Tech Won't Save Us

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.

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.