Tech Won't Save Us

Paris Marx is joined by Astra Taylor to discuss how capitalism creates insecurity to sustain itself, the way tech is used to make us more insecure, and what it will take to change that.Astra Taylor is a writer, filmmaker, and political organizer. She’s the author of The Age of Insecurity and co-founder of the Debt Collective. Her next book Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea, written with Leah Hunt-Hendrix, comes out in March. 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 produced by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.  Also mentioned in this episode: Astra wrote about the Insecurity Machine for Logic Magazine and the Dads of Tech for The Baffler. Find excerpts from The Age of Insecurity in The New York Times and The Walrus. Become a supporter on Patreon to join our giveaway. Support the show

Émile Torres joins to discuss effective accelerationism in Silicon Valley, its connection to TESCREAL ideologies, the divide in the AI industry, and long-termism's influence. They explore rationalism, cult dynamics, and utopian motivations, as well as the risks and divisions within effective accelerationism.

Investigative journalist Tim Schwab joins Paris Marx to debunk the myth of Bill Gates as a 'good billionaire' and scrutinizes the influence of the Gates Foundation. They discuss Gates' questionable actions, his impact on other tech billionaires, the colonial model of the Gates Foundation, and critique his approach to philanthropy and focus on metrics and data. They also explore the power dynamics and financial implications of the Gates Foundation, highlighting the need for regulation and growing movements challenging their approach.

Joanne McNeil, author of "Wrong Way", discusses the human labor behind self-driving cars, the challenges of being a tech critic, and the need for tech critics that aren't insiders. They also touch on the fantasy of self-driving cars and the illusion of automation.

Mike Isaac, a technology reporter at the New York Times, discusses the drama around Sam Altman being temporarily removed from OpenAI, the power dynamics within the company, and the ongoing developments in the OpenAI-Microsoft partnership.

Marwa Fatafta, Palestinian digital rights advocate and researcher, joins the podcast to discuss the Israeli campaign in Gaza, social media's role in sharing ground realities, and ways to support peace. They delve into internet shutdowns in Gaza, manipulation of information, and the Israeli government's treatment of human rights organizations. The episode also explores the impacts of platform automation, censorship, and the development of technologies in an oppressive context.

Jacob Silverman discusses the trial and guilty verdict of Sam Bankman-Fried, delving into the dark side of Silicon Valley, including fake spreadsheets, sociopathy, and lack of empathy. The episode explores the investor class's shift from crypto to AI and its impact on illicit finance.

Elon Musk, a business magnate and entrepreneur, discusses his controversial ideologies and their impact on humanity. Topics include Musk's rejection of empathy and compassion, his motivations and claims, his presentation style, belief in colonizing other planets, transhumanist ideas, politics, and challenges faced by his empire.

Elon Musk, builder of a corporate empire with a controversial legacy, is unmasked in this podcast. Topics include Musk taking credit for Tesla's innovations, spinning deceptive tales, consequences of his interventions, and his vision for a sustainable future.

Elon Musk's crafted character, inflated by the media, played a crucial role in his success. The podcast explores his flamboyant displays, the creation of his own narrative, and his ambitious plans to revolutionize the financial services sector. It also discusses the mythology surrounding Musk, his influence on the character Tony Stark, and the consequences of perpetuating these myths. The episode examines the media's coverage of Musk and the importance of honest representation.