Tech Won't Save Us

Brian Merchant, the author of Blood in the Machine and host of the newsletter AI Killed My Job, joins the discussion to unravel the implications of AI on the labor market. He tackles the idea of an impending AI bubble and how businesses are leveraging AI to threaten jobs. Personal narratives from affected workers illustrate the nuanced challenges of automation beyond mere job loss. Merchant encourages listeners to engage with organizations working to protect workers' rights, highlighting the ongoing struggle between technology and human dignity.

Kate Mackenzie, an adjunct fellow at Macquarie University, and Tim Sahay, co-director at Johns Hopkins University, dive into the shifting tides of global geopolitics driven by China's renewable energy initiatives. They discuss how China's vast investments in green technology could revolutionize sustainable development, leaving fossil fuel-dependent nations in the dust. The episode examines the BRICS nations' potential in redefining power dynamics, alongside the U.S.'s struggle to adapt amidst China's fast-paced transitions in energy strategy and electric vehicle production.

Cecilia Rikap, an Associate Professor in Economics at University College London, dives into the urgent need for countries to reclaim digital sovereignty from US tech giants. She discusses how this dependency leads to economic disparity and digital colonialism, calling for policies prioritizing public interests. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by generative AI and critiques current tech policies that sacrifice regulatory independence for growth. Rikap advocates for local control over technology and shares international efforts aimed at achieving true digital sovereignty.

In this discussion, Paolo Benanti, an author and academic who advises Pope Francis on AI ethics, explores the Church's stance on artificial intelligence. He reveals insights on how the Vatican approaches technology, emphasizing the ethical implications for social justice and human dignity. The conversation touches on the dual nature of AI, the necessity for human-centered discussions, and the potential collaboration between faith and technology in navigating ethical challenges. Benanti argues for the Church's crucial role in guiding these conversations.

Matt Pearce, Director of Policy at Rebuild Local News and former Los Angeles Times reporter, discusses the pressing issues facing journalism today. He highlights the impact of Google's AI reducing traffic to news sites, which threatens traditional business models. Pearce delves into the tension between tech companies and news publishers, emphasizing the need for empathy in journalism. He also explores 'Google Zero,' a scenario where news outlets lose vital referral traffic, raising concerns about the future of credible journalism in an AI-dominated landscape.

Jacob Silverman, a journalist and author of the upcoming book Gilded Rage, dives deep into the intertwining of tech and politics. He discusses the alarming Islamophobic remarks from a Sequoia partner, revealing how right-wing ideology has infiltrated Silicon Valley. Silverman also unveils how Donald Trump is profiting from crypto scams, highlighting the dangers of legislation like the GENIUS Act. The conversation warns about the risks posed by integrating cryptocurrency into retirement savings and the broader implications for the economy amidst growing deregulation.

Dan McQuillan, a lecturer at Goldsmiths College and author of Resisting AI, discusses the urgent need to rethink our relationship with artificial intelligence. He critiques the UK government's corporate-driven AI policies and highlights the environmental concerns related to data centers. McQuillan advocates for 'decomputing' as a means to reclaim agency and foster technologies that serve the public good. He also shares inspiring examples of collective action for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in resisting oppressive systems.

Nathan Grayson, co-founder of the worker-owned gaming news site Aftermath and author of 'Stream Big,' dives into the tumultuous state of the video game industry. He discusses Microsoft's recent layoffs and shifting focus from game ownership to subscription models, raising concerns about long-term impacts on studios. The ethical implications of AI integration in the workplace are explored, along with the potential profitability of Microsoft's Game Pass. Grayson highlights the struggles faced by employees and the challenges within the gaming landscape.

Laleh Khalili, a Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and author of Extractive Capitalism, discusses how the U.S. leverages technology to influence power dynamics in the Middle East. She examines the historical ties between tech and imperialism, focusing on how nations like Israel and Iran navigate these complexities. The podcast delves into AI's role in warfare, military funding, and the concerning shift towards militarization of technology, urging listeners to reconsider the implications for society.

Yangyang Cheng, a Research Scholar in Law at Yale, dives deep into Huawei's evolution from a local telecom supplier to a global tech leader amidst U.S.-China tensions. The discussion highlights how geopolitical narratives often distract from significant issues like surveillance capitalism. Cheng challenges the criticisms levied against Huawei, pointing out the complexities of national pride and the ethical dimensions of technology. The conversation underscores the need for a nuanced view of tech as both a tool for connection and a vehicle for corporate exploitation.