The emergence and fast-paced development of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, and embedded and ubiquitous computing present myriad forms of opportunities and challenges. For example, the increasing role of AI in autonomous systems (e.g., self-driving cars or production robots) and the role of social media in disseminating misinformation have created anxieties in our society ranging from discussions about safety, job security, and the future of democracy. Understanding the impacts of emerging technologies requires a multidisciplinary, sociotechnical approach; accordingly, this line of investigation must inevitably engage with major questions regarding sustainability, privacy, human agency, equity, and the ethics and governance of information technologies. 

The Social Informatics, Information Ethics and Policy, and Social Media SIGs seek contributors for a full-day pre-conference workshop, the 14th Annual Social Informatics Research Symposium, scheduled for Saturday, 10 November, 2018 from 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during the ASIS&T annual meeting.

We seek panel and paper proposals, in the form of extended abstracts, that examine theories or propose practical solutions to problems of ethics and sustainability in our technologically-dependent lives. We are especially interested in proposals that critique technologies in relation to developing countries, or global perspectives on information policy.

Submission Guidelines (Paper and Panel proposal)

Submission system opens: Friday, 8 June, 2018

Extended Submission Deadline: Wednesday, 29 August, 2018 (extended abstracts (1000 - 1200 words, excluding references))

Notifications:  Friday, 14 September, 2018

Paper Submissions:
Paper proposals will be double-blind peer reviewed. Please remove any identifying information from the text.

Panel Submissions:
Panel proposals will be peer reviewed and may contain identifying information. 

Further Information:

• Submissions should adhere to APA 6^th edition.
• Works in progress will be considered. Selected papers may be published in a special issue of a journal (yet to be named).
• At least one author must be present at the preconference.

List of Topics (not limited to):

• Ethics and governance of platforms
• Ethics and security of the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Ethics of digital equity & privacy in practice
• Privacy, surveillance, and digital trace data
• Misinformation in the age of social media
• Freedom of expression, hate speech, and the role of platforms
• Sustainability, environmental concerns, and information technology manufacturing
• AI, automation, and the impact on job markets

Committees

Program Committee

• SIG SI: 
  • Emad Khazraee, Kent State University, USA
  • Kristin Eschenfelder, Wisconsin – Madison, USA
  • Catherine Dumas, University at Albany, USA
     
• SIG IEP: 
  • Colin Rhinesmith, Simmons College, USA
  • John Burgess, University of Alabama, USA
  • Jenny Bossaller, University of Missouri, USA
     
• SIG SM: 
  • Aylin Ilhan, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
  • Isabelle Dorsch, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
  • Nic DePaula, University at Albany, USA

Organizing committee

• Emad Khazraee, Kent State, USA
• Catherine Dumas, University at Albany, USA
• Rachel Simons, University of Texas, USA
• Colin Rhinesmith, Simmons College, USA
• Jenny Bossaller, University of Missouri, USA
• Aylin Ilhan, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
• Isabelle Dorsch, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany

Invited Speakers

• Dr. Mary Gray from Microsoft Research and Indiana University

Venue

Hyatt Regency Vancouver, BC

Contact

Aylin Ilhan