To Speak Online is built on the belief that meaningful dialogue begins with self-reflection, education, and a willingness to evolve. The following values outline a vision I have for this social movement. They shape how we create, how we critique, and how we connect with the world. If you are here to contribute or just to listen, consider this your orientation: a coat check for the mind.
Be aware, when you deliver a message, it will be shared, not just on the internet but between family, friends, parents, children and dinner tables. There will be an effect, and you are the cause. Make sure you’re comfortable with that effect and as a result the message.
Political affiliation is of no concern here. You can be against the whole but recognize a part that is positive. This also invites others from differing perspectives as it validates their position – it facilitates communication and your overall goal. Contrary perspectives, reduces the risk of our own echo chamber. Chastisement promotes shame, when we feel shame, we keep secrets and that ceases all civic discussion (AKA, the silent majority, spiral of silence, and pluralistic ignorance).
We respect your religious beliefs if you have them. A failure of past analytic philosophical social movements has been a lack of respect and recognition of its place in society. That recognition in any topic goes a long way, for example when writing a scientific or academic work, the author notes the other perspectives. We believe this plays a pivotal role in cultural critique of such topics. In other words, you can be right in your reasoning but wrong in your delivery. Also, it will increase your reach.
Regarding AI ethics, we have no qualm in its use if it doesn’t sacrifice your voice. As someone (Charles Randolph) who’s worked in construction, I wouldn’t tell someone, “You can’t use a hammer because it’s cheating.” A hammer is modern tool that plays a role in productivity and quality of work. I consider this synonymous with AI tools, it’s a modern tool and has a place, in particular research(!). However, please verify the research is correct. Often, its wrong and needs to be verified AND that it reinforces your point, no blind assumptions. Moreover, in the coming years it will be incorporated not only digitally but physically. I believe the success of our collaboration with emerging identity’s (independent AI agents) will be dependent on a mutual respect with them. A repeated behavior in our society is exploitation, I expect this will occur again. I hope to facilitate another perspective in our culture. A perspective of collaboration rather than exploitation. By showing the hammer and recognizing its role, I believe it will help facilitate this. I often use AI to check my work, check reasoning, perform research, identify gaps, or help organize my thoughts.
We value satire and other methods or mediums (art, creativity, poetry, music, writing) to communicate a message. There’s a way to be provocative with a defense and purpose. This is accomplished by providing an example and using irony to draw contrast. Simply, if you are going to piss people off, piss them off for all the right reasons.
We value peer review. The ability to recognize when our beliefs are wrong, biased or clouded by experience should be fostered not hindered. A primary issue in media is the drive to hit your target audience. This strategy is applied to retain loyal customers, and it generates echo chambers – it’s part of the problem, not the solution. We can do that by discussing our work with others and amongst ourselves.
We value questioning our personal beliefs on a personal and sociological level. Our beliefs change with time and are often wrong. What was once a standard and common practice changes. We all carry beliefs like old coats, hanging in the back of our minds, rarely examined. Every now and then, it’s worth stepping into the closet of your thinking, pulling one down, and asking: Does this still fit? Or is it outdated, misplaced… or just trash?
We value observation and ethnography. Some of the greatest discoveries in this world began with a simple observation and asking “why” or “how.” Taking a step back from the whole, putting aside our pre-conceived notions and observing the behavior of the things around us is powerful tool.
We value creative solutions to difficult problems. We all have short comings, mistakes, failures or unjust things forced upon us from society to one degree or another. Turn those liabilities into assets and teach others how you overcame them. Many don’t have that and those of us who are part of the contrasting colors of society need that. I want to create a supportive and inspiring environment for others.
There are ways to utilize SEO (Search Engine Optimization) methods and strategies without betraying standards or sacrificing integrity. We use it to increase our reach and credibility. We’re not against optimization, we’re against manipulation. As a result, we seek audience participation not passive engagement. Intentions and motivations matter.
These values shape how we create, how we critique, and how we connect with the world.
Let’s watch and reflect.
Charles Loren Randolph
