Rinat Strahlhofer sees the humanity in a tech-obsessed world

Today I am excited to bring you a very interesting conversation indeed, with safe technology advocate and founder of We Are Not Sam, Rinat Strahlhofer.

Obviously, the endless march of technological progress has and continues to bring us many amazing benefits in life. But we seem to be in a stage now where technological changes are being implemented so rapidly and with such complexity, that we’re seeing either horrific societal impacts (like the psychological problems with social media), or we’re just seeing the flat out misuse and corruption of certain technologies by governments and corporations.

In a world of cyber attacks, data farming, surveillance, and intrusive technologies (such as facial recognition scanning), we can’t keep up with the role and impact of tech in our lives.

Well, this is what Rinat speaks to as an advocate for safe technology use, who asks ‘What is an appropriate relationship with, and approach to, technology?'

Rinat shares her personal story from being a young marketer within Telstra, on a corporate career trajectory and being part of the rollout of 3G wireless network. Through that she saw the haphazard and frankly, unsafe way we approaching technological advancements in our society, which led her to want to use her voice to stand up for what she believes in.

In this conversation Rinat shares a bunch of specific industry information such as the way in which technology standards are set and tested, and some of the practical dangers of being constantly exposed to electromagnetic frequencies.

And much more than that, Rinat sheds light on the mental, emotional, and psychological problems that we’re just not talking enough about; like the fact that we’re just so addicted to and reliant on our phones to the point where can feel ‘naked’ without them.

We talk about A LOT of things in this episode, ranging from manipulative marketing tactics, cognitive dissonance, the lack of the precautionary principle, conspiracy theories, the growing influence of big tech, dopamine addictions, being apocoloptimists, and so much more.

But the essence of this conversation is that we don't need to be asleep at the wheel, mindlessly scrolling our way through life. We can choose HOW we want to interact with the world around us (natural or engineered) in a discerning and meaningful way, and then take steps towards that, together.

I think you'll find it fascinating and empowering, just like I did.

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