To truly understand a community’s problems, we must avoid becoming detached. When we’re looking at a situation through a detached lens, we feel like outsider experts that can clearly understand people’s problems. But people have concerns that they don’t articulate. These problems become apparent only when you immerse yourself in their day-to-day and read between the lines. How do you do this? Foster a genuine curiosity about their customs, history, and worldview. You’ll find that they’re more willing to open up and make it easier to understand their concerns. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
