How to shape a Tech-Driven Yet Human-Centric Future
Attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is an inspiring experience for me - every year. But this year, the «Future House» truly stood out. A unique collaboration between Human Change and Project Liberty fostered an environment where technology wasn’t merely celebrated but critically examined for its role in shaping a better, more equitable world. Among the many engaging sessions, three discussions profoundly impacted me, addressing some of the most pressing issues in AI, digital well-being, and the future of the internet.
Trust in, Trust Out: AI in a World of Better Data Stewardship
On the stage: In the picture: left: Audrey Tang (Cyber Ambassador, Taiwan), middle: Jimmy Wales (Founder, Wikipedia), right: Vilas Dhar (President & Trustee, The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Moderator)
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly altering power structures and democratic institutions. In this session, the experts explored how AI can be aligned with ethical data stewardship to serve humanity rather than undermine it. Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador, emphasized the importance of digital democracy initiatives, while Wikipedia’s founder, Jimmy Wales, highlighted the necessity of transparent and open data governance. Moderator Vilas Dhar steered the conversation toward actionable steps to ensure that AI strengthens democratic values rather than erodes them. The discussion underscored that ethical AI development must be a priority if we aim for a digital future that is both innovative and responsible.
Lessons from Research for Smartphone-free Spaces in Childhood
On the stage: Chris McKenna (Founder & CEO, Protect Young Eyes), Dr. Marco Gui (Associate Professor & Co-founder, Patti Digitali), Dr. Mitch Prinstein (Chief Psychology Officer, American Psychological Association, Moderator), Dr. Phil McRae (Educator & Scholar), Julie Scelfo (Founder & Executive Director, Mothers Against Media Addiction)
The omnipresence of smartphones and tablets in education has sparked global concern. This panel discussed the growing movement toward smartphone-free policies in schools and communities, highlighting both challenges and successes. Chris McKenna and Julie Scelfo shared real-world examples of initiatives that have successfully reclaimed students’ focus and creativity. Dr. Marco Gui provided research-backed insights into the cognitive benefits of reducing digital distractions, while Dr. Mitch Prinstein emphasized the psychological ramifications of constant screen exposure. The role model function of adults was also criticised. The session reinforced the idea that we must take proactive steps in redefining childhood in the digital age, ensuring that the youngest generation can grow up with meaningful, undistracted learning experiences.
Fixing the System: How Web3 Can Upgrade the Internet
On the stage: Marta Belcher (President & Chair, Filecoin Foundation), Tom Duff Gordon (Vice President International Policy, Coinbase), Dante Disparte (Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Global Policy, Circle, Moderator), Sheila Warren (CEO at Project Liberty Institute, Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Project Liberty)
As centralized platforms continue to dominate the internet, the promise of Web3 technologies offers a compelling alternative. This session examined how blockchain and decentralized systems could transform online ecosystems by fostering data ownership, privacy, and transparency. Marta Belcher and Tom Duff Gordon delved into the potential of Web3 to empower individuals, while Dante Disparte led the conversation toward aligning these innovations with sound policy frameworks. Sheila Warren, a leader in digital ethics, emphasized the importance of responsible governance to ensure that Web3 evolves in a way that prioritizes fairness and user agency. The discussion left me optimistic about the possibility of a more decentralized and equitable digital future.
My Conclusion: A Transformative Experience
Reflecting on my time at «Future House» in Davos, I am deeply impressed by the commitment of global leaders to reimagine technology as a tool for societal good. The panel discussions and conversations I witnessed were not just theoretical debates but calls to action—reminding me that we have the power and responsibility to shape a digital world that prioritizes trust, well-being, and fairness.
The WEF is often synonymous with rapid technological advancement, but «Future House» proved that innovation should never come at the cost of humanity. These sessions reinforced my belief that with the right frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations, we can create a future where technology truly serves the people, not the other way around.
Interested in experiencing the panel session «Redefining Freedom: Privacy and Speech in the Digital Age»?
On the stage: Sheila Warren (CEO at Project Liberty Institute, Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Project Liberty) Meredith Whittaker (President, Signal), Kenneth Cukier (Deputy Executive Editor, The Economist)
Author: Christine Kranz, MCC LinkedIn ∙ Facebook ∙ Twitter Picture credit: Christine Kranz @ WEF Davos 2025 at Future House
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