Danah Boyd

Danah Boyd, a partner researcher at Microsoft Research and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, discusses how the challenges of urbanization in the past can shed light on navigating the digital world. She explores parallels between city living and online interactions, touching on anonymity, community formation, and societal impacts of online behaviors.

In this lively discussion, Cory Doctorow, a passionate writer and digital-rights advocate, joins danah boyd, a renowned researcher at Cornell, to delve into the concept of 'enshittification'—the phenomenon of digital platforms becoming worse over time. They explore how financialization and monopolies contribute to this decline, the impact of tech worker incentives, and viable alternatives like worker cooperatives. The conversation also touches on the alarming potential of generative AI and the shifting perceptions of tech careers among students. It's a thought-provoking exploration of our digital landscape!

In this engaging conversation, danah boyd, a Partner Researcher at Microsoft and founder of Data & Society Research Institute, dives into the complexities of AI and its impact on society. She challenges easy narratives about AI, urging us to question who designs these systems and their implications for education and power dynamics. The discussion addresses critical themes like privacy concerns, biases in AI, and the need for inclusive technology development. Boyd also highlights the importance of AI literacy for parents and educators to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Cory Doctorow, a renowned writer and digital-rights advocate, discusses his book on the alarming decline of digital platforms. Joining him is danah boyd, a tech and society scholar. They delve into the concept of 'inshittification,' exploring how monopolies and financialization degrade digital experiences. The conversation covers historical lessons from early internet battles and the potential of worker cooperatives as an alternative. They also tackle AI's hidden social and environmental costs, presenting a compelling case for reform in tech policy.

Cory Doctorow, a writer and activist focused on digital rights, joins danah boyd, a Cornell professor and digital media researcher, to discuss the concept of 'inshittification.' They dive into how platforms degrade over time due to monopoly power, the impact of venture capital on innovation, and the precarious nature of gig work. They also explore policy solutions for a fairer digital landscape and highlight the need for cooperative alternatives. Expect engaging insights on AI's societal risks and the future of tech labor.