What does interculturality have to do with… digital ?
Digital tools: an opportunity for interculturality
Intercultural interactions offer both advantages and challenges. Traditionally, these exchanges have been linked to physical mobility, but this often comes with obstacles like visa restrictions, travel costs, and accommodations. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted these traditional methods, showcased how digital technology could address these limitations. With borders closed, digital tools became a vital alternative to continued intercultural collaboration.
Digital technology allows for remote collaboration, such as teleworking and international partnerships, enabling people to connect and work together across distances. Virtual conferences and online collaborative projects provide platforms for individuals from different countries to share viewpoints and work towards common goals without the need for physical travel. For instance, cultural organizations can leverage these tools to share cultural experiences and promote awareness on issues such as racism, interculturality, and gender abuse to a broader audience. Educational institutions have also embraced this shift, with universities creating e-learning platforms and MOOCs, to maintain access to education during lockdowns.
One concrete example of digital intercultural exchange is the Connexion·s project, which connected young people from France, Tunisia, North Macedonia, and Belgium through both physical mobility and virtual interactions. The final activity of the project, conducted entirely online, demonstrated the challenges of digital access, including internet connectivity issues, hardware variations, and various usage habits. However, it also showcased the enthusiasm of young people to collaborate, share perspectives, and pursue common objectives, regardless of physical distance.
Digital tools offer a way around traditional barriers, fostering civic engagement and collaboration on a global scale. Yet, to maximize their potential, it is essential to promote thoughtful and respectful intercultural communication. This means understanding and valuing the symbols and values of other cultures while allowing others to appreciate one’s own. The Connexion·s project culminated in a social media campaign that raised awareness about digital access inequalities and advocated for equal opportunities in the digital realm, stressing the importance of informed participation and inclusion.
Digital technology is a way of getting round certain obstacles and strengthening civic commitment, but it can itself be an obstacle and it is necessary to make conscious use of digital tools. Indeed, as we could see in the “Guide of Good practice” (insert link), digital can be a real alternative to in-person’s experiences.
The obstacles to efficient and responsible digital interculturality
Despite its benefits, digital technology presents its own set of challenges, which must be addressed to ensure responsible and inclusive intercultural exchanges. One notable concern is the environmental impact. While digital communication reduces the need for air travel, it still requires significant energy and resources. Data centers that store and manage digital information consume large amounts of electricity and water, contributing to CO2 emissions. Additionally, the extraction of minerals necessary for manufacturing digital devices often disrupts ecological systems, perpetuating global inequality, as extraction occurs primarily in the Global South while consumption is concentrated in the Global North.
Disparities in digital access also pose significant barriers. Unequal distribution of internet cables leads to better connectivity in northern regions, leaving southern regions with limited access. This was a challenge faced during the Connexion·s project, as varying levels of internet access influenced the ability of participants to fully engage in online activities. These issues highlight the need for greater equality in digital infrastructure and access.
Privacy and data protection are other critical issues. The exploitation of user data for commercial purposes is a growing concern, with the phrase “if it’s free, then you are the product” often cited to highlight the risks. Ensuring the security and privacy of users is a significant challenge in digital intercultural interactions.
Inclusivity must also be a priority when utilizing digital platforms. Language barriers, attention disorders, and physical limitations such as color blindness can all hinder participation. Moreover, the anonymity of the digital environment can sometimes lead to inappropriate behavior, with individuals feeling disconnected from the consequences of their actions. Ensuring respectful and productive communication requires continuous effort.
Finally, the digital environment presents difficulties in maintaining engagement. Staying focused and interested during online experiences is often harder than in face-to-face interactions. As seen in the Connexion·s project, digital interactions require careful management to ensure that all voices are heard, and that collaboration remains efficient and inclusive.
To make informed decisions about the use of digital versus face-to-face approaches, it is essential to weigh the environmental, social, and accessibility factors. The most appropriate method will depend on the specific context of the project, considering factors such as target audience, location, and resources available.
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Discover our results’ analysis on the view and realities of youth regarding intercultural experiences
Read our Study focusing on the contexts, realities and needs of youth in 4 countries for more intercultural experiences and digital use
Play our board game “Objectiv’interculturality” to experience the inequalities and privileges in accessing a various scale of intercultural experiences
