Bad Faith Episode 479 Promo - Truth in Fiction (w/ Cory Doctorow)
Jun 2, 2025
Cory Doctorow discusses his latest novel and how fiction can drive political urgency and expose societal issues. The conversation highlights the role of science fiction in raising awareness about climate change and civil liberties. They also dissect myths surrounding technology, critiquing how big tech manipulates consumer behavior under the guise of surveillance capitalism. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of storytelling in motivating activism and understanding the nuanced threats posed by AI.
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Episode notes
Fiction Inspires Cybersecurity Advocates
- Cory Doctorow's 'Little Brother' novels inspired many to enter computer security to defend users, not exploit them.
- His fiction created a community of cryptographers and security experts committed to user protection.
Snowden Reads Doctorow's Novel
- Edward Snowden read the sequel to Cory Doctorow's 'Little Brother' while evading authorities.
- This shows the tangible impact of Doctorow's fiction on influential figures in privacy and security.
Cold War Spurs Civil Rights Progress
- During the Cold War, fear of the Soviet Union pushed America to address its own systemic problems like racism.
- This competition helped drive civil rights movements and improved adherence to American ideals.
