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Tasteland
Ep. 26: Against Platforms ft. Mike Pepi
Jan 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, writer Mike Pepi, author of 'Against Platforms: Surviving Digital Utopia,' dives into the complex realities of digital platforms and techno-utopianism. He critiques the belief that tech can solve societal issues and explores the unintended consequences of a tech-driven world. Pepi highlights how AI is reshaping labor and creativity, potentially deepening inequality. The conversation advocates for pluralism and innovative thinking in envisioning our tech-powered future, encouraging a more human-centric approach to civic engagement.
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Quick takeaways
- Platforms act as intermediaries in the digital age, prioritizing profit over user agency and accountability.
- Techno-utopianism promotes the belief in technology as a solution to societal challenges, often ignoring critical social implications.
Deep dives
Understanding Platforms
Platforms are defined as organizational forms that have emerged as dominant in modern society, shaping how people interact online and access various services. They are primarily characterized not by their cultural aspects but by what they enable, acting as intermediaries that facilitate user interactions without traditional authorities. For example, companies like Amazon and Uber are transaction platforms that extract fees while enabling exchanges between buyers and sellers. This evolution reflects the broader trend toward privatization and profit-driven models that prioritize their interests over user agency.
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