Can we agree on a shared reality without it collapsing into political theatre? Hear from digital platforms researcher Joanne Gray, and one of Australia’s foremost social trends researchers, Rebecca Huntley. Hosted by Fenella Kernebone, cultural curator and accomplished radio and TV presenter.
This conversation is about how we got to this point in the state of public discourse and social cohesion today. Is big tech skewing our views and undoing our capacity for tolerance? What actually divides Australians and more importantly, what brings us closer? How do we create – and regulate – spaces for dialogue that encourage open exchange, not outrage; that expand our worldview, not retreat into echo chambers?
Presented by Sydney Ideas as part of our Conversations for Good series. You might also be interested in the next event 'Conversations for Good: Across political philosophies' on Thursday 16 July.
| When | Wednesday 22 April, 6:30 – 7:30 pm |
| Where | The Sibyl Centre |
| Accessibility | Lift and wheelchair access, and hearing loop, is available at the venue |
| Entry | Free and open to all. Register for full details and to confirm your spot |
Joanne is Chair of Discipline, Media and Communications in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney. She is an interdisciplinary academic with expertise in Internet and digital technology policy and governance. Her research seeks to understand how corporate digital society actors—such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft—exercise private power, and to support public interest policy and governance interventions.
Rebecca is one of Australians foremost researchers on social trends. She is the author of numerous books including How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference (Murdoch books, 2020). She writes regularly for The Monthly, Australian Traveller Magazine, The Guardian and the SMH. She is a Fellow of the Women Leadership Institute of Australia and of The Research Society.
Rebecca holds degrees in law and film studies, and a PhD in Gender Studies from the University of Sydney. She is currently a Senior Associate at Sydney Policy Lab.
Fenella is a cultural curator, speaker and presenter. As Head of Programming for SXSW Sydney, she helmed the largest conference in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, working with world-class speakers and partners to create unforgettable experiences.
She's previously curated TEDxSydney and Sydney Ideas. An accomplished TV and radio presenter, podcast host, and MC, she has hosted hundreds of events spanning tech, arts, business, design, and culture. She serves on the board of Performance Space.