Kardashev fantasies and energy fetishism

Data centers are overburdening the planet, so tech billionaires have a new scheme — put 'em in space! Astrophysicist Dr. Adam Becker joins Alex and Emily to launch this plan into the sun. We unpack all the reasons that this hilariously terrible idea will never be viable outside of sci-fi-villain fantasies.

Dr. Adam Becker is the author of More Everything Forever, a book about the terrible plans that tech billionaires have for the future and why they don’t work. Keep an eye out for his new podcast, Dreaming Against the Machine, which is launching soon.

References:

• SpaceX press release on "space-based AI"
• "How data centres in space sustainably enable the AI revolution"

Also referenced:

• Nvidia blog post on data centers in space
• Starcloud white paper

Fresh AI Hell:

• Judge rules chatbots can't offer attorney-client privilege
• "RFK Jr's Nutrition Chatbot Recommends Best Foods to Insert Into Your Rectum"
• AI company seeks writer who doesn't use LLMs
• Altman likens AI energy use to human nutritional needs
• SXSW promoting panel with "AI speaker"
• The agent-erati just want servants
• News editor mad that journalism students don't want to use AI
• Simple rules for fighting fascist tech

Check out future streams on Twitch. Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see.

Find our book The AI Con here, and MAIHT3k merch here.

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Emily

• Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social
• Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender

Alex

• Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social
• Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex
• Twitter: @alexhanna

Music by Toby Menon.
Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park. 
Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.