HCI and Designing for Democracy - Connected World

What is a democratic internet, and how does it intersect with the evolving nature of HCI? In fact, experts like Elizabeth Gerber, professor and co-director of the Center for Human Computer Interaction Design at Northwestern University, say there is not a single aspect of many humans' lives that is not touched by near-ubiquitous internet access and adoption of connected devices. And while "near ubiquitous" is not the same as ubiquitous and there are still a great number of people without easy access to an internet connection, Gerber says for those who do, computing technology is becoming as invisible and essential as oxygen. As a result, many forget the extent to which they have set up their lives and businesses to depend on it. The internet is a powerful tool, and humans can use it in many powerful ways--including to create social change.