Tech Won't Save Us

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.

Nitasha Tiku, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, discusses the troubling parallels between chatbots and social media's harms. She highlights how AI companies exploit users for engagement, potentially worsening isolation. The conversation covers the rapid evolution of chatbots, ethical concerns surrounding privacy and manipulation, and the urgent need for accountability in tech. Tiku also emphasizes the risks involved in using chatbots for sensitive issues like mental health, advocating for better oversight and responsible practices in AI development.

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.