Tech Won't Save Us

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.

Aline Blankertz, an economist specializing in digital policy at Rebalance Now and former Wikimedia Germany staff, dives into Europe's struggle to break free from US tech dependence. She discusses the political complexities of achieving digital sovereignty and the push for local alternatives like the Eurostack. The conversation also touches on the intertwining of military interests and tech innovation, raising ethical questions about AI in defense. Ultimately, Blankertz calls for a collaborative, values-driven approach to technology amidst global challenges.

JS Tan, a PhD student at MIT researching cloud computing, dives into the troubling ties between tech and the oil industry, sharing insights from his experience at Microsoft. He reveals how cloud services help Chevron maximize oil extraction, raising concerns about climate change and corporate ethics. Tan discusses tech worker organizing efforts against fossil fuel partnerships and the ethical dilemmas faced in Kazakhstan's oil sector. The conversation also touches on the balance between innovation and sustainability, urging a reevaluation of tech's role in climate advocacy.

Kate Green, a former U.S. Digital Service engineer, and Milo, also a former USDS engineer, delve into the disruptions caused by Elon Musk's DOGE on U.S. government tech initiatives. They discuss the mass resignations from USDS and the implications for service delivery in the public sector. Green highlights her contributions to critical projects like IRS DirectFile and emphasizes the need for technology that prioritizes user-centric solutions. The duo also sheds light on the We The Builders initiative, advocating for greater understanding and appreciation of federal workers.

Explore the high-stakes Canadian federal election and its unique five-week campaign format. Delve into the challenges facing parties like the Conservatives regarding climate change and misinformation. Discover the implications of Donald Trump's polarizing influence on Canadian politics. Uncover the tensions between nationalism and voter sentiment, particularly in relation to the extreme right. Lastly, critique the government's productivity push through AI and the buzzwords that accompany it. Insightful discussions await!

Jen St. Denis, a reporter with The Tyee, dives into the unsettling merger of Silicon Valley thinking and Canadian politics amid rising tensions with the U.S. She discusses the quest of Canadian tech leaders for their own version of DOGE and highlights Shopify's controversial ties to right-wing ideologies. The conversation sheds light on how social media impacts misinformation, especially with elections looming. With Canadians increasingly viewing the U.S. as a threat, questions arise about national sovereignty and the future of Canada's tech landscape.

Timnit Gebru, the founder and executive director of the Distributed AI Research Institute, shares her insights on the deepening geopolitical implications of AI. She critiques the unfulfilled promises of AI advancements by major companies while discussing the cultural idolization of figures like Elon Musk. Gebru highlights ethical concerns surrounding data use and governmental compliance, advocating for a shift in how tech narratives are framed. The conversation also touches on building solidarity among global data workers to challenge industry monopolies.

In this engaging discussion, James Meadway, an economist and host of "Macrodose", critiques the UK's Labour Party's infatuation with AI as a path to economic growth. He highlights the dangers of US tech dominance and the potential consequences of neglecting local welfare. Meadway also dissects the unsustainable nature of current economic practices and challenges the illusion of productivity in American tech firms. He advocates for a rethinking of Europe's tech strategies towards collaboration and open-source initiatives for a more equitable future.