dutch design week, 17-25 oktober 2026 eindhoven

Connection Lost

Social media; we once thought they would bring us closer, but they have only pushed us further apart. How can we truly reconnect online?

Hosted by Waag Futurelab

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Entrance fee

Free access

Accessibility

Tactile
Toilets available
Partially wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair friendly toilet available

Opening hours

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We've been disconnected. Not because of a bad phone signal, but because of the platforms that now dominate the internet: social media. Once we thought these platforms would bring us closer, but they have actually pushed us further apart. Discover how we can truly reconnect online.

Antisocial media

Social media are no longer social. Big tech platforms such as Meta and X determine what we see in our news feeds and are a breeding ground for disinformation, hate speech and political manipulation. Social media algorithms encourage outrage, controversy and extreme (or even far-right) opinions generate clicks. A perverse revenue model prevails over human connection. We can say that social media have become an antisocial space. 

That's a shame, because social media should be a place for exchange, where you learn from each other and get inspired. The good news: there are alternatives! It is possible to share news and updates with friends and followers without using big tech.

During DDW, Waag will explore how we can reconnect online. Visit our booth to get a sneak peek of the future of social media. Discover what is so problematic about the internet and what we can change to ensure that no single central player has power over our social media, but that responsibility and ownership are shared. Finally, we are very curious about your wishes and feelings about connection. Leave a message after the tone and tell us how you see the future of social media!

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programme.hosted_by.about Waag Futurelab

For 30 years, Waag Futurelab has contributed to the research, design and development of fair technology and a sustainable, just society. Waag works as a trans-disciplinary team of designers, artists and scientists, utilising public research methods in the realms of technology and society. This is how Waag enables as many people as possible to design an open, honest and inclusive future.

Colofon

Concept Development Thieu Custers
Concept Development Tanja van Zoest
Redactie Teska Drosten
Production Sunke Puell
Graphic Design Bas van Druten
Video production Fien Leeflang