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Are Humans Really Using Technology For Social Change?

As humans adapt to changing technology, Salim Ismail says true social, philanthropic, and economic change can occur.
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As humans adapt to changing technology, Salim Ismail says true social, philanthropic, and economic change can occur.

There are nearly two billion devices currently connected to the internet. That's according to Salim Ismail, Executive Director of Singularity University. Despite claims technology is forwarding social and economic causes, Ismail says we're actually still in the early stages of figuring out how to adapt these new technological tools.

Ismail is speaking Wednesday evening at an event sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, an independent philanthropic organization.The event will focus on technology, and it's ability to effect social and philanthropic change both at home, and around the world.

KUNC's Nathan Heffel spoke with Ismail via Skype Monday afternoon about emerging trends in social technology.  It's interesting to note, Ismail spoke to Nathan via Google Talk, while Nathan used Skype. Ismail says it's a great example of how emerging technology is being adapted for unique needs.

Ismail was the founding Executive Director for Singularity University, based at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. He has founded or operated seven early-stage companies and was a Vice President at Yahoo, where he launched and ran Brickhouse, Yahoo’s internal incubator.

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