An essay outlining the author's vision for a new architecture of social media, designed to be free from oligarchic control and manipulation, focusing on principles like open source, community ownership, human management, and a multi-threaded conversation topology.
Lee Felsenstein's post outlines his vision for a next-generation social media system designed to counter the negative influences of current platforms, particularly those controlled by oligarchs and used for manipulation. He argues that control of information channels is key to politics, and a healthy "commons of information" is vital for a civilized society.
His proposed system, "Commons of Information – NextGen," is built on principles of open source code, community ownership, human management, local cooperative economics, multi-threaded conversations, restriction to public communications, and a lack of profit motive.
Key features include a book-like conversation topology (avoiding "topic drift"), a micropayment system for content moderation and services, and a legal structure designed to resist takeover by powerful interests. Felsenstein emphasizes the need for ongoing discussion and collaboration to realize this vision, framing it as a crucial step towards a more democratic and informed future. He positions this work as a response to the current political climate and the dangers of authoritarianism and misinformation.
Lee Felsenstein's post outlines his vision for a next-generation social media system designed to counter the negative influences of current platforms, particularly those controlled by oligarchs and used for manipulation. He argues that control of information channels is key to politics, and a healthy "commons of information" is vital for a civilized society.
His proposed system, "Commons of Information – NextGen," is built on principles of open source code, community ownership, human management, local cooperative economics, multi-threaded conversations, restriction to public communications, and a lack of profit motive.
Key features include a book-like conversation topology (avoiding "topic drift"), a micropayment system for content moderation and services, and a legal structure designed to resist takeover by powerful interests. Felsenstein emphasizes the need for ongoing discussion and collaboration to realize this vision, framing it as a crucial step towards a more democratic and informed future. He positions this work as a response to the current political climate and the dangers of authoritarianism and misinformation.
This Decoder podcast episode features host Jon Fortt interviewing author Gil Duran about the growing influence of ultra-wealthy tech billionaires and their potentially anti-democratic ideologies. Duran latest book, *The Nerd Reich*, argues that tech billionaires are increasingly acting like dictators, and illustrates the dangers that poses to democracy.
Duran argues a group of billionaires (Thiel, Musk, Andreessen, Altman, etc.) are pushing a "Dark Enlightenment" or "neo-reactionary" philosophy – essentially advocating for a shift away from democracy towards a system resembling tech-led feudalism. This ideology, inspired by figures like Curtis Yarvin, envisions a future where tech corporations wield significant power, potentially even governing territories with limited individual freedoms.
Duran connects this movement to the rise of Donald Trump and the current political climate, suggesting a dangerous alliance between the far-right and tech elites. He believes these billionaires are not simply ideologues, but actively seeking to reshape government to suit their vision.
The conversation also touches on the historical parallels to Ayn Rand's philosophies, the potential for emergency powers to be abused, and the role of Silicon Valley’s culture of self-importance. Duran criticizes the lack of critical coverage in mainstream media and calls for a broader public discussion about these issues.
Ultimately, Duran expresses concern about the concentration of power and wealth, and argues that a robust political movement is needed to counter this trend and preserve democratic values. He believes a future where technology serves the majority, rather than a select few, is still possible, but requires active engagement and a rejection of this emerging "corporate dictatorship."
Duran argues a group of billionaires (Thiel, Musk, Andreessen, Altman, etc.) are pushing a "Dark Enlightenment" or "neo-reactionary" philosophy – essentially advocating for a shift away from democracy towards a system resembling tech-led feudalism. This ideology, inspired by figures like Curtis Yarvin, envisions a future where tech corporations wield significant power, potentially even governing territories with limited individual freedoms.
Duran connects this movement to the rise of Donald Trump and the current political climate, suggesting a dangerous alliance between the far-right and tech elites. He believes these billionaires are not simply ideologues, but actively seeking to reshape government to suit their vision.
The conversation also touches on the historical parallels to Ayn Rand's philosophies, the potential for emergency powers to be abused, and the role of Silicon Valley’s culture of self-importance. Duran criticizes the lack of critical coverage in mainstream media and calls for a broader public discussion about these issues.
Ultimately, Duran expresses concern about the concentration of power and wealth, and argues that a robust political movement is needed to counter this trend and preserve democratic values. He believes a future where technology serves the majority, rather than a select few, is still possible, but requires active engagement and a rejection of this emerging "corporate dictatorship."
An article discussing Gil Duran's interview on The Verge's Decoder podcast, focusing on the silence of Silicon Valley CEOs regarding authoritarianism and their potential complicity. It highlights Duran's critique of their lack of public opposition and links to the podcast and related articles.
A new brain imaging study found links between authoritarian attitudes (both left- and right-wing) and structural differences in the brain, specifically reduced gray matter volume in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (right-wing) and reduced cortical thickness in the right anterior insula (left-wing).
