Metis, Volume 4

Article

Metis is the journal of IPPR@universities, the student thinktank network. The theme this year - connectivity - is an ever-important issue in this globalised, networked age, and one which our authors have tackled from a wealth of different and sometimes surprising angles. This collection of essays considers the past and future of the internet's impact on economic development, and the balance between freedom and censorship - and finds that much of policymaking in these areas is in need of a generational reboot.

Metis aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage with the policy process, and gives them a unique platform to express their opinions, critiques and solutions. This fourth volume of Metis showcases the continuing evolution and strengthening of the IPPR@universities programme since it began in 2010, and features contributions from the universities of Sheffield, Warwick and York.

Edited by Nathan Tanswell from the University of Sheffield, volume four of the journal is comprised of eight essays by student thinktankers:

  • Ben Fischer, Sheffield - Universal internet access: The argument for a new international body to promote and enforce it
  • Emily Owen, Sheffield - 'Pro-ana' sites: Limiting freedom is the price we have to pay to protect vulnerable people
  • Calum Young, Sheffield - How do you like me now? Changing the social acceptability of legally problematic social media activity
  • Elettra Ardissino, Warwick - Connecting people: Challenges and solutions for increasing internet access in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Gary Fawdrey, York - Regulation and protection: Combating the dangers of violent internet pornography
  • Sam Matthews, Sheffield - Improve internet security without restricting internet freedom: Restricting internet access to those with up-to-date anti-virus software
  • Finlay Green, Sheffield - How to achieve a digitally inclusive Britain: Addressing the demand side
  • Michael Shneerson, Warwick - #SixFeetUnder: The internet, social networks and death

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