Is technology our savior — or our slayer? | Ruha Benjamin
Nov 6, 2023
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Sociologist Ruha Benjamin discusses a radical vision of using technology to uplift ordinary people and tackle social issues like healthcare and housing. The podcast explores contrasting future narratives and the monopolization of tech by billionaires. It also highlights the opposition to the construction of COPS City and the concept of creative confidence. It shares a personal story about transforming the MRI experience for pediatric patients.
We need to dismantle the narratives of Silicon Valley utopia and dystopia and imagine a future that prioritizes collective well-being and recognizes the interconnectedness of struggles.
Examples of 'ustopias' that challenge dominant narratives prioritize social well-being, community safety, and ecological well-being.
Deep dives
A More Inclusive Vision of the Future
The current future is shaped by a small group of tech billionaires who prioritize their own interests, resulting in a lopsided imagination that neglects the needs of the many. There are two narratives about the future: a Silicon Valley utopia where technology caters to our every desire and a dystopia where technology dominates and displaces humanity. Both narratives overlook the importance of human input and fail to address social transformation. To move forward, we must dismantle these narratives and imagine a future, called 'ustopia,' that prioritizes collective well-being and recognizes the interconnectedness of struggles. Barcelona's participatory experiment with Decideam showcases the power of collective intelligence in creating policies that respond to people's needs.
The Power of People-Driven Innovation
The top-down, tech-driven approach to shaping the future often exacerbates inequality and creates surveillance tools. However, there are examples of 'ustopias' that prioritize social well-being and challenge dominant narratives. In Atlanta and other cities, residents are advocating for alternatives to militarization and policing, emphasizing community safety, public goods, and ecological well-being. The success in Atlanta involved a broad coalition using direct action and digital tools to protect the environment and reject oppressive systems. By embracing guided mastery and challenging the fear of judgment, individuals can unlock their creative potential and make a real difference.
Building Creative Confidence
Creative confidence is often hindered by fear of judgment and a limiting belief in one's creative abilities. However, guided mastery, as seen in the story of Doug Dietz and his transformation of the pediatric scanning experience, shows that small successes can transform fear into familiarity and increase self-efficacy. Overcoming these barriers allows individuals to embrace their own creativity and achieve innovative solutions. By fostering a culture that recognizes everyone as naturally creative, we can create a world where creative confidence flourishes and individuals can truly make an impact.
When it comes to technology, we're often presented with two contrasting visions of the future: one where technology fulfills all our desires, and another where it leads to chaos and conflict. Sociologist Ruha Benjamin is here with a more radical vision of the future — one where humanity isn't saved or slayed by technology, but rather uses it to uplift ordinary people and make things like health care and housing for all a reality.