Social Hackathon: Digital Empathy?
Since lockdown last year, video calls, home working, virtual and hybrid events have transformed the ways we work, learn, and gather together – phrases like “You’re on mute.” are likely to be around for a long time!
We’ve all learned that there are a host of challenges that come from working remotely. Body language is muted; conversations flow in a different way; video fatigue is real!
Yet this new way of working has presented new and exciting opportunities. Here at Empathy Action we’ve been asking ourselves:
Is Digital Empathy possible?
How can we combat video fatigue?
How can we invite people to step into others’ shoes with respect and meaningful impact?
In other words, can we craft an authentic empathy experience over digital waves? And if so, how?
The belief is where there are people there’s a potential for connection.”
UCL’s Social Hackathon
(A social hackathon is a creative collaboration between different groups to find solutions to social problems)
During February, we had a brilliant opportunity to answer these questions. We ran a Social Hackathon with students from University College London (UCL) to explore if and how empathy can be crafted over video conferencing.
Over the course of the day, via Zoom, fifteen volunteers took part in a super experimental version of our Desperate Journeys programme.
In order to anchor this experience, we used our Friendships From Syria bracelet, made by Syrian refugee women in Istanbul. Participants in the hackathon were invited to send them to friends as a tangible act of friendship, and to promote the idea of being friends with those who have been displaced.
Later, we ‘hacked’ at our questions together.
Is Digital Empathy possible?
Yes. It is possible and has great potential. We have learned that it requires us to adapt our approach to suit the new circumstances. We’ve realised the importance of the delivery of the invitation to empathise – virtually encouraging participants to take off their own shoes.
How do we combat video fatigue?
Prepare better: check connection issues, do warm up exercises and give a brief overview of what is going to happen in the meeting.
How can we invite people to step into others’ shoes with respect and meaningful impact?
At the close of the meeting, offer five things you can do to help right now e.g. send a bracelet to someone.
Crucially, we learnt that people have an appetite for what we aim to deliver: a genuine invitation to participate. To feel with others.
More Social Hackathons?
While we are looking at different ways of delivering digital empathy – we’re already working on a new Climate Justice programme to initially be delivered over Zoom – we loved exploring the Social Hackathon model.
We’re keen to try this out again, and/or run experiments with different groups who would like to work with us on insights and hacks.
We are delighted that people are keen to volunteer. As a group run entirely by volunteers, we are always on the lookout for help!
Get in touch if you are interested in our digital programmes or volunteering with us.