The Tech World in Chaos
2023 was a year of pure chaos in the tech industry. The artificial intelligence boom brought a wave of new startups, investment, and hype, but it was accompanied by a series of setbacks. Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, crypto titan Sam Bankman-Fried faced fraud conviction, Twitter imploded, and Elon Musk’s downward spiral made headlines. Google lost an antitrust lawsuit, leaving the future of the web uncertain. Amidst the chaos, it’s time to reflect on what happened and what’s coming next.
The Best Books for Understanding This Moment
Despite the chaos, there were several books that shed light on the social impacts and hidden histories of technological power. These books offer a nuanced look at how technology is shaping society. Skip the tech-founder hero worship and explore these insightful reads instead.
DOPPELGANGER by Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein’s “DOPPELGANGER” delves into the fractured reality of the online world. It explores the impact of personal branding, big tech’s intrusion, political manipulation, and the failures of the state. Klein’s narrative is mordant and relatable, offering a unified theory of our technologized political predicament.
PALO ALTO by Malcolm Harris
“PALO ALTO” by Malcolm Harris provides a comprehensive history of Silicon Valley, shedding light on the politics, mechanisms, and driving forces behind the tech giants. Harris, who grew up in the Valley, offers a critical and urgent critique that will change the way you see iconic tech companies and Stanford.
YOUR FACE BELONGS TO US by Kashmir Hill
Kashmir Hill’s “YOUR FACE BELONGS TO US” takes readers on a thrilling journey into the world of Clearview AI, a startup that aims to end privacy with its facial recognition database. Hill explores the wider context of facial recognition technology, including its troubling origins, and the resistance it faces.
UNMASKING AI by Joy Buolamwini
Joy Buolamwini’s “UNMASKING AI” tackles the crucial question of racial bias in AI systems. Buolamwini, an MIT computer scientist, exposes the racism and inequity perpetuated by big tech companies. Her memoir is a compelling and accessible exploration of the fight against biased AI.
NUMBER GO UP by Zeke Faux, TOKENS by Rachel O’Dwyer, EASY MONEY by Jacob Silverman and Ben McKenzie
Bitcoin enthusiasts will find three excellent reads this year. “NUMBER GO UP” by Zeke Faux offers a picaresque journey through the world of financial malfeasance and blockchain scams. “TOKENS” by Rachel O’Dwyer critically examines the concept of cryptocurrency tokens. “EASY MONEY” by Jacob Silverman and Ben McKenzie delves deeper into the subject, providing a scathing and humorous exploration of bitcoin’s booms and busts.
SELLING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE by Lee McGuigan
Lee McGuigan’s “SELLING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” sheds light on the role of adtech in shaping the commercial web. McGuigan exposes how advertisers dictate the qualities of our public spaces online, making a compelling case for reclaiming our digital commons.
EXTREMELY ONLINE by Taylor Lorenz
Taylor Lorenz’s “EXTREMELY ONLINE” offers a crash course in how influencers have taken over the internet. This lively and vital account explores the cultural orientation of the platform-driven internet and prepares readers for the future of online content creation.
THE INTERNET CON by Cory Doctorow
Cory Doctorow’s “THE INTERNET CON” explains the concept of “enshittification” caused by tech monopolies. Doctorow advocates for interoperability as a solution to the problems created by social networks and web platforms. This pithy and pleasurable read will change the way you think about the online world.
Speculative Fiction for the Future
For those seeking science fiction that resonates with today’s world, the following books offer deep insights into the future:
- “Chain Gang All Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
- “Wrong Way” by Joanne McNeil
- “After World” by Debbie Urbanski
- “The Ascension” by Nicholas Binge
More Must-Reads
While these books couldn’t make the list, they deserve an honorable mention:
- “Optimal Illusions” by Coco Krumme
- “Disrupting D.C.” by Katie J. Wells, Kafui Attoh, and Declan Cullen
- “Against Techno-Ableism” by Ashley Shew
- “Own This! How Platform Cooperatives Change the World” by R. Trebor Scholz
- “Making a Metaverse That Matters” by Wagner James Au