1. Definition
The word default refers to a pre-selected option or a failure to act. In a technical sense, it is the setting or value that is automatically assigned to a software application or computer program when no alternative is specified by the user. (Source: Wikipedia)
2. Context of the Internet
In the landscape of the Web, defaults dictate how we experience the internet. From the “default browser” on your smartphone to the privacy settings on a social media Portal, these pre-set configurations determine what data we share and what content we see. Most users never change their defaults, giving tech companies immense power over the flow of information.
3. Environment & World Peace
- Environment: Default “eco-modes” on hardware and “dark mode” defaults on websites can significantly reduce energy consumption across millions of devices.
- World Peace: Peace is often maintained by the “default” of diplomacy. When communication defaults to transparency rather than secrecy, it prevents the misunderstandings that lead to conflict. Setting “Peace” as our global default requires intentional systemic design.