Talks and shows

How 26 lines of code changed the world

Discover the stories behind the computer coding that touches all aspects of life.

Markus Spiske via Unsplash

Everything from law enforcement to space exploration relies on code written by people. Throughout the history of coding, people have made choices and assumptions at the time that would turn out to have long-lasting, profound implications for society.

Join Torie Bosch as she brings together stories from many of today’s leading technology experts to provide new perspectives on the code that shapes our lives and the human stories behind programming.

In this talk, discover the importance of code that has changed our lives and some outdated choices that reflect how society has changed.

Copies of Torie’s latest book, ‘"You Are Not Expected to Understand This": How 26 Lines of Code Changed the World’ will be available to purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Torie Bosch

a woman is smiling at the camera

Torie Bosch works at the intersection of technology, culture and critique. In her role as the editor of Future Tense (a collaborative project of Slate magazine, New America, and Arizona State University), she explores the implications of new technologies for our current and future world. She is the editor of “You Are Not Expected to Understand This”: How 26 Lines of Code Changed the World, in which leading technologists, historians, and journalists reveal the stories behind the computer coding that touches all aspects of life—for better or worse. She has written on subjects from religion and medicine to reality TV and boy bands, and recently launched a Slate-ASU project called State of Mind to host more nuanced coverage of mental health.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

Are you a patron of the Ri?

As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.