Hi I’m Chris Zhao, an intern in the IDPO team. I’m currently studying a Master of Digital Communication and Culture. It’s my last semester at the University of Sydney. Looking back, my courses seem to connect through a common thread: the intersection of emerging technologies, communication, and society. Emerging technologies have revolutionised how we interact with the world—making communication more immersive and accessible—but they have also given rise to new challenges. Meanwhile, evolving laws and regulations aim to address these issues, attempting to provide solutions and improve accountability.
Choosing an internship as my capstone project was a goal that I set for myself from the moment I began my Master’s programme. The IDPO aligned perfectly with my passion for research, analysis, and exploring the evolving relationship between technology, policy, and society. My interest in the IDPO stemmed from my strong passion for AI and the related issues it raises. In an assignment last semester, I analysed issues arising from ChatGPT, such as bias, privacy concerns, and misinformation. These topics captivated me and inspired me to dive deeper into this field. Hence, the IDPO was my first choice for the internship, and the only one I was genuinely interested in.
The IDPO is an open-access, real-time database that compiles diverse resources from policy, academia, news, and user perspectives, offering visual analytics to provide global insights. My first task was to explore the platform from a user’s perspective, looking for ways to optimise it. I focused on misinformation in Australian elections, compiling data over the years and documenting any challenges I encountered. This process not only deepened my understanding of digital policy but also provided a fascinating glimpse into how misinformation has evolved over time. As I explored further, it felt like I was reading the history of emerging technologies and their impact on society.
Throughout my internship, I had the chance to put the knowledge I had gained into practice. The theories I had studied in digital communication, privacy, and regulation suddenly felt alive and relevant, as I encountered firsthand the complexities and nuances of these issues in the real world. It was a thrilling experience to realise that the concepts I had learned were not just abstract ideas, but tools I could use to make a tangible impact.
The highlight of my internship, however, wasn’t just the work itself but the team I met along the way. I am deeply grateful for Terry’s insightful perspectives and the opportunities he gave me to grow. Justin, Ellissa, and Julia’s guidance and encouragement were invaluable, and Rob, Agata, Tim, and Wenjia’s generosity and patience left a lasting impression on me. It is rare to encounter such a supportive, collaborative environment, and I feel fortunate to have worked alongside such passionate individuals.
Even in the short time we spent together, the people I met at the IDPO changed the way I see the world and the work I want to do. This internship brought my Master’s journey to a close in the most meaningful and inspiring way possible, and I will carry the lessons I have learned with me for years to come.
By Chris Zhao
