Tech Won't Save Us

The podcast delves into the motivations behind the proposed TikTok ban and its implications on US tech policy. Topics include the influence of right-wing billionaire Jeffrey Yoss on TikTok ownership, the interplay between Silicon Valley and the US government, and the geopolitical implications of tech competition with China.

Exploring the parallels between Dune and modern tech, discussing themes of power dynamics and genetic manipulation, delving into constraints of sci-fi combat narratives, advocating for sabotage as a tactic, exploring radical disruptions against tech, and reflecting on 'Dune' character portrayals and societal scrutiny.

Exploring tech industry's profit-driven motives and lack of innovation. Critiquing AI hype, Metaverse, and cryptocurrency trends. Discussing decline in tech platforms prioritizing profit over user experience. Criticizing Apple's uninspiring Vision Pro product. Reflecting on tech industry's cynicism, layoffs, and flawed meritocracy narrative. Questioning energy breakthroughs and competence of tech giants.

Discussing the scam of plastic recycling and how industry lobbies protect the market for plastic. Revealing misconceptions about plastic recycling efficiency. Obama's role in America's oil production. Microplastics found in unborn babies. The need for better tech and a better world.

The podcast discusses the setback for gig workers' rights in Europe, Uber's first annual profit, challenges faced by platform workers, data rights, Uber's financial success, and empowerment through strikes by food delivery workers in the UK.

Exploring the dangers of leveraging nostalgia, the podcast delves into the impact of foreverism on cultural franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. It questions the purpose behind constant reboots and remakes, reflecting on societal implications of nostalgia amidst economic uncertainties. The discussion also explores cinematic constraints, corporate influence on popular properties, and the implications of technology, storytelling, and politics influenced by nostalgia and foreverism.

Paris Marx is joined by Zachary Kaiser to discuss the power of tech interfaces, why data isn’t an accurate reflection of the world, and why we need to discuss democratic decomputerization.Zachary Kaiser is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Experience Architecture at Michigan State University. He’s also the author of Interfaces and Us: User Experience Design and the Making of the Computable Subject.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. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.Also mentioned in this episode:Paris is speaking in Auckland on February 18 at an event hosted by Tohatoha.Zachary wrote about dream reading technologies for Real Life.Zachary mentions specific works by David Golumbia, Ivan Illich, Aaron Benanav, John Cheney-Lippold, Thomas F. Tierney, Marisa Brandt, Arturo Escobar, and James Ferguson.Support the show

Nastasia Hadjadji, a French journalist, discusses Emmanuel Macron's 'startup nation' policies, the dismantling of France's welfare state, and the consequences of creating national tech champions. Topics include Macron aiding Uber, attracting the crypto industry, police surveillance, erosion of public services, algorithmic surveillance, and precarious labor conditions.

Victor Pickard, Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy, joins the show to discuss the crisis in news media and the need for structural alternatives. Topics include the decline of local newspapers, the negative effects of commercialization, the influence of libertarian ideas on media, and the impact of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. They also explore challenges for independent publications and the importance of reinvesting in public infrastructure for journalism and democracy.

Eric Silver discusses Spotify's attempt to dominate podcasting, the challenges faced by the podcast industry, the incorporation of video into podcasting, the impact of the ad market, the shift in podcasting content, and the financial expenses of podcast production.