The South Haven Speakers Series presents Dr. Lisa Schirch of the University of Notre Dame speaking about the best and worst impacts of technology on polarization and social cohesion. Drawing from her research, Dr. Schirch will use case studies and examples to explain how some technology platforms encourage polarization. Her presentation will also include an overview of new technology platforms that can build greater trust and care among Americans. The presentation is entitled, “How Technology Both Increases Polarization and Builds Bridges in a Divided United States Election Season.”
“The South Haven Speakers Series is pleased to have an expert address political polarization in a non-partisan way,” said Julie Cowie, Vice-President of the South Haven Speakers Series. “This topic captivated our board as we prepared for the 2022 season and we are thrilled to have an expert from the Kroc Institute address this timely topic.”
Dr. Schirch holds the Richard G. Starmann Sr. Endowed Chair in Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. She is also Senior Fellow at Toda Peace Institute where she directs the Institute’s “Social Media, Technology, and Peacebuilding” program. The author of eleven books, her most recent is Social Media Impacts on Conflict and Democracy: The Techtonic Shift (Routledge, 2021).
The South Haven Speakers Series is in its seventh year. Dr. Schirch will present at the South Haven campus of Lake Michigan College on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm and refreshments are served. Admission is $10 at the door. Students, clergy, and teachers are admitted free. The South Haven Speakers Series is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Covid protocols will be observed. For more information, visit www.SouthHavenSpeakersSeries.org.
