Notes from AI Action Summit in Delhi, India, February 2026

It’s been a long time since I sat down to write a blog post like this. Why did I open my computer this morning and log in to WordPress? Somewhat to my surprise, a few people who saw I had been to Delhi, India, for the AI Impact Summit asked me if I would report … Read more

Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online (forthcoming, University of Chicago Press, 2025)

Eszter Hargittai and I have been working on a book project for the past few years about how older people use new technologies. We’ve been delighted to partner with editor Joe Calamia and his team at the University of Chicago Press. This week, they told us it will be on the Spring, 2025 list–through peer … Read more

2021 Klinsky Lecture, Harvard Law School

Klinsky Lecture: Technology in the Public InterestHarvard Law SchoolApril 2021John Palfrey Thank you, Dean Manning, for your kind introduction and for the opportunity to serve as the Klinsky Visiting Professor of Practice for Leadership and Progress in this auspicious year. It is such a treat to be back with all of you at Harvard Law … Read more

All-School Meeting Introduction: Laci Green

All-School Meeting Opening Remarks, Phillips Academy September 28, 2016 Good morning, Andover. We gather today, early in the school year, to begin our exploration of our values as a school. You are by now deeply ensconced in your classes, clubs, arts and sports. We are also deeply engaged in the work of what kind of … Read more

Commencement Address, Phillips Academy 2016

Commencement Address Phillips Academy, Andover June 5, 2016 John Palfrey Welcome, everyone – trustees, faculty, and staff; faculty Emeriti; alumni, families, friends, and – most of all – our beloved students.  Thank you for your presence with us today. I would like to start with a note of gratitude to the adults in the Andover … Read more

Recent Books: on Adolescence, Technology, Sexuality, and More

A few times per year, I have been sharing a “Head of School’s bookshelf” with community members at Phillips Academy.  It comes this time in two parts: 1) six books that are among those I’ve read in the past few months and which I commend as “community reads” because of one or more connections to … Read more