The LRB Podcast
Rebecca Solnit: In the Shadow of Silicon Valley
May 15, 2024
Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit discusses the disappearing city of San Francisco due to the influence of tech firms from Silicon Valley. Topics include the impact of driverless cars on urban streets, corporate automation affecting human interaction, the tech boom's consequences on San Francisco's culture, surveillance and privacy concerns in the digital age, and the plans of wealthy elites to develop a new city near the Bay Area.
43:36
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Quick takeaways
- Driverless cars in San Francisco causing confusion and safety issues due to struggles with navigation.
- Tech billionaires in San Francisco wielding power and influencing societal landscapes through their actions.
Deep dives
The Rise of Driverless Cars in San Francisco
Driverless cars in San Francisco, hailed through apps, are hitting the streets with and without passengers, causing confusion and even blocking emergency vehicles. Despite opposition from city officials, including the fire chief, these autonomous vehicles are being deployed for testing. Issues arise as they struggle to navigate complicated traffic scenarios, leading to accidents and challenges in responding effectively to emergencies.
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