Innovative communication – FuturiZe thought leader round table

Communication has changed along with and due to technology. The rapidly evolving digital environment allows creating, storing, retrieving, transferring and translating information and knowledge at a volume and speed that were not possible even two decades ago. Communication has not only become instant and accessible, but also affordable, more democratic and borderless due to the spread of internet and mobile invention. However, technology-driven communication is not without potential risks related to privacy breach, content reliability, instant user gratification, influence on consumer behaviour, brand marketing.

This plenary roundtable session will provide a space for reflection on how communication has changed in the last 15-20 years in terms of volume, quality, speed and accessibility of information; communication styles, privacy, human interaction, privacy and social influence, focusing both on benefits and potential risks. The session will include introductory presentations by thought leaders on digital communication and human interaction, communication technology, electronic privacy and cyberpsychology; and will invite addictions experts to contribute different and complimentary perspectives on the changing nature of communications channels and extent of impact on addictive behaviour, drugs purchasing and harm reduction opportunities; as well as the information sources, social norms and perception of risks related to addictive substances.