Behind the Scenes: The Toxic Triangle Project

Finding solutions to address the impact of social media on young people is currently at the top of the agenda. The Toxic Triangle project helps decision-makers navigate these challenges and seek effective solutions—ones that truly work, rather than temporary fixes like media bans or age verification. When young people’s personal information and social lives meet attention-driven technologies, powered by a huge commercial market, a toxic triangle forms. These forces fuel each other, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that is difficult to break.

About the Project

The Toxic Triangle is a 30–90-minute interactive experience that offers a unique opportunity to see inside the toxic triangle and take a deep-dive into the systems that drive it. Designed as a closed-door session for decision makers, foundations, journalists, and NGOs advocating for change, it provides an over-the-shoulder look into the experience of young people using AI and social media. It offers a behind-the-scenes view on why the toxic triangle happens and explores how the technologies work, and how the system is monetised. More information on the project can be found here.

What to Expect

Preview parts of the interactive experience. Hear from the researchers on the methodologies they used, and learn how people are responding.

Who is it for?

Policy makers, legislators, foundations, journalists, civil society organizations, and technologists who are seeking to better understand the systems governing the online experience for young people.

Disclaimer: Some of the content presented may be distressing to viewers.

Our Supporters and Collaborators

This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of the Oak Foundation, Changing Ideas, and Indigo Trust. In collaboration with: La Loma, Studio Peter Post × Petra Esveld, Cecilia Palmer, Ramón Paris, and Juan Camilo Parra Páez

Credits and Licensing

Video Editing: Sam Harper

Music: Theatre Of Delays - bensound.com (License Code: U9TAZC1IAODGKKIK)