The Power and Manipulation Behind Free Platforms and Search Engines

How do the hidden costs of technology, like social media and search engines, shape our lives in unforeseen ways?

In this compelling episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with filmmaker David Donnelly, delving into the depths of his documentary "Cost of Convenience." Donnelly's exploration uncovers the intricate web of consequences spawned by technology, spotlighting the covert toll of social media and search engine usage. Through a narrative woven with two years of intensive interviews and research, Donnelly unveils the unseen impacts of our digital age. The conversation traverses the power dynamics inherent in data collection, emphasizing the imperative of transparency. We advocate for a cultural shift, calling for an evaluation of our relationship with technology and its pervasive influence on modern society.

Explore the intricate repercussions of technology through David Donnelly's lens in "Cost of Convenience." Delve into two years of intensive research revealing unseen impacts.


Timestamp:
0:00 The impact of digital technology on human experience, exploring themes of power, data collection, and mental health.
06:44 Data collection and surveillance in the tech industry.
14:27 The impact of technology on critical thinking and society.
17:48 Interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex problems.
23:10 The impact of algorithms on mental health and privacy.
30:37 The impact of online interactions on human connection and well-being.
33:28 The purpose of education and critical thinking.
38:04 The impact of algorithms on society, including privacy, wealth inequality, and discrimination.
43:47 AI bias, responsibility, and accountability in technology development.
49:08 Tech's impact on society, including mental health, aging, and consciousness.

Key takeaways

• Technology platforms that we use for free collect and sell our data, which can be used to predict our behavior more accurately than our minds.
• The lack of transparency in data collection and algorithmic decision-making gives those with access to the data a tremendous amount of power and influence.
• Our relationship with technology is causing a range of societal issues, including mental health problems, polarization, and misinformation.
• There is a need for a cultural paradigm shift and more informed citizenship to address the consequences of technology and advocate for transparency and control over data.

About This Anthro Life:
This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, we unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.

Connect with David Donnelly:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dav_donnelly/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/daviddonnelly?lang=en

Connect with This Anthro Life:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/
This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/
Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com