Youngstown Technology Initiative: Social

The social aspect of the YTI (yes, we’re shortening the title to an abbreviated form now) has aims of creating digital platforms that are exclusive to the Mahoning and Shenango Valley city residents, that enable meaningful dialog and communication, as well as advertising platforms for area businesses and organizations. With this, we seek to enable entities to cut through the noise of the regular social media platforms that are overpopulated and distracting with things not relevant to the area. As well, we’ll be creating platforms and methods that get around the problem of algorithms of mainstream platforms/networks that are quite repressive when it comes to content reach. Not only will the platforms (created in conjunction with RunningH20, and streamlined into the Business aspect of the YTI) be able to transform into tech businesses as well. Without the intrusive data-mining and privacy-invasion, the platforms created can produce a space where area interests can reach people closest to them, and operate in a transparent manner (with open audits) that create an environment of trust.

In this aspect of the initiative, we will also seek to foster an environment where responsible social media and Internet etiquette is cultivated. Not in any way is this intended to be a preachy, and certainly not a censored type of environment, but rather one where open dialog (even in disagreement) is encouraged and enabled. Where there is content that is questionable or which can be seen as offensive or troubling, then conversations exploring resolutions can be had openly and hopefully arrived at. The Social aspect of the YTI is in part intended to guide folks to learn how to properly and respectfully discuss, present, and yes — debate, online.

Unlike the social media platforms in the mainstream, these platforms are also where content of substance and societal value are encouraged to be put forth. They’ll be structured in architecture to accommodate outbound links, so as to encourage sharing of information and things of interest, ideally native to the person who is sharing. These platforms can be ways for area residents to showcase their own creativity or endeavors, again — without algorithms to overcome. Information sharing is also the aim of structuring a link sharing-oriented set up.

At the heart and bottom line of the Social aspect of the YTI, it’s to help Youngstown area people develop a better persona for themselves online and to be able to engage in more meaningful ways with others. This character can then be reflected of Youngstown throughout the entire world, via online.

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