Join Paula Bialski, a digital sociology expert, and Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropology professor, as they dive into the multifaceted world of hacker cultures. They unveil how hacker identities—like black hat and white hat—have evolved and impacted cybersecurity. There's a fascinating discussion on the emotional backlash against poorly written code and the ethics within the hacking community. Plus, hear about the intriguing concept of Critical Mold Studies and its unexpected ties to tech! A compelling exploration of innovation, ethics, and community dynamics.

Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropologist and expert on hacker cultures, joins Paula Bialski, a digital sociology professor, to discuss the evolution and ethics of hacking. They explore the changing identities of hackers, from 'white hats' to 'black hats,' and how aesthetics in coding can provoke moral outrage. The conversation highlights the professionalization of hacking and the tensions between quality and speed in software development. Coleman also hints at founding a new field of Critical Mold Studies—an intriguing twist on traditional academic disciplines!

Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropology professor and expert on hacker cultures, dives into the evolution of hacking as both an ethos and a profession. She discusses the distinct 'hats' of hackers—white, black, and gray—and the shifting perceptions of their roles. Coleman highlights the aesthetic dimensions of code and moral outrage tied to it, along with the transition of hackers from underground to respected cybersecurity professionals. The conversation also touches on the complexities of community engagement and the ethical dilemmas in modern hacking practices.