Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jill Lepore discusses her new book, 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State', which examines the impact of quantification on society.
- Lepore argues that systemic measurement flattens human concerns into artificial structures, affecting politics and governance.
- The 1980s marked a significant pivot in the development of modern technology and its influence on society.
In an insightful conversation with Harvard professor Dr. Jill Lepore, she delves into her latest work, 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State', which explores how quantification has transformed societal structures over the past century and a half.
Lepore posits that the process of measuring and quantifying information, from ancient censuses to modern political polling, has led to the creation of artificial states—systems that dehumanize and flatten human concerns into data-driven decisions.
Highlighting the 1980s as a pivotal era, Lepore notes the emergence of Silicon Valley culture and the advent of computer-aided targeting and microtargeting in both advertising and political campaigns. This period marked a significant shift towards more personalized and data-driven approaches to governance and business.
While acknowledging the democratizing potential of the internet, Lepore remains cautious about its long-term implications. She argues that systems of power adapt to new technologies, often in ways that exacerbate existing inequalities rather than mitigate them.
Despite her critical stance, Lepore maintains a glimmer of hope, pointing out instances where young people are challenging AI and tech leaders through actions such as booing at graduation ceremonies. These acts symbolize a growing awareness among the younger generation about the ethical implications of technology.
Lepore’s insights offer a comprehensive view of how technological advancements have reshaped society, from the personal to the political level. Her work serves as a cautionary tale for those navigating the complex landscape of modern technology and its impact on governance and human rights.
As the conversation concludes, Lepore emphasizes the importance of understanding these systemic changes to ensure that future developments in AI and technology are used ethically and responsibly.
I wanted to write a 'kind of grumpy book,' but it’s a pretty dead-ahead look at the last century and a half of technological and social developments.
Dr. Jill Lepore, Harvard professor and New Yorker staff writer
