Loretta Napoleoni’s new book “Technocapitalism: The Rise of the New Robber Barons and the Fight for the Common Good” delves into the disorienting era we are currently living in, characterized by rapid technological change that leaves many feeling constantly behind. In her interview with GeekWire, she introduces the concept of the “present future” to describe this phenomenon.
She discusses the control of technology by a small group of powerful entrepreneurs, whom she refers to as “technocapitalists,” and highlights society and the state’s failure to direct technological innovation towards the common good. Napoleoni emphasizes that her criticism is not of capitalism itself but rather how technology has been handled by those in power, resulting in a lack of consideration for the broader societal benefits.
Napoleoni points out the government’s inability to keep up with the fast pace of technological progress and regulate it effectively. She mentions the attempts made by the EU to regulate aspects of the internet and introduce privacy legislation, indicating that political decisions play a significant role in shaping the impact of technology on society.
She stresses that the crux of the problem lies in political choices made by society as a whole, as government officials are elected by the people and carry out policies that reflect the will of the voters. Ultimately, Napoleoni argues that technology itself is not the issue, but rather how it is wielded by those in power and the decisions made by society as a whole.
The interview with Napoleoni sheds light on the complexities of navigating the current technological landscape and the challenges faced in ensuring that technological innovation is directed towards the common good. She calls attention to the need for a more strategic and thoughtful approach to managing technology in order to benefit society as a whole.
Overall, Napoleoni’s insights in the interview provide valuable perspective on the issues surrounding technocapitalism and the urgent need for society and the state to rethink their approach to technology in order to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
