Douglas Rushkoff

Douglas Rushkoff is an internationally acclaimed media theorist, author, and documentarian, renowned for his insights into the intersection of technology, society, and human autonomy. Named one of MIT’s ‘World’s Ten Most Influential Intellectuals’, Douglas has spent his career exploring how technological environments shape human behaviour and culture. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion makes him one of the most sought-after voices in discussions about the future of technology and its role in society.

Douglas’s journey began with an impressive academic foundation. He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and earned an MFA in Directing from California Institute of the Arts, followed by a PhD in New Media and Digital Culture from Utrecht University. His early work in the cyberpunk movement alongside pioneers like Timothy Leary and Terence McKenna introduced him to the burgeoning digital culture. This exposure inspired his first book, Cyberia, a seminal exploration of cyberculture and its transformative potential. His academic and creative background provided him with the tools to become a leading voice in media theory and digital economics.

Throughout his career, Douglas has achieved numerous accolades. He received the Marshall McLuhan Award for Coercion; was honoured with the Media Ecology Association’s Neil Postman Award, and his works have been translated into over thirty languages. His documentaries, including Generation Like, The Persuaders, and Merchants of Cool, have received widespread acclaim for their incisive analysis of media’s influence on culture. As the host of the popular podcast Team Human, Douglas continues to champion human-centric approaches to technology and reclaiming autonomy in a digital age.

Hiring Douglas Rushkoff ensures a transformative experience for any audience. His talks cover critical topics such as digital economics, the cultural impact of media, and ethical technology development, offering actionable insights and fostering thought-provoking discussions. As a speaker, Douglas inspires audiences to question the status quo, providing the tools to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world. With his unparalleled expertise, he remains an essential figure for organisations and events seeking to explore the profound implications of technology on our collective future.