Silicon Valley has a solution for everything, but who do its ideas really serve? Every Thursday, Paris Marx is joined by a new guest to critically examine the tech industry, its thought leaders, and the worldview it spreads. They challenge the notion that tech alone can drive our world forward by showing that separating tech from politics has consequences for us all, especially the most vulnerable. But if tech won't save us, what will? This podcast isn't simply about tearing tech down; it also presents radical ideas for tech designed for human flourishing instead of surveillance, acquisitions, or to boost stock prices. A better world is possible, and so is better technology.
The Problem with "CEO Said a Thing" Journalism w/ Karl Bode
Paris Marx is joined by Karl Bode to discuss how tech journalists coupled with corporate interests are irresponsibly boosting the profile of tech CEOs, further damaging public trust in institutional journalism and highlighting the need for publicly funded media organizations.
Karl Bode is a freelance reporter and writes The Fine Print newsletter.
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 Kyla Hewson.
Also mentioned in this episode:
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Karl wrote about how the press mythologizes tech CEOs.
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The New Yorker published a brutal article on Sam Altman’s compulsive lying to get ahead.
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OpenAI’s Pentagon deal led to a large user migration.
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Shout out to Karen Hao’s book Empire of AI
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Allbirds, the shoe company, is now entering the AI space.
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Here is the latest on the attacks on Sam Altman’s home.
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Meta has been found to amplify hate and contribute to genocide, something that is an ongoing concern with the platform. And we can’t forget about attempts to force their ‘Free Basics’ internet on India.