Ted2018

Sitting in a large theater in Vancouver, it was almost possible to tune out the outside world — almost. But I was among scientists, entrepreneurs, and technologists, and one thing was certain: The future of the internet was at stake. The event was the annual TED Conference. …

My name is Sören Stamer and I would like to share an idea why the best of all times that Steven Pinker documented for us feels so painful and frustrating to many. I don’t think that this frustration is the result of wrong perceptions or poor communication. Quite the opposite. I like to propose the idea that our collective outcry and pain actually drives progress. Susan Fowler, Ronan Farrow, #metoo, Eric Garner, #BlackLivesMatter, Emma Gonzales, Cambridge Analytica.

TED2018 started with a thought provoking contradiction. The majority of attendees voiced frustration with the past 12 months. “2016 was the worst year ever. That is, until 2017 came around.” And then, Steven Pinker showed us countless stats documenting global progress on many levels. So, what is the source of…