Living with this kind of unrepentant surveillance also becomes performative rather than authentic. We focus on whether we’re conforming rather than innovating. And since data extraction requires predictability, that’s what gets rewarded, too. N’est-ce pas?
I should've written more about this, but one thing that makes it different is that the panopticon in the prior age was a function of the network, while the current version is embedded into the software itself. LLMs have an ethical view point baked into their training that makes the panopticon as a function of its very existence.
I like this essay. I find it interesting how pre 2020 we were outraged over social media harnessing our data but post 2022, we are voluntarily giving our information, psyche, dreams, deepest fears and digital friendship to databases owned by tech companies.
I think a reason the word agency has become more central in our vocabulary, is because of how easily we are willing to give it up to a bot to use it for us
Was wondering why I have a paid subscription and this article provided the reason. Learning and thinking about topics not in the mainstream firehose of AI information. Thank you.
As a runner, I know how exciting it can be to have someone in your ear (I still use NRC btw S/O to coach Bennett!), so when you mentioned Runna’s AI coach feature I thought about how helpful that would be for me.
Nonetheless, I see your point on how our world is increasingly being surveilled and the controlling effect that has, however, I’m curious to know how you currently feel and if still use the app on your runs
I do still use the app. The ability to have it do my training program is super helpful—I've always been a weightlifter so I don't have the expertise to make a plan like it can.
This is such a beautiful essay – and sadly, i think your warning here will age well. The silicon panopticon is only partly about surveillance and self censorship of thought. It's also about the atrophying of our ability to independently think and reason.
Living with this kind of unrepentant surveillance also becomes performative rather than authentic. We focus on whether we’re conforming rather than innovating. And since data extraction requires predictability, that’s what gets rewarded, too. N’est-ce pas?
Evan, it's interesting how similar this is to ideas from earlier internet times. Like this book, Prometheus Wired (https://www.amazon.com/Prometheus-Wired-Democracy-Network-Technology/dp/0226037452), really highlighting the same themes in 2000 as a rejoinder to the netizen movement.
I should've written more about this, but one thing that makes it different is that the panopticon in the prior age was a function of the network, while the current version is embedded into the software itself. LLMs have an ethical view point baked into their training that makes the panopticon as a function of its very existence.
I like this essay. I find it interesting how pre 2020 we were outraged over social media harnessing our data but post 2022, we are voluntarily giving our information, psyche, dreams, deepest fears and digital friendship to databases owned by tech companies.
I think a reason the word agency has become more central in our vocabulary, is because of how easily we are willing to give it up to a bot to use it for us
George Orwell is probably screaming in his grave
Was wondering why I have a paid subscription and this article provided the reason. Learning and thinking about topics not in the mainstream firehose of AI information. Thank you.
Thank you Wayne! This sorta is only possible because I have paying subscribers like you.
sorta article*
Amen. Regarding your conversations with Auren, both https://substack.com/@tjwtjwtjw/note/c-123279064 & https://substack.com/@tjwtjwtjw/note/c-122611485 come to mind, this technology is moving faster than our ability to truly understand it, let alone properly integrate it in our lives.
I enjoyed reading this!
As a runner, I know how exciting it can be to have someone in your ear (I still use NRC btw S/O to coach Bennett!), so when you mentioned Runna’s AI coach feature I thought about how helpful that would be for me.
Nonetheless, I see your point on how our world is increasingly being surveilled and the controlling effect that has, however, I’m curious to know how you currently feel and if still use the app on your runs
I do still use the app. The ability to have it do my training program is super helpful—I've always been a weightlifter so I don't have the expertise to make a plan like it can.
Sweet! Looking forward to trying it out soon
This is such a beautiful essay – and sadly, i think your warning here will age well. The silicon panopticon is only partly about surveillance and self censorship of thought. It's also about the atrophying of our ability to independently think and reason.
It was always like this
Loved this.
Don't you think there's also the option of us becoming genuinely comfortable with this?
I can definitely imagine a world like -
Bot: Slow down, you're off-pace
You: Fuck off, you're killing the vibe
Bot: Sorry, sorry