Prince Harry Calls for Compassion Online in New Essay for 'Fast Company'
Earlier this summer, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle worked with civil rights groups to call for a Facebook advertising boycott—and now the Duke of Sussex has taken his advocacy to the next level in a new essay for Fast Company, in which he spoke to the "opportunity to do better and remake the digital world."
In this piece, Prince Harry highlights the necessity of a better online experience, in light of the fact that a large part of the global population relies on social media as their primary means of receiving information. In all of this, he emphasizes that "we do not have the luxury of time."
He also clarifies that businesses need to move beyond simple statements, and into greater action, stating that hate and racism, as well as white nationalism, anti-semitism, and dangerous misinformation, are all rooted in a well-established online culture that promotes violence and bigotry. In other words, it's time for big businesses to put their money where their mouths are.
"It is another thing for them to use their leverage, including through their advertising dollars, to demand change from the very places that give a safe haven and vehicle of propagation to hate and division," he writes, continuing, "We’re hopeful to see this approach amongst industry leaders become reality."
The Duke of Sussex ended the essay on a positive note, voicing his hopes that this is the beginning of a movement that places community and connection, tolerance and empathy, and joy and kindness above all.
"The internet has enabled us to be joined together. We are now plugged into a vast nervous system that, yes, reflects our good, but too often also magnifies and fuels our bad. We can—and must—encourage these platforms to redesign themselves in a more responsible and compassionate way. The world will feel it, and we will all benefit from it."
You Might Also Like
