Why Friends of Pandora?
According to ancient myths, Prometheus secretly took fire from God Hephaestus’ workshop and gave it to humankind, an act that provoked the anger of Zeus. The development of human civilisation came to be associated with this “new technology” of fire. Zeus punished Prometheus and then turned against humankind, to whom he supposedly sent a beautiful woman as a gift. She brought with her a pithos (large jar) containing gifts, which is why she was named Pandora (from the Greek words “pan” (all) and “dora” (gifts), meaning “bearing all gifts”). Pandora was instructed not to open the pithos. However, curiosity prevailed and she opened it. The gifts proved deceptive: they were in fact disasters and misfortunes that escaped into the world. The only thing that remained inside, when Pandora managed to close it, was Hope.
As with all myths, this story has many versions and interpretations. We can view this myth through the lens of technophobia: on the one hand, the promise of progress and development; on the other, the fear of destruction. Today, now that the pithos of the digital world has been opened, could we become friends with a contemporary Pandora and reflect on the idea of Hope? How can we make positive use of new technologies and social media to empower individuals and communities? Can we use them as spaces for visibility, democratic representation and creativity, while managing their risks?
We are the #Friends of Pandora! When the pithos opens and unleashes a new digital era, we accompany Pandora as she explores how to use technology to promote social inclusion.