Under the Influence
A writing lab exploring the forces that shape what we think, want, and choose.
Every day, our choices are shaped by algorithms, advertising, culture, politics, technology, family, history, social norms, institutions, and other people. We like to believe we are the authors of our own lives, but how much of what we believe, desire and choose is actually ours? And what does it mean to have agency in a world increasingly designed to predict, persuade and influence us?
Using writing as a tool for sense-making, we’ll turn what we notice, know, feel and wonder about into words. Through observation, conversation and experimentation, we’ll explore the theme from multiple perspectives before writing something in response.
Core questions:
What is happening?
How is it shaping us?
Where could it lead?
What else is possible?
What do you want to say about it?
You’ll leave with an original written piece in progress, new ways of seeing and thinking, and hopefully a few ideas you didn’t arrive with.
This lab will be facilitated by Negin Sairafi.
Participation
This is a participatory Lab, not a lecture. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll move between independent writing and reflection, creative exercises, conversation, experimentation, group exercises, and sharing.
You’ll be invited to contribute your ideas and work, listen to others, and give and receive reflections. You don’t need to be a professional writer, or even consider yourself a writer, to participate. You just need to be curious, open to experimentation and willing to engage.
You’ll always have agency over what you choose to write and share.
Details you need to know:
This is a 19+ experience. Doors open at 12:45 PM and the Lab begins promptly at 1 PM. Because the experience builds progressively and relies on the participation of the group, we won’t be able to accommodate late arrivals.
Venue
The Lab will take place at a studio at 688 Richmond St. W in Toronto. The suite number and arrival instructions will be shared with registered participants before the event.
The studio is a short walk from the Queen streetcar at Bathurst. Paid street parking and several paid parking lots are available nearby.
Accessibility: The studio is located three flights up and has one shared washroom. A freight elevator may be available upon request. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us before registering so we can confirm whether the space can accommodate them.
What to Bring
Bring whatever you prefer to write with: a notebook and pen, a laptop or both. You may also want to bring a water bottle and anything else you need to feel comfortable for the afternoon (e.g. snacks, coffee/tea).
We'll communicate anything else you need to bring in a follow-up email.
Media & Documentation
We’ll document parts of the Lab through photography and video and may share this documentation publicly through The World Building Lab’s website, social channels and other communications.
We may also photograph or share artifacts created during the Lab, with your permission. We will not publish audio from conversations, discussions, or participant sharing, so the substance of what is said in the room can remain in the room.
Cancellations & Transfers
As this is an intimate experience with a limited number of spots, all tickets are non-refundable.