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LessWrong (Curated & Popular)

“Consider not donating under $100 to political candidates” by DanielFilan

May 16, 2025
Discover the surprising impact of small political donations on career opportunities, particularly for those in AI governance. The speaker highlights how even minimal contributions, like $3, can jeopardize your chances in future government roles. Learn about the public nature of donations and their potential repercussions amid changing political environments. This discussion reveals the fine line between supporting candidates and protecting your professional future.
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Quick takeaways

  • Making small political donations, especially under $10, can significantly harm your career prospects in AI governance due to public records.
  • Individuals should consider the long-term implications of political contributions under $100, as they may not effectively support candidates and can jeopardize future job opportunities.

Deep dives

The Impact of Small Political Donations on Career Opportunities

Making small political donations, particularly amounts under $10, can inadvertently jeopardize one’s chances of securing positions in AI governance or other government roles. Donations in the U.S. are publicly recorded, leading to potential bias against individuals who contribute to one party when another party is in power. Such small contributions might seem insignificant but can negatively impact a career when applying for positions that are sensitive to partisan affiliations. Understanding these repercussions is crucial for individuals considering political donations, especially if they may aspire to influence policy in the future.

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