Tobias Rose-Stockwell

Tobias Rose-Stockwell is a writer, designer, and media researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of technology, human psychology, and public discourse. His research and commentary have appeared in The Atlantic, WIRED, NPR, BBC, and CNN. Rose-Stockwell is the author of the book "Outrage Machine," which examines social media's impact on news, public discourse, and democracy. The book, recognized by Inc. Magazine and as a PEN/Galbraith Award finalist, synthesizes more than a decade of research to provide frameworks for understanding the societal effects of digital platforms and strategies for managing technology, time, and attention.

Rose-Stockwell analyzes the transformative effects of social media technologies and their role in shaping trust and public behavior. Drawing on research and personal experience, he explores how digital platforms have fostered a system of public performance, influencing individuals to react quickly and often divisively. "Outrage Machine" situates social media within the broader history of media technologies, from the printing press to television, and discusses the recurring patterns of confusion, conflict, and adaptation that accompany each new medium. The book addresses the challenges of digital polarization and offers practical solutions for navigating the complexities of online communication.

As a media researcher and strategic advisor to OpenMind, Rose-Stockwell has consulted for organizations such as Gannett and served as a guest lecturer at Stanford University. His research has informed interventions to reduce toxicity and polarization on major technology platforms. He frequently consults and speaks on topics including trust in online environments, digital media ethics, and the societal implications of emerging technologies.

Earlier in his career, Rose-Stockwell led humanitarian projects in Southeast Asia, focusing on civil-war reconstruction in Cambodia. His work in rebuilding communities affected by conflict was recognized with an award from the Dalai Lama. A viral online message about Cambodian rice farmers sparked his long-term interest in digital virality and its real-world consequences. Rose-Stockwell's combined experience in humanitarian work and media research informs his perspective on the dual potential of digital tools to connect and divide societies, positioning him as a leading voice in discussions about the future of media, technology, and democracy.