Welcome to
Building a Healthier Digital Future, Together
In a world where technology can feel overwhelming, invasive, or out of control, we believe there are better ways to be discovered. Join us in reimagining how we interact with digital tools—putting people, transparency, privacy, and meaningful connections first.
Imagine a group of interconnected islands—each self-sustaining, sovereign, and thriving, yet deeply connected through shared values and communication…
So, you came!
Welcome to Connected Islands, our collaborative space for exploring, learning, and transitioning to healthier ways of using digital technology. Whether you’re here to raise awareness, dive into deeper conversations, or take some action, you’re in the right place. Together, we can move from harmful patterns—like addictive behaviors, privacy violations, and [adjective] centralization—to a culture that respects our true human nature.
Influence of Digital Eco-Systems
The digital ecosystems we interact with daily—whether through social media, cloud services, or online platforms—are profoundly shaping our lives at every level. From personal habits and family dynamics to organizational workflows and even global systems, these technologies influence how we work, connect, and think. For instance, the dominance of Big Tech is reshaping job markets worldwide, while the algorithms behind social media shape public discourse and individual behavior. Yet, these systems often prioritize corporate profit and convenience over privacy, autonomy, and meaningful human interaction. The question we must ask is:
Are we in control of these tools, or are they shaping us in ways we don’t fully understand?
Collaborative Action Research
This project is a shared space for collaborative, community-driven research and practice around the challenges and opportunities of building healthier digital cultures. We explore topics like privacy-respecting versus privacy-invasive patterns, the ethical use of AI, the impact of digital technologies on children, and the potential of open-source culture and software to empower individuals and communities. Through conversations, toolkits, and collective action, we aim to uncover pathways for transitioning from harmful practices to healthier, more intentional ways of using technology. We’re not just studying the situation but actively exploring new pathways.
Open Source Culture
At the heart of this project lies the open-source culture—a movement built on collaboration, generosity, and transparency. These principles resonate deeply with our mission, and we actively harness open-source software and practices to enhance every aspect of our work. From creating toolkits and developing privacy-respecting products like NextCloud server packages, to designing digital platforms that engage the community in research, open-source culture empowers us to build solutions that are accessible, ethical, and community-driven. By embracing this spirit, we not only advance our goals but also contribute to a broader ecosystem of shared knowledge and collective progress.
Online Collaborative Space
Our Practice Ground
At the core of our offerings is a NextCloud server—a secure, privacy-respecting online space designed to be your practice ground for healthier digital habits. Built on a green VPS, powered by Linux and Docker, and equipped with NextCloud Hub and an email server, this platform is a robust alternative to privacy-invasive cloud services. It includes features like file management, online document collaboration, email, calendar, contacts, whiteboard, and even conversation and video conferencing tools. More than just a product, it’s a step toward reclaiming your digital sovereignty—a space where collaboration thrives without compromising privacy or ethics.
Cost & Features
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