Better Offline Enzittification with Cory Doctorow & Brian Merchant
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Aug 7, 2024 
Cory Doctorow, a prominent writer and digital rights activist, joins forces with Brian Merchant, an insightful author on tech's societal implications. They delve into how monopolistic practices have stifled innovation in the tech industry today. The duo connects the historical Luddite fight for worker rights to modern tech critiques, discussing the ethical dilemmas of generative AI and its detrimental effects on artists. They advocate for grassroots movements and effective regulation to reclaim user agency and combat corporate dominance.
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Decoupling Good and Bad Tech
- Tech industry narratives often link user enjoyment to accepting negative aspects, like intrusive data collection.
- This narrative is untrue, and we can create a better internet with desired features without the downsides.
Hope, Not Optimism
- Cory Doctorow suggests focusing on hope, not optimism or pessimism, when considering tech's future.
- Hope acknowledges human agency and encourages acting on opportunities for improvement.
Facebook's Early Days
- Brian Merchant recalls Facebook's early days, where users held more power and influenced the platform's development.
- This democratic model, though imperfect, highlights the potential for user-led tech evolution.