The Forgotten Story of How Conservatives Shaped the Internet w/ Becca Lewis
Nov 21, 2024
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Becca Lewis, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, dives into the right-wing's influence on the internet from the 1990s. She unpacks the emergence of 'reactionary futurism' and its ties to traditional values, showcasing how these ideologies shaped Silicon Valley. The discussion touches on historical figures like George Gilder and contrasts their views with progressive visions of the internet. Lewis also highlights the ongoing polarization exacerbated by disinformation, urging a reevaluation of technology's societal role.
The examination of the right-wing's influence in shaping the internet since the 1990s reveals enduring legacies impacting today's tech landscape.
Becca Lewis highlights how historical reactionary futurist ideologies sought to restore traditional norms and intertwine them with technological advancement.
The 1996 Telecommunications Act's shift towards commercial interests exemplifies the consequences of prioritizing business over public welfare in internet governance.
Deep dives
The Assumptions About Technology
Technology is often assumed to be inherently progressive, but its consequences can be unintended and reactionary. There are individuals and movements dedicated to using technology to advance conservative agendas. This historical perspective emphasizes that the notions around technology are not new but have been influenced by right-wing ideas that have emerged long ago. Understanding this context is crucial for analyzing the current political dynamics within the tech industry.
The Reactionary Futurist Network
The podcast highlights the concept of the reactionary futurist network that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by right-wing figures who promoted the idea that digital technologies could restore traditional societal structures. This group aimed to reestablish pre-feminist norms and conservative values through the internet. Key figures, such as George Gilder, helped develop this ideology, merging technology with a vision of revived gender roles and family structures. The echoes of this ideology are still present in the tech industry today.
The Influence of Key Figures
George Gilder, a significant influencer in the tech landscape, transitioned from an anti-feminist provocateur to a tech evangelist in the 1990s. His writings framed entrepreneurs as embodiments of a renewed morality in society, amid concerns about the changing dynamics of masculinity. This narrative promoted the image of the tech entrepreneur as a savior figure for a society in crisis, a notion that resonates in contemporary discussions surrounding the tech elite. Gilder's work shows how tech and conservative ideologies have woven together historically.
Transformations in Internet Policy
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, shaped significantly by conservative think tanks, represented a major shift from public interest approaches to a more commercial framework for the internet. Early proposals emphasized universal access and public discourse, while the final legislation facilitated media consolidation and reduced regulatory oversight. This deregulation allowed for the rise of platforms that prioritized commercial interests over societal values. The Act's implications are evident today in discussions about media ownership and the role of the internet in society.
Lessons for Contemporary Media Discourse
Contemporary media polarization and disinformation struggles can be better understood when reflecting on the historical narratives that have shaped the internet's evolution. The original vision of the internet contained opportunities for equitable access and public discourse, which have since been compromised. Acknowledging that current platforms and their structures are deeply rooted in these historical contexts is vital for addressing today's social issues. Ultimately, recognizing these legacies helps reframe the discussions about technology and society's response to it.
Paris Marx is joined by Becca Lewis to discuss the right-wing project to shape the internet in the 1990s and how we’re still living with the legacies of those actions today.
Becca Lewis is a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University.
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.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Paris wrote about Marc Andreessen mentioning the Italian Futurists in his Techno-Optimist Manifesto.