Join Jeanette Winterson, a renowned novelist and essayist, as she engages with Victoria Turk, features Editor at Wired, to delve into the future of AI in her latest work, "12 Bytes." They celebrate Ada Lovelace’s legacy and discuss the critical need for inclusivity in tech. Winterson explores how AI intersects with identity and creativity while questioning its implications on social structures. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of diverse perspectives in shaping responsible technology and calls for thoughtful governance in the digital age.
Jeanette Winterson emphasizes the necessity of inclusive discussions about technology, integrating art, philosophy, and literature to shape societal understanding.
Winterson challenges the historical narrative regarding women's roles in technology, advocating for greater recognition of their contributions and ongoing participation.
The podcast critiques vulture capitalism while promoting progressive taxation and universal basic income to ensure fair wealth distribution in a tech-driven society.
Deep dives
Affordable Unlimited Mobile Service
The Boost Mobile Network offers a remarkable plan providing unlimited talk, text, and data for just $25 a month, locked in for life. This enticing offer raises curiosity about the implications of such pricing but positions Boost as a disruptive player in the mobile market. Under this plan, after reaching 30 gigabytes of data usage, users may experience slower speeds, which is a common practice among mobile providers. Maintaining this plan requires users to stay active in the Boost Unlimited program, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Exploring Technology's Impact
Jeanette Winterson emphasizes the importance of understanding technology's rapidly changing landscape and its implications for humanity. She recognizes her lack of knowledge in the field and expresses a desire to be involved in the ongoing conversation regarding technology's effects on society. Winterson advocates for a more inclusive discussion about technology, one that invites voices beyond just tech experts and continues to reflect on how various disciplines like art, philosophy, and literature intersect with technology. She highlights that this understanding should lead to a more egalitarian approach as societal reliance on technology intensifies.
Women in Technology and Historical Context
Winterson reveals the historical presence of women in technology and their subsequent removal from the field, challenging the narrative that women are not suited for tech careers. She highlights the significant contributions women made during critical moments, such as World War II at Bletchley Park, where many were involved in vital programming work. Despite their skills, many women were relegated to clerical roles or overlooked entirely after the war, leading to a decline in their representation in tech. This historical context serves to underline the necessity of addressing gender disparities and advocating for women's involvement in shaping technological futures.
The Future of AI: A Dual Perspective
Winterson shares an optimistic yet cautious viewpoint on the future of artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to transform society for the better or worse. She speaks to the unpredictable nature of technological advancements, suggesting both utopian and dystopian possibilities stemming from current AI developments. This transformation emphasizes the importance of involving diverse voices in conversations about AI and ensuring its applications align with democratic values rather than reinforcing existing inequalities. The need for collaboration across different sectors, particularly to address biases in data and technology, remains a significant concern.
Navigating Capitalism and Society's Choices
The conversation shifts to the relationship between technology and capitalism, where Winterson articulates the need for a revised approach to wealth distribution and governance. She critiques the rise of vulture capitalism, asserting that governments must adapt to modern challenges by prioritizing fairness and opportunity for all, rather than allowing a few to hoard wealth and resources. Winterson advocates for progressive taxation and the importance of a universal basic income as means to support individuals navigating an increasingly tech-driven world. Ultimately, she calls for active civic engagement and a collective effort to ensure technology serves the common good.
In twelve witty and insightful essays novelist, memoirist and all-round thinker Jeanette Winterson explores the future of artificial intelligence and what it might mean for the future of humanity. Drawing on mythology, religion, art, history and gender theory as well as on science, Winterson’s take on the future of our species is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Winterson was in conversation with Victoria Turk, features Editor at Wired magazine.
