Conference Virtual and Digital Worlds; Real Challenges and opportunities

Join us in person for an exciting dive into the realm of virtual and digital worlds! Discover the real challenges and awesome opportunities these worlds bring to life. The conference discusses the various aspects of digital and virtual public spheres through thematic panel discussions with experts from different disciplines and institutions present their work and discuss the topics. The conference will bring together scholars and experts from private- and public sector for fruitful conversation.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious, this conference offers an interdisciplinary and insightful experience with experts from around the globe. Don’t miss out on networking with like-minded folks and exploring the future of digital interaction!
Please note that when you register, you are welcome to join us for the whole day or just a single panel.

The panels themes are:

• Platform development through the lens of users,
• Platform economics and business,
• Content moderation and public discourse,
• Enhancing decision-making through Artificial Intelligence,
• Cybercrime,
• Consumer persuasion through digital means,
• Digital and virtual work and educational space,
• The Virtual Self.

This conference is organized by the DIGI-APPS research project. This project focuses on the digital governance of internet for accessible protected public spheres. More information on the project can be found here: https://research.tilburguniversity.edu/en/projects/digital-governance-of-internet-for-accessible-protected-public-sp/

Info: This panel raises the question of what users expect of platforms, their design and governance. What kind of privacy protection do consumers expect, are their designs user friendly and how do we prevent a digital divide? These questions will be asked and discussed by the panellists: Sagnik Dutta, Tilburg University; Lisa Markova, Radboud University and Arnout Ponsioen, Hanze Hogeschool. Chair of this panel is prof. Sofia Ranchordas.

Info: Platforms are often provided by private parties and have underlying business models. How do these platforms make money and what is and is not allowed and ethical? Who determines the divides of these proceeds and are all included? These and other business questions are discussed by: Tom Mamer; Dr. Annelieke Mooij, Tilburg University, José Rodríguez, Cátedra Fundación Integra on Digital Rights; Dr. Shrabastee Banerjee, Tilburg University. The panel will be chaired by Rene Otto, partner at Deviant Law.

Info: What is harmful content and where is the line between moderating against harm and censorship? And who gets to decide this line? This panel will discuss these difficult but highly relevant questions. Panellists are: Nil Bosch, University of Barcelona; Dr. Sunimal Mendis, Tilburg University; Prof. Chih-Chieh Yang National Yunlin University of Science and Technology; Zheyu Shang, Leiden University. Chairing this panel will be: Judith Blijden

Info: The future of work and education is it digital, virtual or hybrid? How can we ensure that such virtual environments remain safe, promote creativity and connectivity? A difficult set of questions for the panellists.

Info: During lunch various early-stage academics from around Europe will be sharing their research with you and show the future of research.

Info: Can AI increase the quality of human decision making? What are important aspects to supervise AI's decisions? Perhaps it can even be brought to a level where AI can substitute humans? These questions will be discussed during the panel. This panel will be chaired by Huub de Jong lawyer at Turing Law.

Info: What is crime and how is it proven? How can it be regulated? In the physical world these questions occupy the minds of many. Now imagine these questions in an endless digital and virtual realm. How can legislators and enforcement keep up? What evidence is reliable in the era of generative AI? This question will be discussed by Veljko Turanjanin, University of Kragujevac (Serbia); Renee Pattyn, Ghent University; Laurie Ritzen, Maastricht University, Irene Kamara, Tilburg University. Chair of this panel is Tom Driehuys from PWC

Info: When and how can platforms and environments persuade consumers? What is the role of dark patterns in persuading consumers to remain on the platform. What new data is gathered of participants and how does it relate to addicition? These and other questions concerning consumer persuasion will be discussed in this panel chaired by Silvia da Conca.

Info: What impact does virtual reality have upon user's development of self and mental health? We would also like to reflect upon the relationship between ourselves (virtual users) and our virtual presence. Can we create relationships that mimic those of physical reality? Why do we feel hurt when our virtual identities are bullied or assaulted? What impact does virtual reality have upon mental development of children? Can our virtual presence help heal our physical presence? These questions will be faced head on during the closing panel chaired by Anuj Puri.

Info: What better way to end the day, then with a small reception

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tilburg University, 2 Warandelaan, Tilburg, Netherlands

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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