share intelligence, develop early warning systems, and dismantle extremist networks.

As humanity faces the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative to recognize the alarming dimensions of the age of consciousness empowered by social media. While existing threats such as AGI, ecological crises warrant attention, the potential risks associated with ideological extremism should not be overlooked.