Who we are
*Positive Technology - An applied scientific approach to technology as a way to enhance the positive growth of individuals, communities, and institutions
The Institute for Positive Technology is a research and activity center that critically examines the role and impact of contemporary digital technologies, while providing knowledge and tools to support healthy and informed living in today’s digital society.
Contemporary digital technologies increasingly function as surveillance tools and, over recent decades, have permeated every aspect of our lives—at home, at work, in schools, in public spaces, and during leisure time. While digital technologies have the potential to benefit society—for example, by promoting democracy and equality, fostering open markets, and enabling freedom of expression—misuse can lead to serious social and political harms. These include the creation and amplification of polarization and incitement, mass surveillance, shaming, espionage and control, the spread of misinformation, and the sowing of chaos.
In an era when algorithms influence decisions and human life—including behavior, medical and economic status, employment, social and family relationships, and even thoughts and opinions—is subject to surveillance, critical, creative, and informed engagement with digital technologies has become essential.
The digital revolution we are experiencing can cause political, social, and psychological harm, but these challenges and risks can be addressed if we understand the technology, know how it works, and have practical tools to minimize its negative impact.
The Institute for Positive Technology promotes critical and informed discourse on digital technologies, raises awareness of their challenges and risks, and develops strategies and practices to help individuals and communities navigate the digital world safely and positively.
The Challenge
Smartphones, smart homes, connected cars, AI, security cameras, and our constant sharing on social networks have brought surveillance into every corner of our lives — at home, at work, in schools, in public spaces, and even in leisure.
These technologies can offer security, convenience, and enjoyment — but they also pose risks to individuals, communities, and democratic society.
The Mission
The Institute for Positive Technology is a critical research and activist organization examining how surveillance technologies shape contemporary life.
We aim to:
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Promote digital technologies that serve the public in a positive and reciprocal way.
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Reduce the harms of digital surveillance.
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Provide tools and knowledge to navigate technology safely, healthily, and informedly.
We do this by:
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Understanding the technology — how it works and its effects.
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Equipping people with practical tools to engage with technology responsibly.
The Vision
We believe in amplifying the benefits of technology while confronting its dangers. Our goal is to make the complex understandable, the worrying familiar, and the negative into the positive.
Meet The Team
Dr. Ronen Eidelman
Artist, graphic designer and researcher from Jerusalem. His research focuses on surveillance and supervision systems, social relations and technology, the public space, digital culture, contemporary art, and the relationship between them.
Partners
Department of Theater History
Art and culture magazine
Center for Action Research and Social Justice
Art and Culture Magazine
Azrieli Gallery