I’m Christopher C. Delatorre, a comms strategist in science, tech, and global philanthropy working to bridge technology and the public interest. The Social Cyborg promotes science-based learning with the aim of building awareness about the harmful effects of toxic relationships.
As an educational platform, the project advances intellectual inquiry around personal agency and autonomy as they relate to mental health and digital wellbeing, and engages with professionals to build more resilient, human-centered organizations.
Building on my work at Eastern Connecticut State University, George Mason University, Stanford University, and now as a graduate researcher at the University of Vermont, I’m building a framework for reclaiming personal autonomy—redefining what it means to connect with ourselves, our work, our world, and each other.
As a future licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist, I’m using my experience in work culture, ethical tech, science and social advocacy to support others in their personal and professional development.
On one end, I’m comparing the “social (media) contract” and the rules of narcissistic family structures to gain a better understanding of how toxic behavior is translated on- and offline. On the other, I’m working to integrate digital wellness and trauma-informed decision making into the core of organizational practice.
The Social Cyborg isn’t only about technology, but tech is central to what we talk about here. In a Digital Society such as our own, you can’t just turn technology on or off at your convenience—our lives online and offline are now inextricably linked.
Being intentional with how and why we connect provides a way to filter out the noise, and in the process brings focus and clarity with space for healthy habits, rewarding rituals, and constructive ideas. In short, we expect to have healthy relationships offline if we can’t see how they’re affected by how we choose to live our lives online.
For the Social Cyborg, survival is about facing the past, owning the present, and believing in the future. By understanding why we think, act, and feel the way we do, we can work to better ourselves and make meaningful change on the journey to transformation. I hope you’ll join me—and, as always, thanks for reading.