Cortico is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen the health of public dialogue. Our platform makes it possible to listen to stories at scale, surfacing what people in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities really have to say.
A lot of people believe that we are more divided than ever—but that isn’t the full story. Research shows that this sense of deep polarization is often a collective illusion, shaped by what we see in the media and on social platforms. The loudest, most extreme voices get amplified, while more common, nuanced perspectives go unheard. Over time, people hesitate to share what they really think. And it can be hard to know where to turn for real stories.
At Cortico, we believe people are actually more aligned than it seems—we all just need better ways to hear and be heard. That’s why we’re amplifying local voices through a new kind of conversation that helps people listen more deeply, uncover shared experiences and common ground, and bring a more authentic public narrative into view.
Our platform is powered by a thoughtful balance of human listening and AI tools that surface patterns, themes, and insights from real conversations. Our unique approach is the product of a collaboration with MIT Center for Constructive Communication.