Tracing the future for a more fair, equal and decentralised social media ecosystem

Under the theme Networks are Communities, keynote speakers from a range of sectors, addressed an audience of change-makers, futurists and visionaries. Keynotes included:

Two-time Olympic gold medallist for soccer and advocate for inclusivity, Angela Hucles , spoke on the importance of leadership in community entitled Tech Power for Introverts;

, spoke on the importance of leadership in community entitled Tech Power for Introverts; Cognitive anthropologist Dr. Robert Donald Deutsch explored human behaviour with his talk, Helps and Hindrances in Creating Communities;

Senta Slingerland , former Director of Brand Strategy for Lions Festivals, covered technology and social evolution with Gender Equality, at the Touch of a Button;

, former Director of Brand Strategy for Lions Festivals, covered technology and social evolution with Gender Equality, at the Touch of a Button; Social entrepreneur and food-for-change activist, David Hertz , discussed positive social impact in A Global Social Gastronomic Movement Fostered by Local Communities;

, discussed positive social impact in A Global Social Gastronomic Movement Fostered by Local Communities; Paleoanthropologist and rock art researcher, Genevieve von Petzinger put things in perspective with Social Networking Paleo-style — How Community and Communication Helped Us Survive the Ice Age.

The success of the Summit represents a coming-of-age for decentralised social media engagement, with the use of blockchain technology for the fair trade of user data in the age of growing digital rights, as well as the redistribution of online value.

Victor Zabrockis, JET8 Foundation Chairman, and pioneer of the DENSummit, explained to the press:

“Social media has been historically dominated by monolithic companies that control and own all the activity taking place on their platforms. These platforms monetise users’ personal data, creative output, and social influence, whilst users earn nothing.”

“Decentralised engagement networks such as JET8’s ecosystem allow for a more equal distribution of value. In a JET8 community, the user is completely in charge — of which brands or organisations they support, of their post creation, and also the sharing of their data. JET8’s system is democratic, accessible, and rewarding for everyone,” he added.

The world-press took note, with Forbes, CNN, Campaign Asia, The Drum, MONEY FM 89.3 and Web in Travel to name a few, all attending the world-first event.

Hosted by Julius Wiedemann, Executive Editor of Design and Director of Digital Publications for leading global publishing firm, TASCHEN, the event is expected to become an annual meeting of minds as the world evolves in alignment with new technology designed to make a difference.

For more photos of DENSummit 2018, visit the JET8 Foundation Facebook page.