Potential Abstract: This study investigates the potential of safe spaces to promote sociopolitical discourse in a conservative policy environment. With the polarizing nature of contemporary sociopolitical issues, the need for inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can be expressed and respected is crucial. Safe spaces have emerged as a potential solution to address this need, offering individuals a supportive environment to engage in open and respectful dialogue. However, the effectiveness of safe spaces in bridging political divides and promoting meaningful discourse remains understudied.
Drawing on sociopolitical theory and the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) as a potential technological framework, this research examines the impact of safe spaces on fostering sociopolitical discourse within a conservative policy environment. The IPFS, a decentralized and censorship-resistant network, presents an innovative platform for facilitating dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries and political affiliations.
Through a mixed-methods approach, this study will explore the experiences and perceptions of participants engaging in sociopolitical discourse within safe spaces facilitated by the IPFS. Qualitative data will be collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups to capture the nuances of participants’ experiences and the impact of safe spaces on their sociopolitical understanding and engagement. Quantitative data will be obtained through surveys to measure changes in participants’ attitudes and behaviors towards political discourse.
The findings of this research have the potential to inform educational policymakers, practitioners, and technologists on the efficacy of safe spaces and the IPFS in fostering sociopolitical discourse. By understanding the role of safe spaces and the technological affordances of the IPFS, educators and policymakers can design and implement interventions that promote inclusive and respectful dialogue across ideological divides.
Potential References:
- The aesthetics of decentralization
- Fake news: A technological approach to proving the origins of content, using blockchains
- Blockchain for automotive: An insight towards the IPFS blockchain-based auto insurance sector
- BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY FOR PRESERVING DIGITAL LAND RECORDS Case of Addis Ababa City Administration
- Back-ups for the future: archival practices for data activism
