By Stephanie Zucarelli
In an era of escalating polarization, My Country Talks stands as an innovative media tech project committed to countering division and fostering empathy. At the helm of this endeavor is the team conformed by Hanna Israel (Project Lead) and Sara Cooper (Technical Project Manager) who will talk about this global initiative on Media Party Chicago Day Two.
The roots of My Country Talks can be traced back to 2017 when the ZEIT ONLINE newsroom embarked on a mission to address a pressing question: How can we revive conversations across political rifts in an era of filter bubbles and polarization? The answer emerged in the form of “Germany Talks,” a political dating platform that matched individuals with opposing views for face-to-face discussions. On June 18, 2017, 1,200 people throughout the country convened to engage in these dialogues.
The success of “Germany Talks” prompted media organizations worldwide to recognize the need for more constructive debate across political spectrums in their own countries. In response, My Country Talks was born. Through collaboration with international news outlets, this project evolved into a versatile tool that empowers newsrooms, governments, civil society organizations, and NGOs to facilitate one-on-one discussions in their respective nations.
The software driving My Country Talks was developed by the Berlin-based agency diesdas.digital, whose ingenuity has been recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Jean Monnet Prize for European Integration, the Grimme Online Award, and the IPRA President’s Award. These accolades reflect the project’s remarkable impact and the recognition it has garnered on a global scale.
Since its inception in 2018, My Country Talks has facilitated over 250,000 conversations among individuals in 30+ countries, enabling the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of empathy.
Think globally, act locally: What is “The World Talks” Project?
“The World Talks” represents the pioneering worldwide program launched by My Country Talks. The event aims to connect thousands of people from around the world for one-on-one conversations, one that involves collaboration with 20 diverse media organizations.
Scheduled for June 25, 2023, “The World Talks” stands as an unparalleled global dialogue experiment, inviting thousands of individuals to exchange ideas, stories, and perspectives. This online platform will facilitate one-on-one conversations conducted in English, pairing individuals with differing opinions in an effort to foster understanding and connection.
Join Sara Cooper’s keynote “Burst your filter bubble, save democracy” at Media Party Chicago Day Two. More info at mediaparty.org.
