Tech × Society Perspectives publishes op-eds by students on technology and policy. We want clear arguments about real decisions: what a bill gets wrong, what a platform should change, what a campus or city should do next. You don’t need to be a policy or computer science major to write for us.
What we’re looking for
- Analysis: an evidence-based explainer on a policy debate, bill, or development. Tell readers what is happening, why it matters, and what the tradeoffs are.
- Perspectives: an opinion piece that argues a clear position and says what should be done.
- Timely pieces get priority, especially ones that respond to news, court decisions, or votes.
- Pieces that fit one of our eight topics.
- No academic papers, footnotes, or long literature reviews. Cite sources with links in the text.
- Charts and data visuals are welcome if you made them and can share the data behind them.
- Only use images you have the rights to. We can help you find free ones.
How to submit
You can send a short pitch or a finished draft. First-time writers are welcome to pitch first, and an editor will help you shape the piece.
- Pitch: 3 to 5 sentences on your argument, why now, and your topic.
- Draft: 700 to 1,200 words in a Google Doc, shared with edit access.
- Email uchicagotechteam@gmail.com with the subject line Submission: [Analysis or Perspectives]: [Your headline].
- Include a 1 to 2 sentence bio, your major and class year, and a headshot if you’d like one shown.
- Confirm the piece hasn’t been published anywhere else, and disclose any conflicts of interest.
What to expect
- We reply to every pitch and draft within one week.
- If we accept your piece, an editor will work with you over one or two rounds of edits, usually within two weeks.
- You approve the final version before it goes live.
- Publication is at the editors’ discretion. If we pass, we’ll tell you, and we’re glad to look at a revised version.
Audience and style
Write for a smart reader who follows the news but isn’t a specialist. Use plain language, explain acronyms, and avoid jargon. We follow AP style. Keep your argument up front: readers should know your position by the end of the second paragraph.
Use of AI tools
We don’t publish pieces written substantially by AI. If you used AI tools for research, outlining, or editing, tell us how in your submission email.
After publication
- You keep the rights to your piece. You can republish it elsewhere with a credit and a link back to the original.
- Writing for Tech × Society is unpaid.
- Views expressed are your own and not those of the publication or its funders.
Questions
Email us at uchicagotechteam@gmail.com.