e/acc: Can a meme pave the way to a utopian society?
Oct 20, 2023
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Marc Andreessen and Beff Jezos discuss Effective Accelerationism (e/acc), a movement that aims to pave the way for a post-scarcity technological utopia through AI and large language models (LLMs). They explore the origins, ideology, and online community of the movement. The podcast also mentions an underground tech event and the upcoming conference organized by AGI House SF.
Effective Accelerationism (EAC) is an online movement focused on accelerating technological growth and innovation, advocating for the unrestricted progress of AI and technology.
EAC aims to counter doomerism and pessimism regarding AI and future advancements by embracing techno-optimism and viewing technological progress as a defense of capitalism, innovation, and productivity.
Deep dives
Beth J. Zos and Effective Accelerationism
Beth J. Zos, a pseudo-anonymous leader, presented at an underground tech event, introducing effective accelerationism (EAC). EAC is an online movement focused on accelerating technological growth and innovation. It gained popularity this summer, with followers advocating for the unrestricted progress of AI and technology. They believe that the market, without heavy regulation, will self-regulate and lead to societal progress. EAC has drawn both support and criticism from tech leaders and AI researchers. It is characterized by its counter-offensive against those seeking to slow down AI development and protect competitive advantages.
The Philosophy and Principles of EAC
EAC is grounded in the belief that technological progress, if not impeded, will bring societal benefits and serve as an equalizer. Followers view the movement as a defense of capitalism, technology, innovation, and productivity. By embracing techno-optimism, EAC aims to counter widespread doomerism and pessimism regarding AI and future advancements. The movement's counter to AI guardrails has attracted venture investors and tech leaders who display EAC in their bios to signal their disagreement with heavy regulation.
Controversies Surrounding EAC
EAC has created its own lore through viral memes and online discussions. Disciples of EAC, termed Eacians, oppose doomsayers or decelerators (D cells) who advocate for caution and regulation in AI development. The movement has faced criticism for its reliance on anonymous accounts and its excessive use of memes, which some argue cloud the message and hinder its impact. While EAC has attracted advocates like Martin Shkreli, Madison Campbell, founder of a rape kit startup, questions the effectiveness of an anonymous-led movement in influencing Capitol Hill.
Effective Accelerationism, abbreviated as e/acc, represents a collection of ideas and practices geared towards maximizing the likelihood of reaching the technocapital singularity. This movement aims to create an environment where emergent consciousness can thrive. Influential figures in the tech industry, such as Marc Andreessen, have shown their support by incorporating "e/acc" into their usernames. The movement's mascot is an enigmatic "tech founder" known as Beff Jezos.
E/acc, short for Effective Accelerationism, is rooted in Nick Land's accelerationist theories. It advocates the belief that artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) will pave the way for a post-scarcity technological utopia. The movement's name is also a clever nod to Effective Altruism. E/acc communities predominantly thrive on Twitter, particularly through Twitter Spaces, where enthusiasts share e/acc manifestos via the Substack newsletter platform.
A huge thanks to Margaux MacColl of The Information for her article 'It's a cult' that was used as the basis for this episode.
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