Digest for 12/10/2025

We're building an artificial intelligence-powered dystopia, one click at a time, says techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci. In an eye-opening talk, Tufekci explains how the same algorithms companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon use to get you to click on ads are also used to organize your access to political and social information.

Journalist Carole Cadwalladr investigates how data analytics and targeted ads on Facebook influenced the Brexit vote and the 2016 US election, highlighting the dangers of AI-driven misinformation in democratic processes.

A handful of people working at a handful of tech companies steer the thoughts of billions of people every day, from running elections to what we see and think. Tristan Harris argues that technology is hijacking our attention and what we can do about it.

Pia Mancini argues that our democratic systems are outdated for the digital age and presents a platform that allows citizens to propose, debate, and vote on legislation directly.

Clay Shirky explores how open-source software and collaborative tools like Git could revolutionize government and democratic processes in the digital era.

Taiwan's digital minister Audrey Tang shares how digital tools can enhance transparency, participation, and trust in democratic systems, especially during crises.

Political scientist Ian Bremmer argues that the world is entering a new era of technopolarism, where technology companies hold unprecedented power, reshaping global geopolitics.

Taking lessons from a historical pattern called 'Thucydides's Trap,' political scientist Graham Allison shows why a rising China and a dominant America could be headed towards a violent collision no one wants -- and how we can change course before it's too late.

Many people think the lines on the map no longer matter, but Parag Khanna says they do. Drawing on maps and history, he forecasts a world of hybrid identities, new city-states and reconfigured borders.