January, 12-13, 2023

Exerzitienhaus Leitershofen, Stadtbergen

The aim of this two-day workshop was to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the theoretical concepts of social resilience and to facilitate the design and development of collaborative research projects among the members of our working group. During the workshop, participants engaged in extensive discussions on the theoretical underpinnings of social resilience in different disciplines, including its definition, dimensions and the complex interplay between individual, community and societal resilience. In small group sessions, participants brainstormed and outlined potential research initiatives that could advance our collective knowledge of social resilience. These discussions led to the identification of key research themes, methodologies and opportunities for collaboration.

Members of the working groups have designed a survey to explore perceptions of the role of science during the COVID-19 pandemic and social resilience. In particular, the survey collects data on perceptions of uncertainty, the dynamics and conflicts of scientific evidence provided during the pandemic and relates them to media use, trust in science and scientists.

We conduct a web-based experiment on the impact of negative, neutral and positive affect on the evaluation of socio-scientific environmental dilemmas (i.e. traffic, disposable products, high carbon footprint foods). Affect is induced by photographs. For each dilemma, participants rate their agreement with policy measures to counteract collective loss and their willingness to forgo personal gain. At the behavioural level, participants can donate to an environmental charity and download information about each dilemma.

Members of the working group are organising a special issue on 'Resilience in Digital Times' for the journal 'Datenschutz und Datensicherheit'. The editors are Benedikt Buchner, Helena Bilandzic and Anja Kalch.

The digital revolution has changed the way we communicate, access information and interact with each other. However, with these advances come challenges such as filter bubbles, echo chambers, fake news, disinformation and digital illiteracy, which have significant implications for the resilience of societies. This special issue aims to explore how societies and individuals can build resilience in the face of these digital challenges.

We welcome contributions that address a wide range of issues related to resilience in the digital age, including but not limited to

• Filter bubbles and echo chambers: Exploring the mechanisms behind filter bubbles and echo chambers, their impact on information consumption, and strategies for promoting diverse perspectives.
• Fake news and disinformation: Analysing the spread of fake news and disinformation in digital environments and strategies to combat their impact on society.
• Digital literacy: Exploring the role of digital literacy in enhancing individuals' ability to critically evaluate online information and make informed decisions.
• Legal and ethical considerations: Examining the legal and ethical aspects of data use, digital privacy and the regulation of digital platforms.
• Economic Implications: Assessing the economic implications of digitalisation, including the gig economy, platform economies, and their impact on employment and income distribution.
• Psychological perspectives: Exploring the psychological factors that influence online behaviour, susceptibility to misinformation, and the development of digital resilience.
• Communication strategies: Analysing effective communication strategies to counter misinformation and promote digital literacy.

Papers should not exceed 25,000 to 30,000 characters (including spaces and footnotes). The deadline for expressions of interest with an abstract of 200 words is 30 September 2023. The deadline for submissions is 31 December 2023. Expressions of Interest and submissions should be sent to benedikt.buchner@uni-a.de.

December, 7-8, 2023

Schloss Blumenthal