Tech Won't Save Us

Laís Martins, a technology reporter at The Intercept Brasil, dives into Brazil's ongoing battle against big tech companies. She discusses Brazil's regulatory moves against platforms like X and Rumble, emphasizing the political motivations behind them. The conversation highlights Justice Alexandre de Moraes' pivotal role in shaping tech regulations amid fears for democracy. Laís also explores Brazil's struggle for social media regulation and the complexities of attracting AI investment, while seeking digital sovereignty against the influence of U.S. tech giants.

Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist and author of *Empire of AI*, discusses the troubling impact of OpenAI's relentless pursuit of scale. She highlights how this strategy has led to exploitation, worsened data privacy issues, and environmental harm. The conversation delves into the commercialization of AI and its colonial legacy, critiquing the disconnect between OpenAI's founding ideals and current practices. Hao also emphasizes the risks of overemphasizing generative AI at the expense of other essential research areas, advocating for a more ethical approach to technology development.

Sam Biddle, a senior technology reporter at The Intercept, dives into the troubling alliance between Silicon Valley and military contractors. He exposes tactics used to silence dissent within tech companies and how this collaboration shapes perceptions of defense work. Biddle discusses the impact of key figures from the Trump administration on military contracts and raises ethical concerns about tech moguls prioritizing defense over consumer innovation. The conversation reveals the geopolitical motivations behind this shift and the normalization of tech's role in the military-industrial complex.

Casey Johnston, the creator of the She’s A Beast newsletter and author of A Physical Education, shares her journey of embracing a digital detox. She discusses reducing social media use and her experience with a DIY dumbphone, emphasizing the impact of constant connectivity on mental health. Casey highlights the shift from traditional body image aesthetics to self-acceptance and the importance of real-world connections over online interactions. The conversation touches on evolving narratives in fitness and tech, fostering authenticity in a digitally-driven world.

Emily M. Bender is a linguistics professor at the University of Washington, while Alex Hanna is the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Institute. Together, they delve into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding generative AI. They critique how the industry keeps the public engaged despite failed promises. The discussion includes the implications of AI in education, emphasizing critical thinking over commercialization. They advocate for greater accountability in AI's development and stress that the future of technology is not predetermined, encouraging public engagement.

Tim Fernholz, senior reporter at Payload Space and author of Rocket Billionaires, dives into Elon Musk's growing influence on the U.S. Space Program. They discuss Musk's push for Mars missions over lunar exploration and the challenges facing the Starship rocket. Fernholz highlights the impact of Trump's NASA budget cuts and how they shift funding dynamics towards private companies like SpaceX. The conversation explores the complexities surrounding SpaceX's bids for NASA contracts and the broader implications for the future of space exploration.

Julia Carrie Wong, a features writer at The Guardian, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about Elon Musk's controversial views on empathy. They explore the ties between Musk's stance and the embrace of Christian nationalism in tech culture. Wong highlights how empathy has been reframed as a threat to civilization, especially in the context of leadership and societal values. The conversation critically examines the implications of a declining empathetic culture and its impact on social justice, dehumanization, and the moral compass of America.

Jason Koebler, cofounder of 404 Media and journalist, dives into the quirky world of AI-generated content and its impact on social media. He discusses the rise of 'brain rot AI,' characterized by lowbrow memes that captivate younger audiences. The commercialization of this trend reveals how individuals profit from bizarre AI creations. Koebler also examines the ethical implications of AI in content creation, the evolving relationship between tech and politics during the Trump era, and the urgent need for critical engagement with these technologies.

Paris Marx is joined by Laleh Khalili to discuss Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, the structural factors that allowed him to build an empire, and the many ways he’s shaped the modern tech industry.Laleh Khalili is Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and the author of Sinews of War and Trade and her forthcoming book Extractive Capitalism.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. Support the show on Patreon.The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham.Also mentioned in this episode:Laleh wrote a review of a new book about Masa.She also mentioned The Box by Marc Levinson and The Next Shift by Gabriel Winant.Support the show

A thought-provoking discussion tackles the unsettling alliance between Silicon Valley and far-right politics, particularly during Trump's era. The talk emphasizes the need to reassess our reliance on U.S. tech and explore concepts like digital sovereignty. Key figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are examined for their roles in shaping political dynamics. The episode advocates for alternative tech solutions that prioritize the public good, amidst growing concerns about the commercialization of the internet and its implications for democracy.