At the annual NatCon 5 conference, a notable interaction occurred in Breakout Room C during a panel on cultural issues. Geoffrey Miller, a psychology professor, criticized Shyam Sankar, the chief technology officer of Palantir, asserting that the AI sector largely diverges ideologically from national conservatism. Miller previously called for opposition against AI developers, labeling them as threats to society. He described the AI industry as primarily globalist and liberal, suggesting a disregard for American values.
In contrast, Sankar defended the AI industry, utilizing language familiar to the attendees, indicating that the secular culture of Silicon Valley fills a void left by faith. However, his positive outlook about technology received little support from most participants, who voiced concerns about technology’s impact on American values, the economy, and national security throughout the event.
The conference highlighted a fractured relationship between the tech right and the populist movement, with approximately half of the discussions focusing on technology’s perceived threats. While some attendees acknowledged potential benefits of AI, overall sentiment leaned toward deep skepticism, with presenters cautioning against the implications of AI development.
This skepticism extends beyond just AI, as concerns regarding censorship and cultural values surfaced, including social media’s influence on family dynamics and the implications of transhumanism. Even past allies like Elon Musk faced backlash after controversial decisions, indicating a shift in the right’s relationship with technological leaders.
An unexpected proposal emerged during the conference to consider labor unions as allies in confronting technological challenges, illustrating the depth of concern surrounding the future of technology and its integration with conservative values. Ultimately, this gathering underscored persistent anxieties within the right regarding AI and broader technological advancements.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/politics/773154/maga-tech-right-ai-natcon