Paris Marx is joined by Amanda Mull to discuss the history of consumerism and where ecommerce goes in the next few years as interest rates rise and its market share stalls. Amanda Mull is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she writes the Material World column. She’s also a shop steward at The Atlantic Union. Follow Amanda on Twitter at @amandamull.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:Amanda has written about consumerism, buying less junk, the pivot to TikTok, and why free returns are coming to an end.Paris wrote about the problem with Apple’s town square store concept.Amazon curtailed massive warehouse expansion plans it made early in the pandemic.Lauren Smily wrote about the shut-in economy in 2015.William Leach wrote Land of Desire: Merchants: Power and the Rise of a New American Culture.Support the show

In this discussion, Paris Marx, host of "Tech Won't Save Us" and critical tech industry observer, dives into Meta's controversial decision to dismantle its fact-checking program. He explores the perilous implications for misinformation and political discourse as Big Tech aligns with Trump’s return. The conversation also tackles the erosion of trust in media and highlights the shifting content moderation practices at Facebook, revealing how tech leaders are realigning with conservative power to protect their interests amidst rising political tensions.

Paris Marx, host of "Tech Won't Save Us" and author of "Road to Nowhere," dives into the intriguing alliance between Silicon Valley and Donald Trump during a possible second presidency. They discuss how tech moguls like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are navigating this political shift, revealing their endorsements and financial support. Marx examines the implications for the tech industry, the backlash against the Biden administration, and how these dynamics could reshape America's political landscape and the future of tech regulation.

Paris Marx, author of the tech newsletter Disconnect and host of Tech Won't Save Us, dives into the intricacies of U.S. antitrust cases against Google. He highlights the recent court findings of Google's illegal monopoly in internet search and examines its controversial practices in digital advertising. Marx discusses the broader implications for other tech giants like Apple and Amazon, and whether breaking them up could genuinely enhance market competition. He also speculates on how political shifts might impact the future of tech regulation.

In this engaging conversation, Paris Marx, author of the Disconnect Blog and host of Tech Won't Save Us, critiques the rise of hyperscale data centers by tech giants and their impact on society. He discusses the alarming energy consumption and data collection practices that accompany this tech expansion. Delving into the intersection of technology and authoritarianism, Marx raises concerns about its implications for democracy and community resources. His insights challenge us to reflect on the environmental ethics of our digital future.

Former tech reporter Sam Harnett discusses how journalists fuel the AI hype, Julia Angwin debunks fantastical AI claims, and Paris Marx reveals how AI leaders manipulate the press to influence regulators and investors.

Paris Marx, an author and host known for exploring the intersection of technology and society, delves into the current state of generative AI. He discusses the initial hype around tools like ChatGPT and contrasts it with a sobering reality of stagnation and profitability concerns. The conversation highlights trust issues due to inaccuracies in AI outputs, the environmental cost of data demands, and echoes of past tech bubbles. Marx urges a deeper consideration of AI's actual value amid shifting corporate priorities, warning of the potential fallout from a bubble burst.

Elon Musk created The Boring Company to fix traffic, but his fantasy of underground Tesla tunnels is running on empty. Curbed’s Alissa Walker and author Paris Marx explain.This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, edited by Matt Collette, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained  Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paris Marx, host of Tech Won't Save Us and creator of the 'Data Vampires' series, dives deep into the political economy of data centers. He explores their environmental impacts, linking them to climate change and the fossil fuel industry. Marx discusses how tech giants like Google and Amazon shape global power dynamics, often exploiting local communities and negotiating with governments. The conversation also touches on the privatization of space and the growing backlash against tech's dominance amidst rising awareness of data centers' societal consequences.

JD Vance, a key figure linked to Donald Trump, joins Paris Marx, host of Tech Won't Save Us, to discuss the intriguing alliance between Silicon Valley and Trump’s political rise. They dive into how tech billionaires are financially backing Trump, with Elon Musk leading the charge. The conversation explores the intertwining of faith, politics, and power in Silicon Valley, shedding light on Vance's ascent and the potential implications for tech policies under a Trump presidency. What could this mean for America's tech future and global standing?