Tristan Harris

Date of Birth: May 16, 1984

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Tristan Harris is a prominent American technology ethicist, activist, and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology. He is best known for his work in advocating for ethical design in technology and highlighting the societal impacts of social media. Harris began his career at Google, where he served as a design ethicist and product philosopher. His experiences there led him to become a vocal critic of the persuasive design techniques used by major tech companies to capture and hold users’ attention. Harris’s advocacy gained widespread attention following the release of the documentary “The Social Dilemma” in 2020, where he was featured prominently. The film examines the dangerous human impacts of social networking, with Harris explaining how technology companies manipulate users for profit. Harris co-founded the Center for Humane Technology, an organization dedicated to reversing “human downgrading” and realigning technology with humanity’s best interests. He has spoken at numerous conferences, including TED, and has been featured in various high-profile media outlets.

5 Interesting Facts about Tristan Harris

1. Tristan Harris holds a degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, where he studied under the Persuasive Technology Lab.

2. He was a student of BJ Fogg, a well-known psychologist and expert in persuasive technology.

3. Harris was instrumental in creating the “Time Well Spent” movement, which advocates for technology that enhances well-being rather than exploits attention.

4. He has been compared to a “conscience” for Silicon Valley, urging tech companies to prioritize ethical considerations.

5. Harris was featured in the 2018 Fortune’s “40 under 40” list for his influential work in technology ethics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tristan Harris

1. “Technology steers what 2 billion people are thinking and believing every day.”

2. “The race for attention is actually a race to the bottom of the brain stem.”

3. “We’ve moved away from having a tools-based technology environment to an addiction- and manipulation-based technology environment.”

4. “Never before in history have 50 designers—20- to 35-year-old white guys in California—made decisions that would have an impact on two billion people.”

5. “Our society is being hijacked by technology, and we need to bring ethics into the conversation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest Tristan Harris’s net worth is in the range of $2 million to $5 million, primarily from his work and investments in technology and advocacy.