C. Thompson

Derek Thompson, born in 1986, is an American journalist and podcaster. He has been a writer for The Atlantic since 2009, contributing significantly to its coverage of culture, technology, and society. Thompson has also hosted podcasts such as "Plain English" and "Crazy/Genius." His writing often delves into contemporary societal shifts and their impact.

Thompson is the author of the national bestseller "Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction" and co-authored "Abundance" with Ezra Klein, which examines policy-driven scarcities. His notable articles include essays on automation's impact on work, profiles of major tech divisions, and analyses of increasing solitude in American life. In 2025, he transitioned to independent writing while remaining a contributing writer at The Atlantic, seeking greater editorial freedom. He identifies as a secular Reform Jew and resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Derek Thompson began his career as a writer for The Atlantic in 2009, where he has since become a prominent voice. Over his tenure, he has authored several cover stories that have garnered significant attention. These include an influential piece on the future of work and automation titled "A World Without Work," a detailed profile of Alphabet's research division, and "The Anti-Social Century," which explored the growing trend of solitude in American society and its profound effects on individuals and culture. Thompson also expanded into podcasting, hosting "Crazy/Genius," a technology and science podcast that received award nominations, and "Plain English," a weekly headline podcast launched in 2021.

Thompson's literary contributions include the bestseller "Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction" (2017), which examines the science behind popularity and success. He later co-authored "Abundance" (2025) with Ezra Klein, a book that critiques policy decisions leading to artificial scarcities in essential areas like housing and healthcare. His writing often addresses themes of success in a distracted world, the societal impact of technological advancements, and the evolving nature of human connection and solitude. These works reflect a consistent engagement with contemporary cultural and economic trends.

In June 2025, after 17 years with The Atlantic, Derek Thompson made a significant career move by leaving his full-time role to pursue independent writing on the Substack platform. This decision was motivated by a desire for increased editorial autonomy and the opportunity to write more personally after a long tenure at a single publication. While embarking on this new chapter, Thompson continues his association with The Atlantic as a contributing writer, maintaining a connection to his established platform while exploring new avenues for his work.