Mimi Ito

Mizuko (Mimi) Ito is a cultural anthropologist, learning scientist, and an advocate for connected learning—learning that is joyful, interest-driven, and connected to culture and community. For over thirty years, she has studied digital youth culture and connected learning in Japan and the U.S. She is Professor in Residence and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Chair in Digital Media and Learning at the University of California, Irvine, where she directs the Connected Learning Lab. Mimi is also co-founder of Connected Camps, a non-profit offering social, project-based learning experiences in platforms such as Minecraft and Roblox. She has authored and edited eight books, published by MIT, New York University, and Yale University Presses. Recent publications include: Algorithmic Rights and Protections for Children (2023) and Youth Wellbeing by Design (2026).