The article discusses the integration of emerging technologies in citizen science projects, particularly for insect monitoring. It highlights the benefits and challenges of using technology in citizen science, emphasizing its potential to enhance data collection, engagement, and scientific impact. Key points include: 1. **Benefits of Technology in Citizen Science:** - **Data Collection and Submission:** Smartphone apps have revolutionized data collection and submission, with a significant portion of GBIF records contributed by citizen scientists. - **Enhanced Engagement:** Technology facilitates data transfer, strengthens connections among participants, project managers, and researchers, and fosters a sense of community. - **New Research Opportunities:** Emerging technologies like computer vision, acoustic monitoring, and molecular methods open new avenues for research, particularly in monitoring small, elusive, or cryptic species. 2. **Challenges and Concerns:** - **Financial Costs and Expertise:** Implementing technology can increase financial costs and require technological expertise, potentially excluding participants. - **Reduction in Direct Engagement:** Technology may reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. - **Data Quality and Bias:** There are concerns about the accuracy and bias of data collected through technology, especially in underrepresented groups. 3. **Future Directions:** - **Equity and Inclusivity:** The responsibility lies with coordinators and participants to ensure that technology is user-friendly, open-source, and accessible to diverse participants. - **Complementarity and Diversification:** New technologies should complement existing methods rather than replace them, ensuring long-term monitoring schemes remain consistent and reliable. - **Collaboration and Funding:** Effective collaborations between ecologists, taxonomists, data scientists, and IT specialists are essential for designing and implementing technology-driven citizen science projects. The article concludes that while technology offers exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, it is crucial to address potential risks and ensure equitable participation.The article discusses the integration of emerging technologies in citizen science projects, particularly for insect monitoring. It highlights the benefits and challenges of using technology in citizen science, emphasizing its potential to enhance data collection, engagement, and scientific impact. Key points include: 1. **Benefits of Technology in Citizen Science:** - **Data Collection and Submission:** Smartphone apps have revolutionized data collection and submission, with a significant portion of GBIF records contributed by citizen scientists. - **Enhanced Engagement:** Technology facilitates data transfer, strengthens connections among participants, project managers, and researchers, and fosters a sense of community. - **New Research Opportunities:** Emerging technologies like computer vision, acoustic monitoring, and molecular methods open new avenues for research, particularly in monitoring small, elusive, or cryptic species. 2. **Challenges and Concerns:** - **Financial Costs and Expertise:** Implementing technology can increase financial costs and require technological expertise, potentially excluding participants. - **Reduction in Direct Engagement:** Technology may reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. - **Data Quality and Bias:** There are concerns about the accuracy and bias of data collected through technology, especially in underrepresented groups. 3. **Future Directions:** - **Equity and Inclusivity:** The responsibility lies with coordinators and participants to ensure that technology is user-friendly, open-source, and accessible to diverse participants. - **Complementarity and Diversification:** New technologies should complement existing methods rather than replace them, ensuring long-term monitoring schemes remain consistent and reliable. - **Collaboration and Funding:** Effective collaborations between ecologists, taxonomists, data scientists, and IT specialists are essential for designing and implementing technology-driven citizen science projects. The article concludes that while technology offers exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, it is crucial to address potential risks and ensure equitable participation.