Session: Digital Panel Discussion: Are We Addicted To The Algorithm?

Bezos, Zuck, Musk and the bloke from Google all sat in the front row of Trump’s inauguration.

As a sector we’re reliant on their platforms and products to drive public engagement with our work.

But let’s be honest, even pre-Trump these platforms were problematic, but as a sector we’ve become dependent on them and don’t seem to have a plan B.

Should we be worried, what actions should we take, how do we square the ethical circle?

In this session we’ll hear from a panel of digital experts with a wide range of views on how we should engage with these platforms.

Panel Chair, Jean O'Brien (Digital Charity Lab), Panelists, Mae Dobbs (Electica), Liz Carolan (ICCL), Clare O'Donoghue Velikić (ODV Digital) and Jonathan Nolan (Concern Worldwide)

Topic Guide

• How is the digital / social space likely to develop / change in the aftermath of the new digital order?
• Should we be there?
• What are our red lines, should we have any?
• What’s an ethical way to use Meta/Twitter etc
• Should charities advertise on platforms with poor records on misinformation, hate speech, or data privacy?
• Is it ethical for charities to use behavioural targeting, income profiling, or lookalike audiences?
• Are there alternative digital strategies beyond paid ads?

Jonathan Nolan

Jonathan is the Head of Digital Fundraising & Innovation at Concern Worldwide. He is a results driven marketing, digital media and advertising professional that is experienced in leading high performing teams across top tier brands in both the Australian and Irish markets.

He is data and evidence led, with over 13 years of experience working for major global brands directly and via advertising agencies as a digital director, including on the multi-million euro advertising portfolios for the likes of Reckitt Benckiser, Kellogg’s, TikTok, H&M, Mercedes, Sage, Salesforce, Eir and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Jonathan joined the not for profit sector in 2021 and in the last 4 years has worked directly for UNICEF Australia and Concern Worldwide in Head of Performance and Growth and Head of Digital Fundraising and Innovation capacities.  His experience includes developing digital and integrated media and marketing strategies and leading the development and execution of data, web, market share growth and innovation projects.

His team notably picked up the following awards while at UNICEF Australia for the website revamp and market share/brand growth projects undertaken.

Australian Web Awards: McFarlane Prize for Excellence/Best Website 2023 (from over 200 entrants), Best Community & Culture

Better Future Melbourne Design Awards: Digital Community, Gold 2023

Web Excellence Award (Global) – Not for profit winner 2023

Victorian Premier Design Awards: Finalist

UNICEF Global Inspire Awards: Best Brand Marketing Campaign, 2023