Tristan Harris, born in 1983 or 1984, is an American technology ethicist and speaker, often called "the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience". He is the co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology (CHT), a non-profit organization with the mission to align technology with humanity's best interests. Harris has spent over a decade studying the subtle psychological forces that technology platforms utilize to influence human behavior.
Harris gained widespread recognition for his appearance in the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma," which explores how social media platforms nurture addiction and manipulate users for profit. Prior to founding CHT, Harris worked at Google as a Design Ethicist, developing a framework for ethical technology design. He also founded the startup Apture, which Google acquired in 2011. Harris has testified before the United States Congress on multiple occasions regarding the impact of persuasive technology and data privacy.
Currently, Harris continues his work with the Center for Humane Technology, advocating for minimizing the negative impacts of digital technologies and addressing the societal risks associated with artificial intelligence. He co-hosts the podcast "Your Undivided Attention," which explores the impact of social media on society and potential solutions. In recent appearances, he has discussed the risks of AI, including AI uncontrollability, and the need for responsible AI development. Harris delivered a TED Talk in April 2025 titled “Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation", calling for responsible AI development.
Harris has been named one of TIME 100 "Next Leaders Shaping the Future" and Rolling Stone Magazine's "25 People Shaping the World". He continues to be a leading voice on the ethical considerations of technology, advising policymakers, tech leaders, and the public on the risks of AI and algorithmic manipulation.