Tech Won't Save Us

Luke LeBrun, editor of PressProgress, and independent journalist Rachel Gilmore dive into Shopify's unsettling ties with right-wing politics. They discuss how the company profits from hate while fostering extremist ideologies through its platform. The duo highlights Shopify’s strange contradiction about immigration, given its reliance on immigrant labor. They also touch on internal conflicts surrounding free speech, CEO Toby Lütke's unique influence, and the troubling implications for both tech and society.

Chris Carlsson, co-founder of Critical Mass and author of 'When Shells Crumble,' shares insights on the tech-critical magazine Processed World, which satirized work culture from 1981 to 2005. He discusses the vibrant creativity of temp workers who humorously critiqued office life and the broader impacts of automation. The conversation advocates for reclaiming personal agency against capitalist tech norms and highlights grassroots actions, encouraging listeners to find hope through small initiatives that challenge the processed world.

Jacob Silverman discusses Silicon Valley's support for Trump, Peter Thiel's influence, tech billionaires backing Trump financially, and the impact of tech leaders on political narratives.

Sasha Luccioni discusses the environmental impact of generative AI, highlighting companies' rising emissions and struggles to meet climate goals. The chapter explores the energy consumption differences between traditional AI and generative AI, and the push for general AI models driven by major tech companies. It also addresses the lack of transparency in obtaining data on GPU energy usage and the tension between profit-driven tech companies and environmental responsibility.

Author David Gerard discusses Jack Dorsey's departure from Bluesky, his Bitcoin enthusiasm, and tech vision. They explore crypto ideologies, social media challenges, and the rise of alternative platforms post-Elon Musk's influence.

Guest Jason Koebler discusses the AI-generated spam on Facebook, the platform's lack of control, and the concept of the 'zombie internet.' They explore AI altering content, Facebook's decline, and the impact on user behavior. Also covered are the financial benefits of AI content and changes in the platform's algorithm.

Jason Hickel discusses how technology in a degrowth society would prioritize collective welfare over profit. They explore the urgent need for sustainable production and the contrasting approaches of green growth vs. degrowth scenarios. The conversation highlights challenges in decarbonization, rethinking production for a democratic economy, and addressing global North-South disparities in energy consumption.

tante, a tech writer and Luddite, joins to discuss Europe's tech challenges, contrasting US and China, EU's tech regulations, France vs. Germany tech innovation, competition with US giants, redefining tech innovation with social values.

Tech culture reporter Nitasha Tiku discusses Silicon Valley's ties with Gulf monarchies for AI funding. Topics include the ethical dilemmas of tech companies, concerns over human rights violations, and the complex geopolitical dynamics shaping the tech industry's relationships with authoritarian regimes.

Joseph Cox joins to discuss FBI's use of Anom to crack down on criminals globally. They explore criminal evolution to encrypted phones, FBI's pursuit of encrypted networks, Dubai's cooperation, inter-agency collaboration, French military police hacking, pandemic adaptations, and ethical surveillance considerations.