Tech Won't Save Us cover image

Tech Won't Save Us

The Forgotten Story of How Conservatives Shaped the Internet w/ Becca Lewis

Nov 21, 2024
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.
59:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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