LookUp and The Social Dilemma Announce Youth 4 Youth iSummit 2021

#TogetherWeThrive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2021

Media Contact: Julie@lookup.live, +1-617-834-9227

CONCORD, MA– A youth-led movement is building to reimagine and redesign a digital world in which young people can genuinely thrive. Embracing the power of youth, two leading forces, LookUp, a nonprofit social venture, and the creators of the Netflix Docu-drama, The Social Dilemma, are teaming up to host the second annual Youth 4 Youth iSummit (Y4Y iSummit), October 14-17th, 2021.

The digital transformation of society is happening at a rapid pace yielding many undeniable social and economic benefits: mental health and wellbeing communities and support are more available online, access to information and economic opportunities have improved, as has the use of artificial intelligence to advance the sustainable development goals. Yet, our disruptive and ubiquitous digital ecosystem and attention economy are wreaking havoc on the social, emotional, and developmental fabric of our youngest generations - those born digital. Consider the following:

• Fact - Children who are cyberbullied are 3X more likely to commit suicide

• Fact - Non-fatal self-harm for girls 10-14 has increased 189% since 2009 - coinciding with the launch of Instagram

• Fact - Nearly 1 in 3 teen girls have been asked by adults for nudes online

• Fact - 50% of youth surveyed say they feel addicted to their phones.

The Y4Y iSummit is a catalyst for uniting, amplifying and mobilizing youth advocates and their allies who are taking bold actions to reverse these negative trends to create a healthy, more inclusive, and ethical digital world. Nearly 700 advocates representing 38 countries registered for what was believed to be the largest known gathering of youth changemakers committed to this global movement. More than 100 youth speakers and thousands of attendees are expected to attend the 2021 event, which will be hosted virtually around the clock in the US, UK, and India. To foster a welcome and inclusive environment, donor and sponsor support ensured that all tickets are FREE.

The Social Dilemma and LookUp share a belief that our digital ecosystem is broken and should be redesigned to benefit the whole of society - especially youth. Y4Y iSummit sessions, workshops, Solver Circles, and Meetups will focus on five action areas:

Youth leaders interested in speaking at the Y4Y iSummit should use this FORM to apply. Those interested in attending any or all of the Y4Y iSummit should register HERE. 

LookUp is a youth-led 501(c)(3) social venture dedicated to helping young people thrive in the digital world. Through our flagship programs and events, we discover, empower, and mobilize youth leaders who are taking action to raise awareness, inspire, and design a healthy, more inclusive, and equitable digital world. Exposure Labs is the film & impact production company behind The Social Dilemma a film that blends documentary investigation and narrative drama to disrupt the disruptors, unveiling the hidden machinations behind everyone’s favorite social media and search platforms. 

www.lookup.live ~ PO Box 1571 ~ Concord, MA 01742 ~ 978-254-7262