Do social media platforms make people happier?

London School of Economics

September 30

In-person and online public event (Sheikh Zayed Theatre, Cheng Kin Ku Building)

Wednesday 30 September 2026 6.30pm - 8pmSpeakerProfessor Cass R SunsteinChairProfessor Liam DelaneyMany people use social media simply because everyone else does. While these platforms help us stay connected, some argue that society would be better off if social media use were significantly reduced or even eliminated. This event explores why people continue to use products they may believe are ultimately harmful.Join us for this lecture by New York Times bestselling author and Harvard academic Cass R Sunstein.Meet our speaker and chairCass R Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University. He has worked in the White House and served as an adviser to many nations and organisations, including the World Bank and the United Nations.Liam Delaney is Professor of Behavioural Science and outgoing Head of the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE. He is a leading figure in integrating ethical behavioural science approaches into public policy, including through his development of the FORGOOD ethics framework and policy roles such as membership of Ireland's Climate Change Advisory Council and the UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel. He has published extensively on mental health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes.More about this eventJoin us on campus or register to watch the event online at LSE Live. LSE Live is the home for our live streams, allowing you to tune in and join the global debate at LSE, wherever you are in the world. If you can't attend live, a video will be made available shortly afterwards on LSE's YouTube channel.The Department of Economics at LSE is one of the leading economics departments in the world. 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