Tech Won't Save Us

Edward Ongweso Jr., finance editor at Logics Magazine, joins to critique tech journalist Kara Swisher's industry narratives and flaws in access journalism. They discuss Swisher's rebranding attempts, NFT promotion, and biases in tech reporting. The podcast delves into the power dynamics in tech journalism, challenges of critiquing tech giants, and the importance of transparency in industry relationships.

Tech and culture writer Kat Tenbarge discusses the crisis of non-consensual deepfake images, including underage celebrities, the role of tech companies like Visa and Mastercard, and the documentary 'Another Body.' The podcast sheds light on the alarming impact of AI-generated explicit images on victims, the lack of regulation in the deepfake space, and the disparity in tech companies' responses to diversity and deepfake issues.

Zach Weinersmith discusses the impracticalities of space colonies and the challenges of settling on Mars. They explore human reproduction in space, the ethical considerations of space exploration, and the importance of addressing existential risks on Earth.

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