26: Cory Doctorow on the "Sucks To Be You" Society

Metaviews to the Future

Jesse Hirsh engages in a profound dialogue with Cory Doctorow, exploring the current socio-political landscape shaped by technology and governance. As they navigate the implications of AI nationalism and authoritarianism, Doctorow offers insights into how these trends echo historical patterns of control and resistance. The conversation delves into the mechanics of social media and the importance of interoperability among platforms like Blue Sky and Mastodon, emphasizing that the future of online communication hinges on user agency and freedom from corporate entrapment. Doctorow articulates a vision for a more decentralized digital ecosystem, where users can migrate seamlessly between platforms without losing their social connections. This dialogue is underscored by the urgency of responding to growing authoritarianism, and Doctorow’s reflections on the necessity of community and solidarity in the face of systemic oppression resonate deeply throughout the episode.

Takeaways:

• Cory Doctorow emphasizes the importance of understanding that capitalism has various forms, each with different implications for society.
• The conversation explores the growing divide between for-profit and non-profit social media platforms and their impact on users.
• Doctorow argues that personal relationships, rather than data, are the main reason people stay on social media platforms.
• The discussion highlights the need for better interoperability in social media to empower users to leave if they choose.
• Jesse Hirsh and Cory Doctorow discuss the implications of authoritarian nationalism in the context of the current political climate.
• Doctorow shares insights on how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act restricts creative freedom and hampers innovation in the digital age.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pluralistic.net
• libro.fm
• downpour.com
• craphound.com