Techtonic with Mark Hurst | WFMU
Supervillains in tech – with Greg Epstein, Chris Gilliard, and Jim Starlin from Feb 3, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
Join Greg Epstein, humanist chaplain and author, Chris Gilliard, a surveillance scholar, and Jim Starlin, the legendary comic book creator of Thanos, as they explore the dark side of tech. They draw unsettling parallels between tech oligarchs and comic book supervillains, discussing the psychological motivations behind their ambitions. The conversation touches on AI's ethical complications, the creative struggles in developing villains, and the vital need for human connections in the tech landscape. Tune in for deep insights and a dose of comic-book flair!
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses how tech oligarchs, akin to supervillains, amass control over democracy, raising concerns about their unchecked power.
- It emphasizes the need for a tech reformation that prioritizes humanity and ethical considerations over profit-driven motives and godlike narratives.
Deep dives
The Rise of Tech Oligarchs
The podcast examines the emergence of tech oligarchs, often referred to as 'broligarchs,' who have amassed unprecedented wealth and influence. It highlights their combined net worth surpassing $1 trillion, raising concerns about their control over democratic systems. The discussion likens these figures to comic book supervillains, drawing parallels between their behaviors and the traits associated with iconic villains like Lex Luthor. This comparison emphasizes the dangers posed by these oligarchs as they pursue global dominance with a sense of arrogance and entitlement.
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