Why do we need a new discussion platform?
Smartphones have transformed basic human interaction. Facebook and Twitter rarely generate productive discussions across divergent viewpoints. TV interviews and debates provide little time for talking, leading to rhetorical jousting and “owning” the "opponent.” A lack of nuanced discourse makes it harder to solve crucial problems.
We need a new tool, grounded in the radically empathetic capability of the human voice, with a non-real time format to encourage mindful discussions, not debates, about issues of the day. The goal is to enable nuanced and rewarding conversations that would otherwise not take place.
We need a new tool, grounded in the radically empathetic capability of the human voice, with a non-real time format to encourage mindful discussions, not debates, about issues of the day. The goal is to enable nuanced and rewarding conversations that would otherwise not take place.
How DiscussIt Works:
In a nutshell, DiscussIt involves two discussants recording short (typically five minutes or fewer in length) audio segments of their own points. Here's how it works:
My name is Matt Lichtash, and I want to have a discussion with you about critical issues. I want you to have a discussion with your best friend. With your nemesis. I want everyone to be talking to each other more; together we can more easily find solutions to the day's complex problems. This will not be easy; it will be uncomfortable at first. But these conversations can be immeasurably rewarding in the end, allowing each participant to learn, grow, and mature. I hope you'll join me on this exciting new adventure.
- The person going first, prompted by a recent interaction with a friend or family member, current event, article, or any other situation, would record their thoughts on the matter (either writing it down in advance, or speaking on the fly), and send it to the other person.
- The recipient then has time to digest the other person’s thoughts — crucially, the lack of in-person immediacy affords as much time as needed.
- The recipient may now construct a thoughtful response (as above, either by writing it down first or speaking on the fly), free from the defensive pressure inherent in traditional debate and live podcasts. The goal is to give each discussant enough time to more deeply consider the merits of the other’s words. The recipient then sends back their response.
- Repeat: the back-and-forth continues as long as the participants want. At the end, the segments are combined into one conversation, and, if both parties agree, released for others to hear.
My name is Matt Lichtash, and I want to have a discussion with you about critical issues. I want you to have a discussion with your best friend. With your nemesis. I want everyone to be talking to each other more; together we can more easily find solutions to the day's complex problems. This will not be easy; it will be uncomfortable at first. But these conversations can be immeasurably rewarding in the end, allowing each participant to learn, grow, and mature. I hope you'll join me on this exciting new adventure.
|
|
|