Hopping Off The Bandwagon

Here’s a hot take: Our reality is curated for us.

In fact, there are plenty of aspects of modern life that we don’t actually choose. From the clothes we wear to the AI tools we are forced to use, modern culture has a way of spoon feeding us a reality we didn’t necessarily ask for.

And yet opting out of certain structural forces can feel nearly impossible, so what are we to do?

On today’s show we are outlining some aspects of modern life that are designed to capture our attention, dictate our desires, and make other people rich. We are also brainstorming ways to hop off bandwagons that ultimately serve the status quo.

Here’s a preview:

[5:30] These gatekeepers control what we’re exposed to

[8;00] Analog options are quietly disappearing. But why? (Hint: data collection.)

[13:00] Away from ownership, towards access. Thanks, big tech!

[19:00] Whenever we use AI, we are training something that may replace us. Is that *really* what we want?

[22:00] Selective participation, Analog-first, and other ways to slow the inevitable tides that are trying to sweep us away

Resources mentioned:

• Book Club! Monday, April 27 7pm EST: Start In Your Own Backyard by Steve Nygren. Get reading and join us!
• The Plastic Detox (via Netflix)
• Love in the Time of AI Companions (via The New Yorker)