This November, we’re partnering with The Verge for an exciting array of conversations on Big Tech with Max Fisher and David Pierce, on algorithms with Alex Heath, and on social media and mental health with Dr. Megan A. Moreno, Margot Lee, and Nicole Wetsman. Be a part of every bit of the dialogue with an all-access pass! This pass grants admission to all three Verge programs, PLUS exclusive access to an afterparty with Bit Bash. Grab your pass at the top of the page!

These programs are presented in partnership with The Verge.

Events Schedule

How Social Media Rewired Our Minds & Our World with Max Fisher

2:30 - 3:30 pm

We’ve all been told too much social media is bad for us, but why is that? At CHF, New York Times investigative reporter and author of The Chaos Machine Max Fisher explains how, through the pursuit of unfettered profits and maximum engagement, Big Tech has rewired our minds, and instigated a cultural shift toward polarization and misinformation. Join him and David Pierce (editor at large at The Verge) for a behind-the-scenes look at how social networks prey on psychological frailties, driving people to extreme opinions and actions. 

A book signing will follow this program.

• The Chicago Humanities Festival is pleased to partner with the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, a Chicago not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. Pre-order your copy of The Chaos Machine through the CHF Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling. Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you will show to the bookseller on site to pick up your book(s).

The Future of the Feed

4:30 - 5:30 pm

You probably know that algorithms play a huge role in what we see online, but what happens to society when this type of curated content begins to influence our real lives? Join The Verge Deputy Editor Alex Heath and a special guest for a conversation about how personalized and relatable content on social media is redefining our feeds and creating a new lens through which millions view the world.

Social Media and Young Mental Health

6:30 - 7:30 pm

It’s often said that social media is bad for our mental health, and while that can be true, the full story isn’t so cut and dry. At CHF, Nicole Wetsman, Health Tech Reporter for The Verge moderates a panel between Dr. Megan Moreno, a leading researcher on adolescent social media, and Margot Lee, a high-profile young adult influencer about how curating public images affect our well-being.

Afterparty with Bit Bash

7:30 - 10:00 pm

We are excited to invite you to a post-series afterparty where spaces throughout Steppenwolf will be transformed by the non-profit gaming collective Bit Bash, curating their unique brand of interactive indie games. Grab a drink at one of Steppenwolf’s lobby bars or a snack at Front Bar and join us for a night of socializing and video games with The Verge’s David Pierce (Editor-at-Large), Alex Heath (Deputy Editor), and Nicole Wetsman (Health Tech Reporter) following an afternoon of stimulating conversation.

• Please visit our FAQ for more information about ticketing, books, accessibility options, and other event logistics.