Five Things Tech: Parasol, Quora, Cash Pile, Online Safety, Techno-Authoritarianism
If I were you, I'd read this. Honestly.
This week’s edition of Five Things Tech shows different aspects of the industry. We start with really crazy idea that could change global warming, then we’ll have a look at Quora and what changed in the last few years for people looking for answers on the interwebs. Do you know what happens when you raise a lot of money from investors and then the market tanks? Well, now you can find out. Also, what do kids think about protecting them online? And last, but certainly not least, let’s dig into the techno-authoritarian mindset that is so much defining Silicon Valley and tech.
Enjoy! And please share this newsletter with your friends, neighbors and innocent bystanders! Also, please subscribe and if you have already, then go paid! 🕺
Could a Giant Parasol in Outer Space Help Solve the Climate Crisis?
What a crazy idea! What if it really works? I find this absolutely fascinating, even if it sounds like some crazy idea that Phineas & Ferb would build during their summer vaation.
How Quora Died
When Quora got started, I quite liked it, but somehow I never spent much time on it. I do like Poe, the AI bot Quora started a while ago. It’s quite amazing how Quora grew to an internet phenomenon and then somehow the next tech wave kicked in and made it obsolete.
Silicon Valley investors build $300bn cash pile in start-up funding crunch
So, what happens when VC raise lots of funds and then stop investing? The valuations of startups go down, M&A slows down, funds have less exits and the investors want their money back.
Online safety legislation is opposed by many it claims to protect
Protecting young people only is not the easiest thing out there and the quotes from young people show how they feel about new legislation. What I don’t understand: why isn’t an app like TikTok more heavily regulated? It’s obvious that it is being used to spread misinformation and out kids watch that stuff.
The Rise of Techno-Authoritarianism
“The new technocrats claim to embrace Enlightenment values, but in fact they are leading an antidemocratic, illiberal movement.” - this is a strong opinion. What do you think?
That’s all for Five Things Tech this week! Remember to go paid now! Really. It’s good for tech as I can buy more gadgets!
— Nico