The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State by Jill Lepore review – an ominous warning of tech takeover

Historian Jill Lepore’s recent book, “The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State,” suggests that the notion of a dystopian future where artificial intelligence rules supreme is not as far-fetched as we might think. In fact, Lepore argues that we are already living in a reality where the lines between democracy and technocracy are increasingly blurred.

Lepore’s concept of the “Artificial State” is multifaceted and unsettling. On one hand, it represents the fantasy of an elite class seeking to transcend human limitations through technology. This vision is eerily reminiscent of transhumanist ideology. However, Lepore’s concept also encompasses a more insidious reality: the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and values as private tech companies exert greater control over public discourse.

Public platforms have become de facto forums for democratic discussion, where attention – rather than truth or reason – has become the primary currency. This shift in priorities has led to the quiet dismantling of liberal democracy’s values. As Lepore notes, “the liberal nation-state and even humanity itself” are under threat from the rise of automation and artificial intelligence.

The rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has created a digital echo chamber that amplifies extremist voices while silencing dissenting ones. This phenomenon has real-world consequences for democracy, as seen in the recent Capitol Hill insurrection. The confluence of online extremism and offline violence raises important questions about the role of tech companies in shaping public discourse.

Lepore’s concept of the Artificial State highlights the dangers of unchecked technological progress. As we increasingly rely on AI and automation to manage our lives, we risk surrendering essential human values – such as empathy, compassion, and critical thinking – to the whims of machines. This is not a trivial concern; it has profound implications for how we define ourselves as a society.

Some may argue that Lepore’s argument overstates the role of technology in shaping our future. However, her book offers a compelling analysis of how private tech companies have become de facto gatekeepers of public discourse. This trend is evident not only in the United States but also in countries like China, where government-controlled AI systems are being used to suppress dissent.

Lepore’s warning about the dangers of unchecked technological progress should be taken seriously. As we hurtle towards an increasingly automated future, it is essential that we prioritize human values over machine efficiency. By examining the ways in which technology is shaping our democracy, Lepore’s book serves as a stark reminder that the line between utopia and dystopia is often thinner than we think – and that we are already living in a reality where the Artificial State is very much within reach.