Technology connects our world ever more closely together

Technology Connects

Threat actors from propagandists to cyber thieves exploit this to harm us, and our societies

Threat actors from

We work to understand systems of people and technology.
We build trust and resilience to protect us.
We are Social Machines.

We work

What we do

At Social Machines we believe in a world where societies are both open and resilient. We use our knowledge and skills drawn from the behavioural and social sciences to research systems of people and technology; understand how these can be exploited; and innovate trust and resilience building applications to protect and defend them.

Disciplines

DISCIPLINES

  • Psychology
  • Anthropology and evolutionary science
  • Behavioural economics
  • Systems, information and network science
Methods

METHODS

  • Literature review and evidence base curation
  • Expert elicitation
  • Observation and qualitative study design
  • Experimentation
  • Mixed methods measurement and evaluation
  • Training needs analysis, design and implementation
Domains

DOMAINS

  • Cyber Security
  • Influence and information activities
  • Media literacy and democratic empowerment
  • Artificial intelligence safety

Example Projects

CULTURE

CULTURE

We have created a prototype software application that measures and evaluates culture to reduce security risk.

ONOCULATE

ONOCULATE

We developed an evidence base focused on tailored, user-centric training and awareness: what works for who, when, where? This supported the development of a game-based training package.
RAPPORT

RAPPORT

We reviewed how successful 1-2-1 online relationships develop, in order to support our client in building broader and deeper online networks.
ADVERSARIES

ADVERSARIES

We investigated the cognitive decision-making processes followed by hackers preparing and conducting cyber-attacks, in support of more effective cyber defences.
AUDIENCES

AUDIENCES

Following extensive collection and review of evidence across key domains routinely practicing systematic social influence, we constructed a comprehensive user’s guide to understanding audiences across any culture.
INCENTIVES

INCENTIVES

Guided by a series of identified deep cyber security problems, we explored how behavioural experimentation could be used to drive positive impact.

Team

Justin

Justin

Managing Director
Clara

Clara

Behavioural Science
Technology Lead
Lily

Lily

Applied Behavioural Scientist
Joeseph

Joeseph

Applied Behavioural Scientist
Rosie

Rosie

Applied Behavioural Scientist
Join

Join us

Contact Us

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