Attendees of the University of Houston’s 2025-26 Speaker Series can explore how technology intersects with society and shapes our decisions. (Credit: Getty Images)
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, discussions around its impact on our personal lives, communities, and society at large are more pertinent than ever. The University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs recognizes this pressing need by launching a captivating new lecture series entitled “Rebooting Our Relationship with Tech.” Set to debut on September 18, this series will delve into the myriad ways technology influences our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions.
Presented by the esteemed Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership, this lecture series aims not just to inform, but to provoke thought and discussion about the complex relationship we have with technology. Topics will range from the bright prospects and possible pitfalls of artificial intelligence to the unseen repercussions of social media overload, illuminating the fine line between connection and isolation in our digital age.
Brandon M. Williams, director of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center and an instructional assistant professor at the Hobby School, emphasizes the significance of this tech series: “This series highlights how and in what ways our increased use of technology intersects with and affects our lives on a daily basis,” he explains. These intersections can encompass individual mental health, social interactions, and even the foundations of our democracy.
The series will feature four diverse lectures, each designed to engage attendees deeply. Not only will audiences hear from nationally recognized speakers, but they will also get the chance to pose questions during an interactive Q&A segment following each presentation. This element promises to foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on technology’s role in our lives.
“How to Break Up with Your Phone” with Catherine Price, Best-Selling Author and Journalist
- Sept. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Student Center South Theater, 4455 University Drive, Ste. 103 and 203, Houston
“Inside Texas’ Internet Privacy Laws” with Tyler Bridegan, Director of Privacy and Tech Enforcement for the Texas Attorney General’s Office
- Sept. 29, noon-1 p.m.
- Location: John M. O’Quinn Law Building, 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Room 210, Houston
“AI and Our Future: How AI and Search Engine Algorithms Reinforce Oppression” with Safiya Umoja Noble, Best-Selling Author and Social Scientist
- Oct. 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Rockwell Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Library, 4333 University Drive, Houston
“Antisocial Media: How Social Media Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy” with Siva Vaidhyanathan, Cultural Historian and Media Scholar
- Feb. 5, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Rockwell Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Library, 4333 University Drive, Houston
Interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spots by visiting the Hobby School’s website. Given the limited seating for the Bridegan lecture on Sept. 29, it’s wise to register early to avoid missing out. For those who can’t attend in person, the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center will provide recordings of select lectures on their website, ensuring everyone has the chance to gain from these invaluable discussions.
The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center also contributes more than just lectures to the UH community. Since its establishment in 2020, the center has awarded over $150,000 in research grants to UH faculty, alongside more than 30 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The annual Speaker Series reflects the center’s commitment to promoting leadership and ethics, both within the University of Houston and the broader Houston community.
Williams further elaborates on the series’ goals, stating, “The aim of the series is both to help people be better informed about these topics and these issues, but then also to take action, when possible.” By raising awareness, the series hopes to inspire attendees to make changes in their own technological habits. “Now, whether that means throwing your phone away, I don’t know. But often, action follows awareness. You can’t take action before you’re aware,” he adds, highlighting the connection between knowledge and civic engagement.