Team Human Covid Speaks like ChatGPT
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Jan 3, 2024 
Douglas Rushkoff discusses what he's learning from Covid about the Internet and synthetic experiences. They explore the confusion between real and synthetic in textiles and the neurophysiological basis of human connection. They discuss the limitations of online interactions, the loss of grounding in the digital world, and the impact of technology on society and our connection to each other.
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Rayon vs. Silk
- Douglas Rushkoff's grandfather sold rayon at silk prices, unnoticed by customers.
- This early experience sparked Rushkoff's interest in the indistinguishability of synthetic and real materials.
Synthetic vs. Organic
- The digital is often mistaken as superior to the organic, much like rayon was preferred over silk.
- This substitution of the synthetic for the real poses a danger across society.
Internet and Gaia
- In the 90s, tech enthusiasts believed the internet would connect humans and serve nature, inspired by the Gaia hypothesis.
- Rushkoff was cynical, suggesting the internet could be practice for genuine connection, not a replacement.