The Technically Human Podcast

Data Dystopia: Dave Eggers Discusses Digital Human Rights

In this episode of "Technically Human," I talk to author Dave Eggers about his novel The Circle. We discuss the growth of digital tracking, the evolution of Silicon Valley culture, and the idea that people under surveillance are not free. Dave discusses the role and of and possibilities for art, literature, and satire in creating change, and he tells me why he is optimistic about the next generation of students creating powerful, lasting change.

Dave Eggers is the author of The Circle, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, What is the What, A Hologram for the King, and The Lifters, among many other books.

He is the founder of McSweeney’s, which publishes literature, satire, and "Voice of Witness," a nonprofit book series that uses oral history to illuminate human rights crises around the world.

Eggers is the co-founder of 826 National, a network of youth writing and tutoring centers around the United States. Realizing the need for greater college access for low-income students, Eggers founded ScholarMatch, a nonprofit organization designed to connect students with resources, schools and donors to make college possible.

McSweeneys: https://www.mcsweeneys.net/pages/about-dave-eggers

ScholarMatch:https://scholarmatch.org/

826National: https://826national.org/

Tech Represents: Black Millennials go digital

In this episode, I speak to Aaron Samuels, the COO of Blavity, one of the largest digital communities for Black Millennials. We talk about the importance of diversifying perspectives in and outside of the tech sphere, the importance of narrative in establishing identity, and how Aaron negotiates the boundaries between multiple identities--Black/Jewish, Humanist/Technologist, and Digital/Embodied existence. 

 

Ethical Tech Goes to College: Humane technology on campus

In this episode of Technically Human, I speak with Dr. Matthew Harsh, an associate professor of science, technology, and society studies at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. We talk about Matt's vision for creating a new curriculum for ethical technology on college campuses, the importance of addressing deep issues of social equity in tech, and Matt tells me why he's optimistic about the next generation of technologists.

The Good Place: talking ethical tech and philosophies of "the good" with Dr. Ryan Jenkins

In this episode of Technically Human, I speak with Dr. Ryan Jenkins, an associate professor of philosophy and a senior fellow at the Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. We talk about the value of philosophy, we debate deontological vs consequentialist ethics, and Ryan answers the age-old question of whether Google is making us stupid. 

Phoning Home: Using social media to help end homelessness

In this episode, I speak with Kevin Adler and Jessica Donig from Miracle Messages, an SF based organization that uses online social media platforms to help people experiencing homelessness connect with their loved ones.