Our Purpose
The Citizens and Technology (CAT) Lab at Cornell University works with online communities to study the effects of technology on the public interest.
We envision a world where digital power is guided by evidence and accountable to the public.
Learn about our mission and vision.
We envision a world where digital power is guided by evidence and accountable to the public.
Learn about our mission and vision.
Latest Projects and Publications
Working hand-in-hand with diverse communities and organizations around the world, we identify issues of shared concern related to digital discourse, digital rights and consumer protection.
We publish summaries and results of all CAT Lab experiments here on our website. Explore our blog and research pages to learn more about what we do and how we do it!
We publish summaries and results of all CAT Lab experiments here on our website. Explore our blog and research pages to learn more about what we do and how we do it!
Our Path
CAT Lab (formerly known as CivilServant) began as the MIT PhD project of founder J. Nathan Matias, who was studying the role that anyone can play in understanding digital power and creating change – independently from tech firms.
Originally incubated by Global Voices, we are now based at Cornell University’s Department of Communication.
Originally incubated by Global Voices, we are now based at Cornell University’s Department of Communication.