This is What Algo-cracy Looks Like, 2025.12.01

Tech leaders are pushing the idea that automation can strengthen democracy — but as usual, their bold suggestions are based on castles made of sand. Alex and Emily tear down some flimsy arguments for AI governance, exposing their incorrect assumptions about the democratic process.
References:
"This Is No Way to Rule a Country"
"Four ways AI is being used to strengthen democracies worldwide"
Also referenced:
Collective Intelligence Project surveys
Interview with CalMatters CEO
Fresh AI Hell:
Amazon introduces AI translation for Kindle authors
Nature op ed recommends AI versions of Einstein, Bohr, and Feynman
An AI Podcasting Machine Is Churning Out 3,000 Episodes a Week
AI dating café to open in New York
Recipe slop flooding social media
AI slop about Autism published in Nature
Upwork ad for fixing LLM editorial
"Hundreds of Chicago residents sign petition to pause robot delivery pilot program over safety concerns"
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Emily
Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social
Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender
Alex
Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social
Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex
Twitter: @alexhanna
Music by Toby Menon.
Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park.
Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.