Can We Fix How We Talk (and Listen) to Each Other? | Deb Roy

Core Argument - The current communication landscape, particularly social media, promotes extreme positions and hinders nuanced understanding, impacting both online and in-person interactions [4][5] - A new communication model is proposed, focusing on facilitated small group conversations and AI-assisted analysis to promote listening and understanding [6][7] - This model involves three steps: facilitated small group conversations, AI-assisted theme identification, and sharing insights back with participants and the public [8][9][10][11] Proposed Solution & Methodology - The solution involves creating "circles of trust" with 4-6 people using structured conversation guides to share personal experiences [8] - AI tools are used to identify themes and narratives from transcribed conversations, creating voice outputs and conversation maps [10] - The insights are shared back with the participating groups and, with consent, used to create public media outputs and inform policy [10][11] Applications & Impact - The approach has been successfully implemented in various settings, including high schools, city planning, and national media [20][21] - Partner organizations have used this listening approach to drive meaningful social impact across the country [21] - The model aims to build agency within communities to shape their own communication spaces, decentralizing the process and supporting human skills with AI [22][23] Call to Action - Individuals are invited to learn about the approach and implement it in their communities [31] - Individuals can host conversations about AI using provided conversation guides and contribute their voices to a larger network [31][32] - Individuals can join the American Conversation Project to participate in national conversations about America's identity and future [32][25]