The Tech Policy Press Podcast Salvation, Abundance, Apocalypse: Is Technology the World's Most Powerful Religion?
Nov 10, 2024
Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of "Tech Agnostic," explores the idea that technology has morphed into a modern religion. He discusses how tech leaders promise salvation and abundance while often neglecting pressing social issues. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of political shifts and critiques the growing influence of tech titans like Elon Musk. Epstein advocates for a reevaluation of our relationship with technology, pushing for ethical reforms that align with humanist values.
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Technology as a New Religion
- Technology has evolved beyond an industry into a dominant, almost religious force influencing all aspects of life.
- Viewing tech as a religion helps us understand its role and how we might critically engage with it.
Tech's Promise of Salvation and Abundance
- Tech leaders promise 'abundance' and 'salvation' with technology, mirroring religious language and hopes.
- These promises often benefit the elite more than the general public, creating a disparity in who experiences abundance.
Tech Apocalypse in Detroit
- Chris Gilliard compares the tech apocalypse to an unevenly distributed reality, highlighting surveillance and inequality.
- Detroit's Green Light Project exemplifies tech used to surveil marginalized communities rather than improve conditions.