The Digital Polycrisis: A Resource & Framework for the Digital World

By Cha'Von K Clarke-Joell

Overview: "The Digital Polycrisis" by Cha'Von K. Clarke-Joell is an essential guide for navigating the complex, interconnected challenges of the digital age. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in education, operations, AI ethics, data protection, and innovative leadership, Clarke-Joell offers a comprehensive exploration

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leslene's Garden
• Release date: Jun 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869148100

Book preview

Book Cover by Alicia Whitfield

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Dedication:

To Visionaries and Change-Agents of the Future

First, thank you for taking the time to explore the digital polycrisis. I believe that this is a tremendous step towards a more aware and prepared global community. This is a safe space to learn and grow. Welcome.

The publishing of this book is a dedication to my beloved grandmother, Leslene Daniels, whose creative spirit and innovative use of upcycled toilets in her garden symbolised the resilience and ingenuity we need in the digital age.

According to a 2016 article in Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper, when Leslene and her husband, Norman, renovated their bathroom several years prior, they turned a broken toilet and sink into unique planters. This shows the creativity, innovation, and collaboration of Leslene and Norman, which is so relevant to the future of AI and digital technologies. You can read their story in a newspaper article called Daniels’s Quirky Pots Leave Tourists Flushed here.

This book is also dedicated to those who seek to navigate and shape the digital landscape with resilience, ingenuity, upcycling, and innovation. Inspired by the creativity of my grandmother’s garden where she transformed ordinary objects into extraordinary planters, the publishing projects at CKC Cares are dedicated to the empowerment of others and to sharing our experiences with AI and emerging technologies that can be harnessed for positive future development and change.

In the same way that my grandmother and her husband Uncle Norman turned discarded items into sources of life and inspiration, The Digital Polycrisis aims to help create paths that can turn the sometimes dark and dangerous world of cyberspace into a place where positive growth and innovation can flourish. This makes it more than a book; it is a catalyst for ongoing research and development in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and digital governance. It emphasises the critical importance of understanding and navigating our interconnected digital landscape to adapt and manage change effectively.

Resilience through Continued Exploration: The Digital Polycrisis serves as a foundation for deeper study, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of the digital polycrisis. Embracing lifelong learning ensures we adapt and thrive amidst rapid technological changes.

Ingenuity in Recognising Overlap and Connectedness: Understanding the connections within our digital landscape is crucial for adapting to change. As my grandmother saw

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potential and opportunity in discarded items, we must recognise the interconnections in our digital world to innovate and progress.

Upcycling in Holistic Perspective: Every aspect of our lives is impacted by digital advancements. This book ensures readers appreciate the multifaceted effects of existing and emerging technologies on society, advocating for sustainable and creative approaches.

Just as my grandmother’s quirky pots left a lasting impression on all who saw them, I hope this book leaves you with lasting insights and the drive to navigate the digital age with confidence, curiosity, and ethical acumen.

Photos by Blaire Simmons, The Royal Gazette newspaper, Bermuda.

Your dedication to making the future of AI and emerging technologies exciting, safe, and accessible inspires a holistic approach to navigating the digital age. Together, we can create a harmonious and inclusive digital future.

The Mindset Shift Challenge Invitation

Join the Mindset Shift Challenge to show a commitment to AI and digital ethics. Share your insights and experiences on social media using #DigitalPolycrisisMindset. Your contributions might inspire or empower others in ways we can’t foresee, fostering positive change in the age of AI, much like how Leslene and Norman Daniels turned everyday items into extraordinary planters, symbolising creativity and innovation.

Preface

Welcome to The Digital Polycrisis, a journey through the intertwined crises of our digital age!

With nearly two decades of experience in education, business development, operations, AI ethics, data protection, and innovative leadership, I have written this book to be an engaging and informative exploration of technological advancement, offering insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

The digital polycrisis is a complex and multifaceted issue, and no single book or author can claim to have all the answers. The Digital Polycrisis is my contribution to the ongoing dialogue, and I recognise the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives in addressing these challenges. This book serves as an invitation for readers to explore the concept of the digital polycrisis, reflecting on how it relates to their own lives and professional contexts, and empowering them with the tools and insights needed to navigate this landscape in their unique ways.

While The Digital Polycrisis offers a broad framework for understanding the interconnected challenges we face, each sector and technology has its specific nuances and considerations. Readers are encouraged to use this framework as a foundation for developing targeted, industry-specific strategies and to engage with experts and stakeholders in their respective fields.

The digitalpolycrisis.com website complements the book by offering a holistic and inclusive experience with interactive resources, learning experiences, and opportunities for collaboration and learning. By helping to foster a global community committed to responsible technology development and ethical innovation, the Digital Polycrisis project joins forces with various international initiatives that strive to create meaningful, transformative, and uplifting changes in people’s lives.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital polycrisis, we must approach the future with a balanced perspective, grounding ourselves in authentic dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to ethical and inclusive innovation. Together, we can chart a path forward that harnesses the power of technology while prioritising the well-being of individuals, communities, and society.

Disclaimers and Trigger Warnings

This is not a legal or technical book. It is written from the point of view of the author in contribution to global discourse. There are real and fictional case studies throughout to simplify current and future trends for greater awareness and understanding of advanced concepts. It contains discussions on data breaches, cybersecurity threats, and ethical dilemmas in AI that may be upsetting to some readers. Some content may touch upon issues related to social dynamics, parenting, generational differences, and job or career disruption. Readers should manage the consumption of information that they find distressing or disturbing.

The guide, assessment, micro-course, quiz, and results provided are for entertainment and reflection purposes only. The author and CKC Cares are not liable for the results, as the reader makes personal and professional decisions. For tailored guidance regarding careers and decision-making, readers should seek support from professional advisors, health professionals, lawyers, or relevant authorities.

Written by Cha’Von Clarke-Joell, this book project is an innovative experiment blending human expertise with advanced AI technology. The narrative and insights are based on Cha’Von’s knowledge and creativity, while AI tools were used to generate images and refine the content. This collaboration aims to enhance the visual appeal and ensure textual clarity, demonstrating how technology can complement and elevate the work of skilled authors and creatives.

Safety Information

When implementing AI and digital strategies, it is essential to prioritise safety and ethical considerations.

Here are some key steps to ensure responsible implementation:

1. Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential ethical, legal, and societal implications of the AI system or digital strategy.

2. Develop a clear governance framework that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability measures for the development, deployment, and monitoring of the AI system or digital strategy.

3. Ensure transparency and explainability of the AI system’s decision-making processes, allowing for human oversight and intervention when necessary.

4. Regularly audit and monitor the AI system for fairness, accuracy, and potential biases, and implement corrective measures as needed.

5. Provide comprehensive training to employees and stakeholders on the ethical use of AI and digital technologies, emphasising the importance of data privacy, security, and responsible innovation.

6. Engage with diverse stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and the public, to gather feedback and address concerns related to the AI system or digital strategy.

7. Establish clear channels for reporting and addressing any issues or unintended consequences that may arise from the use of the AI system or digital strategy.

For additional guidance and support in implementing AI and digital strategies responsibly and ethically, readers are encouraged to consult with certified professionals and refer to resources provided by organisations such as the IEEE, the World Economic Forum, and the OECD. CKC Cares can offer tailored or personalised guidance for entities, professionals, and students via www.ckccares.com.

Special Thanks

I would like to acknowledge and express my sincerest gratitude to the following individuals for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support:

● L. Ebbin, A. Whitfield, P. Ratteray, and S. Vaidya- thank you for your commitment to the project and for sharing your gifts to make it a reality.

● To my diverse and multidisciplinary reading & review team - T. Lovell, A. Awan, S.

Schwartz, K. Carter, S. Williams, and T. Warner–thank you for taking the time to read chapters and sharing your valuable professional and personal thoughts.

● To my husband, D. Joell and son, K. Clarke- Thank you for listening to my AI adventures and concerns, and for tolerating my crazy writing sessions.

To everyone who encouraged and supported the digital polycrisis project, thank you for being part of this journey to represent a positive impact in the digital age.

About the Author

Cha’Von Clarke-Joell (CJ) is a global professional in AI ethics and data protection, renowned for her pioneering work and visionary leadership. Named one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics for 2024, CJ’s expertise spans various roles and industries, including co-founding The TLC Group of Companies, leading projects at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda (PrivCom), advocating for global inclusion and accessibility, and serving as a lecturer and consultant in AI and data privacy education.

CJ’s multidisciplinary background (psychology, cognitive neuroscience, criminal justice, and creative arts) enables her to approach the digital polycrisis with a unique and holistic perspective. Extensive public speaking and panel experience underscore her thought leadership in the field, and her insights in The Digital Polycrisis aim to guide readers through transformation in the digital landscape, promoting ethics, privacy, and security.

As an active supporter of global initiatives, CJ continues to advance ethical data management, artificial intelligence, and inclusive technological solutions with a responsible, humanistic, and comprehensive approach.

"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous

master."

– Christian Lous Lange

Christian Lous Lange was a Norwegian historian, teacher, and political scientist born in 1869. His famous quote reflects his cautionary perspective on the potential misuse of technological advancements.

The Digital Polycrisis Timeline

The Chronology of the Digital Polycrisis summarises the evolution of digital technologies, cybersecurity, and AI, as detailed in the Digital Polycrisis book. It begins with the Early Computing Era, leading to the Early Internet Era, which Revolutionised communication. The Rise of Social Media introduced advanced data protection challenges, while the Advent of AI brought significant innovations and ethical concerns.

As digital threats grew, the Data Protection and Cybersecurity era emerged, focusing on data protection laws. The current Digital Polycrisis underscores the intersection of challenges in cybersecurity, AI ethics, and data privacy. It anticipates future advancements and regulatory changes, offering a comprehensive understanding of the digital polycrisis’

progression and complexities.

On the next page, you will see a visual diagram detailing the Chronology of the Digital Polycrisis.

To access the downloadable infographic, visit www.digitalpolycrisis.com.

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Before the AI Wave

The Internet

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Our Interconnected Web

Summary: This section introduces the concept of the digital polycrisis, highlighting how various digital crises, such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas in AI, are interconnected. It provides a historical context for the term polycrisis and its evolution into the digital realm.

Key Takeaways:

● Understanding the interconnected nature of digital crises.

● The historical evolution of the term polycrisis

● The significance of recognising and addressing multiple digital threats simultaneously.

The Digital Age and Emerging Challenges

As we navigate the fast-paced world of technological advancements, our lives are becoming increasingly intertwined with digital systems and information. We find ourselves at a point where incredible opportunities and unexpected challenges intersect.

The amazing achievements in technology have merged with a series of crises that can significantly disrupt our interconnected existence in ways we could never have expected.

Welcome to the realm of digital polycrisis..

The Origin and Evolution of Polycrisis

Polycrisis, at its core, refers to the occurrence of interrelated crises, each intensifying the impact of the others. French theorist Edgar Morin originally coined the term polycrisis in the late 1990s to describe the escalating combination of global challenges. Adam Tooze later popularised it, particularly in his 2021 book Shutdown, where he used it to anchor his narrative of the 2008-09 (COVID-19) crisis and the interconnected global challenges.

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Initially, the term was applied to describe the multitude of global challenges such as economic instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions that were interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Tooze’s usage brought attention to the complexity and compounded nature of these crises, indicating that addressing them in isolation was insufficient.

Introducing Digital Polycrisis

By exploring the term digital polycrisis, my goal is to direct focused attention toward the various crises that arise from digital advancements, encompassing cyber incidents, data breaches, and ethics in AI. This term underscores the necessity of addressing these crises with specialised strategies tailored to the digital realm.

Digital polycrisis describes the complex and interdependent crises that arise from the rapid development and integration of digital technologies into every facet of society. Many of the most pressing global challenges are now rooted in or exacerbated by digital technologies.

Issues such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and the ethical implications of AI do not exist in isolation; they interact and amplify one another, creating a web of deeply interconnected crises.

● Cybersecurity Threats

The increasing reliance on digital systems and cyberattacks can lead to widespread disruptions, affecting individuals and entities, and also national security and global stability.

● Data Privacy Concerns

The vast amounts of data generated and shared across digital platforms raise critical concerns about privacy, security, and the ethical use of data.

● Ethical Considerations of AI

The deployment of AI in various sectors introduces complex ethical questions, as AI’s role in decision-making processes can perpetuate inequalities and lead to significant societal impacts.

Exploring the Digital Polycrisis

It is necessary to focus for a moment on polycrisis as digital polycrisis because it highlights the distinctive aspect of these interconnected crises as linked to digital technology.

Focused Attention on Digital Dimensions

This focus is essential because digital technologies, while offering vast opportunities for innovation and connectivity, also introduce unknown risks and vulnerabilities that can exacerbate traditional crises. By emphasising the digital aspect, we are more likely to engage with the specific tools and strategies needed to address these challenges effectively.

It promotes a holistic understanding of how digital technologies intertwine with broader societal issues, suggesting that solutions should be multidisciplinary and integrated. This perspective is vital for developing effective solutions, as it recognises that the impacts of digital technology do not exist in a vacuum and are influenced by various socio-economic, environmental, and political factors. A holistic approach ensures that solutions are technically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

The necessity of developing strategic responses that encompass technological innovation, ethical considerations, and robust policy frameworks is required to manage the complexities of the digital age, where traditional methods may no longer suffice. By framing the digital polycrisis in this way, we can consider interdisciplinary responses, integrating insights from technology, ethics, policy, and beyond to address the interconnectedness of these crises effectively.

Recognising the digital polycrisis means we can better navigate the critical intersection of technology and crisis management. This recognition is key to preparing to mitigate the interconnected challenges of our increasingly digital world.

Polycrisis or Polycrises?

Using the singular form polycrisis rather than polycrises emphasises that these multiple crises are interconnected, influencing one another in a singular, complex scenario that affects organisations and systems comprehensively. This approach highlights the unique challenges posed by digital technologies and also stresses the need for integrated solutions that address the compounded essence of these crises. It supports the call for a shift in perspective from viewing crises as