Try talking it out
We live in a society where the “me first” mindset has become a widespread reflex, and where the instinct for control and dominance is increasingly framing our interactions. This is not just a social trend—it is reflected in the hard numbers: global military expenditure surged to an all-time high of $2.24 trillion in 2023, with every region setting new records, signaling a world prioritizing armament over understanding. This mentality inevitably trickles down, manifesting in our streets, schools, and homes. In the United States, the gun homicide rate remains devastatingly high, with over 14,000 gun homicides reported in 2023, and firearms continued to be the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens. This grim reality underscores a profound shift away from peaceful conflict resolution. People acquire firearms not for sport alone, but out of a belief that dialogue and community have failed, leaving them to seek protection and control through force. We are losing the will—and the skill—to engage with one another, allowing the unbreakable bonds of trust in our homes, schools, and public spaces to be eroded by incivility and fear.
The critical puzzle piece we are missing is not the desire for peace, but the systemic infrastructure to cultivate and sustain it. We have violence interrupters, counselors, and peace advocates, but they operate in a social environment that is often working against them—an environment saturated with antagonistic narratives, perceived anonymity, and a lack of positive behavioral cues. This is where the Behavioral Influence Network (BIN™) becomes essential. The BIN is the foundational layer that reshapes our shared environments, making prosocial behavior the default. Before a conflict escalates to a point where a specialist is needed, the BIN works silently and persistently to prevent that escalation. It uses integrated communication in our daily spaces—transit hubs, digital billboards, public screens—to constantly reinforce norms of respect, de-escalation, and collective care. It makes the choice to walk away, breathe, or seek help the most visible and socially endorsed option. Without this environmental reinforcement, even the most skilled specialists are fighting an uphill battle against a culture of isolation and fear.
The BIN is the missing infrastructure that allows the work of peace and order to take root. It builds the “soil” of civility so that the “seeds” of direct intervention can grow. If you or someone you know is facing a situation that feels like it could lead to violence, please know that help is available. Contact a specialist at Lives in Harmony. We are experts at resolving conflicts and navigating crises. And through the deployment of the Behavioral Influence Network, we are working to create a world where you encounter messages of support and pathways to peace long before you ever need to make that call. We are not just resolving issues—we are building the environment that prevents them.
