Brian Merchant

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.

Brian Merchant, a longtime tech writer and author of "Blood in the Machine," joins the conversation to explore the implications of a pro-tech Trump presidency. They discuss the intertwining of technology and political power, particularly the influence of figures like Elon Musk on social media. Merchant critiques the Democratic Party's corporate alignment and its impact on labor rights. The conversation also delves into the hype surrounding AI, the evolving landscape of tech regulation, and the consequences for democracy amid shifting political dynamics.

Brian Merchant, technology columnist and author, explores the history and true motivations of the Luddites. He discusses their fight against exploitation enabled by technology, the impact of generative AI on labor, and the need for democratic inputs on technology development. The podcast also highlights the Luddites' campaign for worker's rights and the deliberate misrepresentation of their movement by those in power. The chapter also mentions an upcoming Luddite Tribunal event where the resurgence of modern Luddism will be debated.

Molly White, a sharp critic of the cryptocurrency world, joins tech journalist Brian Merchant and producer Eric Wickham to dissect this year's tech landscape. They tackle the political power exerted by tech giants like Elon Musk and the alarming influence of cryptocurrencies on right-wing ideologies. The trio highlights the evolution of AI's role in search engines while humorously critiquing tech executives and reflecting on the bizarre trends in advertising. They close with a nod to the year’s chaotic moments, hoping for a brighter tech future in 2025.

Freelance journalist Brian Merchant joins the show to talk about the history of Luddism. They delve into environmental justice regarding air pollution, government concerns on carcinogenicity, and the legacy of resistance against big tech. The conversation highlights the impact of Luddites on modern technology debates and the rising skepticism towards major tech corporations.

Join Brian Merchant, a reporter spotlighting labor issues in the video game and animation industries, as he delves into the alarming rise of AI threatening creative jobs. He discusses how companies are using technology to degrade work quality and undermine job security. The conversation highlights the bold collective response from workers pushing back against these changes, especially in the organized animation sector, asserting that 'AI can fuck right off.' Expect insights on unionization and the cultural impact of AI on artistic integrity.

Paris Marx is joined by Brian Merchant to discuss the vision of the future of computing offered by Apple’s Vision Pro headset and why it should be resisted. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist at the LA Times. He’s also the author of The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone and Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech. Follow Brian on Twitter at @bcmerchant.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. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham and part of the Harbinger Media Network.Also mentioned in this episode:Paris will be in Edmonton, Alberta on June 24. More info here.Brian wrote a column about the Apple Vision Pro for the LA Times, and another about Uber drivers in California getting payouts.Paris also wrote about why Apple Vision Pro should be ridiculed for Disconnect.David Karpf called virtual reality the “rich white kid of technology.”Meta employees are not working in the metaverse.Mark Gurman reported on the internal division at Apple over whether to release the Vision Pro in its current form.Support the show

In this engaging discussion, Brian Merchant, a writer focusing on technology and labor, shares insights on the overwhelming rise of 'AI slop'—the low-quality, often nonsensical content flooding social media. He delves into how creators exploit algorithms for virality and the impact on traditional craftsmanship. The panel also addresses the ethical dilemmas surrounding deepfakes and authenticity in a digital world rife with misleading engagement metrics. Merchant's perspectives encourage listeners to consider the ramifications of AI on both creativity and privacy.

Exploring the parallels between Dune and modern tech, discussing themes of power dynamics and genetic manipulation, delving into constraints of sci-fi combat narratives, advocating for sabotage as a tactic, exploring radical disruptions against tech, and reflecting on 'Dune' character portrayals and societal scrutiny.

The Heritage Foundation’s extreme Presidential Transition Project proposes sweeping changes to government and packing the next GOP administration with extreme loyalists to Trump. Plus! Tech journalist and author of Blood in the Machine, Brian Merchant, talks to Andy Levy about the tech industry’s obsession with trying to create the dystopian futures portrayed in media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.