Why Brian Merchant, a Tech Columnist, Says He’s a Luddite

KQED's Forum

Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the L.A. Times. He’s also a self-professed Luddite. In his new book “Blood in the Machine” Merchant explains that Luddites, most known for destroying machinery in the 19th century, didn’t hate technology. Rather, they railed against the Big Tech elites of the day whose automated machines threatened to erase livelihoods and the government that was deaf to the workers’ concerns. Merchant says there are lessons to be learned from the Luddites, who asked to be part of the technological revolution, instead of being replaced by it. We talk to him about his book.

Guests:

Brian Merchant, author, "Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion against Big Tech"; technology columnist, the Los Angeles Times. He is also the author of "The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone"

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