Luddites and the AI Reckoning — Brian Merchant #003

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What if the Luddites weren't the enemies of technology we've been taught to believe they were?

In this conversation, acclaimed tech journalist Brian Merchant (@bcmerchant) unpacks the true history of the Luddites — skilled workers who fought back not against innovation itself, but against the concentration of power, wealth, and control that accompanied the Industrial Revolution. Their story offers a striking lens through which to view today's rapid advances in artificial intelligence and automation.

Daniel and Brian explore how many of the same forces that reshaped society two centuries ago are at work again today, as powerful technologies transform the economy, redefine creative work, and challenge our sense of agency. From worker resistance and corporate influence to surveillance, automation, and the future of human dignity, this discussion reveals why understanding the past may be essential to navigating what's coming next.

This podcast is intended informational purposes only. Nothing shared by the host Daniel Vitalis or his guests should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, supplementation, or wellness practices, or before using any products mentioned on this show. This podcast may contain paid endorsements or affiliate promotions.

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Check out the transcript here.

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Brian Merchant is a writer, tech journalist, and the author of a bestselling book about the iPhone, The One Device. His most recent book is Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech (2023). He has been the Los Angeles Times' tech columnist, an editor at Motherboard, VICE’s science and technology publication, and the founder of Terraform, its online fiction site. He founded Automaton, a project that examined the human impact of AI and automation, for Gizmodo. Exclusively represented by BrightSight Speakers, he currently serves as Journalist in Residence, AI Now Institute. Brian is also the co-editor of a print anthology of Terraform stories, called Terraform: Watch/Worlds/Burn (2022). His work has appeared in the New York Times, Harper's, Wired, the Atlantic, the Guardian, Slate, the Washington Post, Fast Company, Fortune, and beyond. He lives in Los Angeles.