Factually! with Adam Conover

Why Big Tech is Ruining Our Lives with Brian Merchant

Feb 28, 2024

Discover the historical Luddites' fight against technology replacing workers, as discussed with tech journalist Brian Merchant. Explore the impact of AI on workers' rights and creativity, the tech industry's influence on AI adoption, and public sentiment against big tech. Delve into the human-centric purpose of technology and the need to combat threats from automation and AI in the workplace.

01:00:05

Episode guests

Brian Merchant

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The historical Luddites resisted exploitation and degradation from industrialization, not just technology fear.

Solidarity and collective action are crucial to combat exploitative uses of technology in the workplace.

Technology should serve people, not dominate them, with a focus on public good.

The impact of big tech on journalism highlights the need for human-driven journalism and collective action.

Deep dives

The Impact of Technology on Workers' Livelihoods in History

The episode delves into the historical context of the Luddites, who were cloth workers in the early 1800s facing the introduction of machinery that threatened their livelihoods. These workers, part of the cottage industry, flourished working at home until the emergence of factories and efficient machines that automated their tasks. Despite claims of technological progress, the new machines produced inferior quality goods, leading to job losses and deteriorating living standards for the workers.

Introduction

5min

The Luddites: Historical Resistance to Industrialization

22min

Implications of AI on Workers' Rights and Creativity

3min

Tech Industry's Influence on AI Adoption

8min

Tech Industry and Public Sentiment

19min

Exploring the Human-Centric Purpose of Technology and the Ideals of Luddism

2min

Combatting Threats from Automation and AI in the Workplace

3min

Express skepticism about technology and you might be labeled a "Luddite." However, the true story of the historical Luddites offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between workers and technology. In this episode, Adam chats with tech journalist Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, about the historical Luddites and their fight against wealthy elites replacing the working class with machines—a struggle made only more relevant by the state of the tech industry today. Find Brian's book at at factuallypod.com/books

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