The Year in Tech w/ Molly White, Brian Merchant, & Eric Wickham
Dec 19, 2024
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Molly White, a sharp critic of the cryptocurrency world, joins tech journalist Brian Merchant and producer Eric Wickham to dissect this year's tech landscape. They tackle the political power exerted by tech giants like Elon Musk and the alarming influence of cryptocurrencies on right-wing ideologies. The trio highlights the evolution of AI's role in search engines while humorously critiquing tech executives and reflecting on the bizarre trends in advertising. They close with a nod to the year’s chaotic moments, hoping for a brighter tech future in 2025.
The cryptocurrency industry's newfound political engagement has led to increased lobbying efforts, reflecting a proactive strategy to influence U.S. legislation post-FTX collapse.
Concerns around AI advancements highlight a tension between its promised efficiencies and the reality of workforce displacement, warning against the potential overhype associated with the technology.
The environmental impact of expanding data centers raises community resistance issues, suggesting a growing conflict between tech infrastructure demands and local ecological concerns moving forward.
Deep dives
Year-End Overview and Guest Introductions
The episode features a year-end special discussion among guest experts in the tech industry, including Molly White, Brian Merchant, and Eric Wickham. The conversation covers significant developments in technology throughout the year, including the impact of AI, the role of tech companies in political campaigns, and the influence of notable figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. The guests reflect on the tech industry's evolving dynamics, particularly regarding crypto and data privacy concerns. The episode not only highlights key stories but also expresses gratitude for listener support and engagement over the past year.
Political Spending in the Crypto Industry
Molly White emphasizes the heightened political engagement of the cryptocurrency industry, noting its increased spending on political campaigns and lobbying efforts. The year saw significant contributions from crypto proponents seeking to gain influence in U.S. politics, especially following events such as the collapse of FTX. This surge in political spending marks a shift from the industry's previous, more reactive strategies, indicating a proactive approach to embedding itself within political structures. White raises concerns about the implications of this increased power, as the industry seeks to promote pro-crypto legislation while distancing itself from past scandals.
The Potential Impact of AI and its Economic Implications
Brian Merchant discusses the complex landscape of AI advancements and their economic impact, stressing how the technology sector continues to push AI into various applications despite criticism and concerns. He indicates that while AI could lead to workplace challenges and displacement, it has not proven to be a universal solution for efficiency and effectiveness. The ongoing discourse illustrates a dichotomy between the tech's potential benefits and the realistic outcomes of its deployment. Merchant warns about the ramifications of AI overhype and the pressure for companies to realize profits, as they invest substantial resources into developing AI infrastructure.
Data Centers and Environmental Concerns
The podcast highlights the expanding footprint of data centers as tech giants like Amazon and Google continue to invest in massive infrastructure to support demand for cloud services and AI applications. The rapid growth of these facilities raises pressing environmental concerns, especially regarding their energy consumption and water usage. Eric Wickham notes the increasing resistance from communities opposing new data centers, fearing detrimental impacts on local environments. The episode suggests that as tech companies push for more data centers, social pushback and environmental activism may simultaneously rise, leading to potential conflicts in 2025.
The Future of Tech Regulation and the Role of TikTok
The discussion explores the changing regulatory landscape for tech companies, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions surrounding apps like TikTok. Concerns about data security and cultural influence have led to growing calls for bans or stricter regulations, especially as the U.S. government examines foreign apps. With historical shifts in policy now affecting how tech operates within national borders, it raises questions about consistency in the enforcement of digital freedoms. This situation marks a significant pivot from previous stances against tech regulation, illustrating how competition leads to changing ideologies and regulatory approaches.
Paris Marx is joined by Molly White, Brian Merchant, and Eric Wickham to discuss the highs and lows (mostly lows) of this year in tech news.
Molly White is the creator of Web3 is Going Just Great and Follow the Crypto. Brian Merchant is my co-host on System Crash, a new podcast we’re hosting. He’s also a longtime tech journalist and author of Blood in the Machine. Eric Wickham is the producer for Tech Won’t Save Us, along with a bunch of other podcast, and an independent journalist.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.