How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives

We are at a pivotal moment in history, as technology collides with our democracy, our fundamental approach to education, and our mental, physical, and emotional health. Starting with a new book from our founder, Jim Steyer, Common Sense is bringing together notable journalists, engineers, entrepreneurs, activists, storytellers, business leaders, and scholars to explore the ethics (or lack thereof) behind Big Tech.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Which Side of History?: How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives is a collection of essential essays, provocative perspectives, and calls to action that challenge the status quo, and that could—if we are willing to listen—redefine our relationship with technology.

Available now!

Waterstones      |      Amazon UK

One hundred percent of proceeds benefit Common Sense Media's essential media and technology resources for families and schools. Your support keeps us independent, nonprofit, and ad-free.

Hear from the contributors:

"Privacy has been losing badly, as users have become the online equivalent of cheap dates to these giant tech companies."

Kara Swisher, "Be Paranoid"

"In the rush to innovate, we forgot to pay attention to fairness."

Ellen Pao, "Tech, Heal Thyself"

"Despite who wins the election, Big Tech regulations are coming: Common Sense Media CEO"

"Biden's top technology advisor has a history of cracking down on Big Tech, and he may land a major role in the new administration"

"Morning Joe: New book looks at how big tech is impacting our lives"

ABOUT THE ISSUES

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic brought cascading crises and a deeper dependency on technology to keep us connected—but at a cost. We're using tech for work, education, health care, essential services, and fun. That same technology is spreading misinformation and threatening free and open democracies. It's widening the gap between rich and poor, taxing our emotional capacities and mental health, and creating social inequities by leaving behind those of us who are underserved and under-connected.

Common Sense is committed to leading the way to a future where all kids and families can thrive in a world of media and technology. We hope you'll join us as we chart the path forward.

BROWSE EVENTS

Hear directly from experts and practitioners in a series of provocative conversations that explore the promise and peril of technology, and its outsize impact on our lives. We'll ask tough questions and collaborate to find answers, together.

Some events include a copy of Which Side of History? with your tickets. See event pages for details on how your purchase helps support our work.

Featured event

JAN

Which Side of History with Stanford Cyber Policy Center

13

10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET

Past Events

How Technology is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives

Yang Gang Book Club Talks: Jim Steyer

Disconnected: Technology, Kids, and the Rise of Stealth Parenting

Technology’s Influence in Society: A Conversation with Jim Steyer, Ellen Pao, and Shoshana Zuboff

Virtual Book Launch with Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy

Making with Mischief: Explorations on the Future of Design

Technology and Race: The Role of Big Tech

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WHO WE ARE

Common Sense has been a leading advocate for kids' well-being since our founding in 2003. Over the course of nearly two decades, we have fought for educational equity and opportunity, effective use of technology in the classroom, privacy protections, and policy changes to minimize the potential downsides of media and technology—and to ensure high-quality media choices for families, educators, and everyday consumers. Our research program underpins everything we do and informs a global conversation around kids' media and technology use trends over time.