Tech Won't Save Us

Rob Larson, author of "Mastering the Universe" and an economics professor, dives into Google's recent designation as a monopolist. He reflects on antitrust challenges, drawing parallels with Microsoft's past struggles. The conversation also highlights how billionaire philanthropy shapes public perception and the need for tech regulation, potentially treating major firms as public utilities. Larson emphasizes the importance of robust antitrust laws to ensure fair market dynamics and discusses the urgency of addressing power concentration in the tech industry.

In this discussion, Matt Pearce, President of Media Guild of the West and former Los Angeles Times reporter, dives into the challenging landscape of journalism under the influence of tech giants. He reveals how Google sidestepped key California bills aimed at supporting journalism and the chilling effect of tech monopolies on media integrity. They touch on the drastic changes in hyperlink relevance, the push for more public funding to sustain news, and the potential dangers of AI in reporting. Pearce emphasizes the need for strong collective bargaining to defend journalism's future.

Taylor Welling, a producer at OneBGS, and Kathryn Friesen, a quest designer in the World of Warcraft GameMakers Guild, dive into the rising tide of unionization in the video game industry. They share their experiences forming unions, the critical need for collective efforts in overcoming pay disparities, and the impact of corporate dynamics on job security. The duo reflects on the balance of artistry in game development amid market pressures and advocates for better working conditions as the industry evolves.

Mohammad Khatami and Gabi Schubiner, former Google software engineers and key figures in the No Tech for Apartheid movement, delve into the unsettling role of tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in supporting oppressive regimes. They discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding Project Nimbus, highlighting its impact on the Israeli military. The guest speakers emphasize the need for tech workers to unite against corporate complicity in human rights abuses, showcasing personal narratives and the urgency of activism in an increasingly precarious tech landscape.

Molly White, writer of the Citation Needed newsletter and creator of Web3 Is Going Just Great, joins to discuss the crypto industry's hefty political spending ahead of the elections. She reveals how Super PACs like Fairshake are influencing campaign financing, particularly targeting candidates opposed to crypto regulation. White highlights Coinbase's potential election law violations and the industry's mixed contributions to parties. The conversation also touches on the crypto market's struggles and how it adapts to a shifting political landscape.

Hussein Kesvani, a co-host of Trashfuture and Ten Thousand Posts, dives into the troubling rise of far-right violence in the UK following the Southport stabbing. He explores how social media, especially under Elon Musk's changes to Twitter, fuels misinformation and exacerbates racial tensions. The conversation highlights the historical context of racism and Islamophobia while addressing the role of right-wing media in shaping extremist narratives. Kesvani urges a closer look at the systemic issues behind these societal upheavals.

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.