Mercedes Bunz: How Not To Be Governed (Like That)

AI as a solution searching for problems

In this episode, Mercedes and Severin discuss how AI represents a fundamentally different technological shift from previous digital revolutions. She demystifies how large language models actually work, explores why we need public AI and open data sets to counter corporate dominance, and challenges the binary thinking around AI—neither savior nor devil—arguing that our fear of machines replacing human work is actually masking deeper anxieties about an out-of-control financial system.

GUEST

Mercedes Bunz is Professor of Digital Culture and Society at King's College London's Department of Digital Humanities, where she researches how digital technology transforms knowledge, communication, power, and society. Author of "The Silent Revolution" (2012), an early exploration of how algorithms shape our world, she co-founded the Creative AI Lab with Serpentine Gallery to help artists engage critically with AI technologies on their own terms. She also co-founded meson.press, an open-access digital publishing initiative, and advocates for demystifying technology so critical thinkers—rather than just profit-seekers—shape its development.

HOST

Severin Matusek is a cultural theorist and founder of co—matter, a creative studio exploring the cultural and societal impact of new technologies.

IDEAS AND PEOPLE IN CONTEXT

• The Silent Revolution: How Digitization Transforms Knowledge, Work, Journalism and Politics Without Making Too Much Noise (2012) - Mercedes Bunz's early examination of how algorithms shape society, published before AI became mainstream.
• "How Not to Be Governed Like That by Our Digital Technologies" - Mercedes Bunz's recent publication exploring digital governance and autonomy.
• "Why Technology Needs Artists" - Publication exploring the critical role of artists in shaping technological development. https://www.buchhandlung-walther-koenig.de/en/why-technology-needs-artists
• Creative AI Lab - Collaboration between King's College London and Serpentine Gallery helping artists engage with AI technologies and create alternative narratives. https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/creative-ai-lab/
• King's College London, Department of Digital Humanities - Where Mercedes Bunz is Professor of Digital Culture and Society. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ddh
• Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst - Artist duo working experimentally with AI technologies. https://herndondryhurst.studio/
• Dmstfctn - Artist group with studio at Somerset House working around AI ecosystems. https://dmstfctn.net/
• Alice Parrish - Artist approaching AI through linguistic poetry. https://aliceparrish.com/

CREDITS

The Vienna Business Agency supports new companies, projects and products that develop Vienna's creative industries further. Find out more at http://viennabusinessagency.at.

Editorial & Production Team (in alphabetical order): Carina Dala, Severin Matusek, Elisabeth Noever-Ginthör, Alice Smith, Heinz Wolf.

Theme Music by Hell Mutang.