‘What Happens Next?’: Can We Learn to be More Civil?

The digital age has forced our interactions and discourse through a profound transformation. With the advent of social media and the power to connect with individuals worldwide, conversations and disagreements are magnified. But as our exchanges become increasingly digital, we must remember that behind every screen is a human being with emotions and vulnerabilities.

In the final two-part series of its eighth season, Monash University's podcast, What Happens Next?, looks into navigating an increasingly uncivil world, and the potential consequences if we fail to change.

In the last episode of the season, host Dr Susan Carland engages leading researchers in political science, psychology, education and sociology, as well as journalists and public commentators, who provide valuable insights into fostering a more civil society.

The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining civility even when confronting individuals with differing opinions, and the role of civility in preserving democratic principles and nurturing a collective pursuit of the common good.

Listen: Are We Getting More Rude?

Dr Amanda Stephens, an aggressive driving expert and senior research fellow at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, emphasises the importance of being aware of our mindset before engaging with others, on and off the road. How can a negative mindset influence our reactions and lead to incivility?

Political scientist Dr Steven Zech points out that building cooperation – whether it’s between governments or individuals – takes time, but it can be lost in a moment. He advocates for programs that facilitate dialogue and understanding, even in contentious political debates.

Director of the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Professor Lucas Walsh, calls attention to the need to educate young people about common challenges, such as climate change, that demand collective solutions. Understanding what we have in common and addressing these shared challenges can lead to greater social cohesion.

Associate Professor Helen Forbes-Mewett recognises the significance of civility as a cornerstone of social cohesion, particularly in multicultural societies such as Australia. When individuals treat one another with respect and engage in civil interactions, it contributes to a harmonious and well-functioning society.

Scott Stephens, the ABC's Religion and Ethics Online Editor, and co-host of The Minefield, emphasises the essential nature of face-to-face interactions for understanding the moral reality of another person.

Finally, Scott's Minefield co-host, academic and presenter Dr Waleed Aly, identifies two important ways we can remove contempt and engage in good faith while having difficult discussions with people whose views we oppose – or even find reprehensible.

Engaging more civilly, even when we fundamentally disagree, can help bridge divides and promote understanding. Civility is not just a personal virtue. It's a cornerstone of a cohesive society. And as we face existential threats such as climate change, we'll need collective action and accord more urgently than ever.

“In the everyday space, we need to keep thinking about what it is to live in a society. Society is social, and social is relational, and relational is fundamentally what the stuff that we people are made of, and we need to attend to it like a garden.” – Professor Lucas Walsh

Thank you for joining us for season eight of What Happens Next?. We’ll be back with all-new episodes in a few short months. In the meantime, explore our back catalogue or watch your favourite episodes.

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