System Crash
System Crash
Tech giants like Google and Facebook have conquered — some would say killed — the internet. Elon Musk used his platform to help elect Trump, and Silicon Valley elites want to gut the public sector. OpenAI and Microsoft aim to wipe away millions of jobs. Uber is driving down wages. Apple is impenetrable. Amazon is inescapable. All this high tech, and our quality of life is getting lower. The system has crashed. So, System Crash: a weekly tech news show willing to tell the hard truths about how tech — and the titans who own and operate it — is really transforming the world. Co-hosts Paris Marx and Brian Merchant dissect the stories that matter, break news of their own, offer expert commentary, and interview journalists, whistleblowers, authors, and tech workers and ordinary people fighting back.
Episodes
Mentioned books
14 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 57min
The Rise of the Silicon Oligarchy ft. Jacob Silverman
Jacob Silverman, tech journalist and author of "Gilded Rage," joins to dissect the chaos surrounding Trump's second inauguration and the tech titans in attendance. He unveils the details of Trumpworld’s new crypto coins, exploring the alarming ties between big tech and politics. The conversation dives into the rise of a Silicon Valley oligarchy and critiques the tech elite's visions clashing with reality. Expect provocative commentary on the implications of AI governance and the ethical dilemmas in the cryptocurrency landscape.
43 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
What Meta Wants From Donald Trump ft. Jason Koebler
Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media and co-host of the 404 Media Podcast, dives deep into Meta’s evolving relationship with Donald Trump. He highlights the implications of the possible TikTok ban and how it reflects broader issues of censorship. The conversation critiques Meta's monopolistic practices and the challenges of creating decentralized alternatives. Koebler also discusses the right to repair movement and the impact of AI expansions on technology and privacy, revealing the intricate balance between innovation and regulation.
Jan 10, 2025 • 55min
Mark Zuckerberg Saves Free Speech
Mark Zuckerberg is making headlines by prioritizing free speech over fact-checking, raising eyebrows about the growing influence of right-wing politics in tech. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's political interference in Europe adds another layer of intrigue. The financial struggles of ChatGPT Pro reveal the challenges of sustainability in AI, while Google’s hefty investment in Canadian news organizations sparks debate on media funding. Together, these discussions illuminate the complex interplay between technology, politics, and society in today’s chaotic landscape.
45 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 58min
Welcome to the Intelligence Age: Dissecting the Tech Titans’ Key Ideas of 2024
Delve into the ambitious vision for the Intelligence Age, where tech titans like Sam Altman push for transformative advancements fueled by funding and resources. Examine Silicon Valley's cultural dynamics and how recent advancements intersect with societal infrastructure. Navigate through the complexities of AI, addressing its promise and potential pitfalls across education and healthcare. Discover insights on socio-economic inequalities, the rise of 'little tech' startups, and the evolving interplay between technology, politics, and regulatory landscapes.
4 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 56min
The Looming Specter of the TikTok Ban
Is the TikTok ban really on the horizon for the U.S.? The discussion dives deep into the surprising motivations behind Congress's actions and the role of the Supreme Court. Guest insights shed light on the shaky data privacy arguments. Meanwhile, the implications of a TikTok ban on free expression come into focus. The conversation also takes a sharp turn to highlight Elon Musk's interactions with right-wing politics and the troubling working conditions at Amazon, laying bare the clash of corporate interests and labor rights.
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Great Crypto Conquest of 2024 ft. Molly White
In this discussion, Molly White, a renowned crypto critic and creator of "Web3 is going just great," dives into the intriguing world of cryptocurrency and politics. She shares insights on the resurgence of crypto and its influence on elections, notably winning Trump's favor. The conversation highlights Coinbase's campaign finance controversies and the potential shifts in regulation as powerful figures clash in the crypto arena. They also analyze the volatile meme coin market and the risks investors take in pursuing quick riches.
Dec 6, 2024 • 53min
ChatGPT’s Sad Second Birthday
Celebrate the second anniversary of ChatGPT while pondering its uncertain future. Explore the rivalry between tech giants Sam Altman and Elon Musk. Discover how advertising infiltrates AI's evolution and the impact of commercialization on development. Delve into digital sovereignty and the need for global governance in tech. Laugh and cringe at the intersection of AI, politics, and surveillance. Consider the challenges tech executives face—especially in a world influenced by extreme narratives.
12 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 55min
Please Reboot Your System
Dive into the intriguing nexus of tech and politics as the hosts dissect the powerful alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Discover how generative AI draws inspiration from countless Hollywood scripts and what it means for the future. Delve into the rise of Blue Sky, a promising alternative to mainstream social media, and its user-centric approach. The discussion navigates the complex ethics of tech investments, cryptocurrency, and defense, revealing the balance between corporate strategies and journalistic integrity amidst an evolving digital landscape.
Nov 19, 2024 • 47sec
System Crash is Coming
The system, clearly, has crashed — and we’re here to help you dig through the wreckage. System Crash is a weekly tech news show willing to tell the hard truths about how tech — and the titans who own and operate it — is really transforming the world, hosted by Paris Marx and Brian Merchant. Tune in Friday for the first episode.Theme music is “Dystopia” by YACHT.Support the show
