Entrepreneur Whurley made this statement during his talk at SXSW. According to him, instilling fear of new technologies in people will only result in negative consequences.
On the same day, the CEOs of major tech companies did not have a favorable moment on the SXSW stages. Early in the morning, futurist Amy Webb criticized the messianic behavior of executives like Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, accusing them of trying to shape the world according to their own interests.
After lunch, it was the turn of William Hurley, better known as Whurley, CEO of the quantum computing startup Strangeworks, who is recognized for his critical stance toward Silicon Valley, to share his vision. His talk, titled “On the Arrogance of Man in the Age of Thinking Machines,” began with a series of videos featuring figures like Musk and Bezos emphasizing the potential of AI as a threat to human existence on Earth.
“We are experiencing the most promising era in history in terms of technology, with incredible advancements in healthcare, design, space exploration, and artificial intelligence,” declared the scientist. “However, instead of helping us make the most of this period, tech CEOs spend hours in interviews trying to scare the public with supposed threats to humanity’s existence.”
Whurley argued that the billionaires in the tech sector are doing a great disservice to the planet by promoting a climate of fear around new technologies while claiming to want to save it. “If we open ourselves to the possibilities of technology, we may encounter fascinating realities. Conversely, facing it with fear can bring real dangers. It’s time to end the panic that has taken hold and approach the new era with optimism,” he stated.
Whurley specifically criticized the disastrous statements by CEOs advocating for strict regulations on technologies, whether from the United States, China, or even the cessation of certain technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence. “The arrogance of these people is remarkable, especially when it comes to apocalyptic predictions. Fortunately, industry experts have rarely made accurate predictions,” he concluded, earning applause from the audience.
Whurley noted that history is filled with premature statements that never materialized: from the belief that the world would only need five computers to the idea that people would eventually abandon the internet or that no one would be online in a decade. “But do you know who has been accurate in predicting the future of technology?” he asked, provoking the audience. “Science fiction authors.”
He highlighted Arthur C. Clarke as an example of a precise prophet, mentioning his classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey.” In a 1964 video shown on stage, Clarke accurately predicted how people could work remotely, communicate globally via satellite, and even perform virtual surgeries.
Whurley argued that Clarke’s words never harmed anyone. “However, today, those promoting technophobia—and sometimes fear of science—are causing dangerous results, leading people into ignorance and obsession. This is reflected in those who believe the Earth is flat or that the moon landing never happened. And most alarmingly, many of these ignorant individuals end up participating in the formulation of laws,” he emphasized.
Taking an activist stance, the scientist stated that there is only one way to reverse the current crisis of trust in technology. “My proposal is that we create a movement to combat the technological panic being instilled in people. I invite all of you to join me in this effort,” he urged.
For those who interpret his statements as support for abuses by tech companies, Whurley responded. “I believe we all agree that some form of regulation is necessary for technology, especially AI. However, for many of the issues raised, there are already existing laws, such as copyright laws. We may need new laws, but nothing too drastic. It’s not just about rules, but cooperation between humans, science, and technology that will make the world a better place to live.”
Later, futurist Scott Galloway dedicated much of his podcast alongside Kara Swisher to criticizing tech CEOs—his favorite target, as usual, being Elon Musk.
SXSW:
South by Southwest (SXSW) is one of the world’s most comprehensive and renowned events, held annually in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1987, it began as a music festival and has expanded over the years to encompass a wide range of industries, including technology, film, media, education, and more. SXSW is known as a gathering point for creative and innovative professionals from various fields, offering a platform for networking, learning, and showcasing new ideas and trends.
The event features conferences, talks, panels, workshops, exhibitions, musical performances, and networking sessions, covering a variety of topics, from the latest technological trends to social, cultural, and political issues. Emerging companies have the opportunity to launch products and services, while industry leaders share their insights and experiences.
One of SXSW’s defining characteristics is its vibrant and interactive atmosphere, encouraging active participation from attendees. Participants not only listen to talks and watch presentations but also engage in discussions, ask questions to speakers, and interact with others, creating an immersive and dynamic experience.
Additionally, SXSW is known for its ability to drive new trends and technologies. Many startups and established companies choose the event as a launchpad for their most innovative products and services, while experts and influencers use the opportunity to share their predictions and insights about the future of various industries.
In summary, SXSW is a multifaceted event offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, networking, and innovation, making it an indispensable gathering for professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
Technophobia:
Technophobia is the irrational fear or aversion to technology. It can manifest in various ways, from resistance to using simple electronic devices to extreme fear of more complex technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and automation.
This phenomenon may be fueled by several factors, including a lack of understanding of how technology works, concerns about privacy and security, fear of job displacement due to automation, among others.
Technophobia can have significant consequences, both at the individual and societal levels. On a personal level, it can lead to digital isolation, difficulties in work and daily life, and even mental health issues due to stress caused by aversion to technology. On a broader scale, technophobia can hinder progress and innovation, delaying the development of new technologies that could improve quality of life and address important problems.
It is important to recognize that technology is a neutral tool, and its impact depends on how it is used. Rather than fearing it, it is crucial to promote a healthy and educated understanding of technology, encouraging digital literacy and critical thinking so people can effectively and responsibly use the technological tools available.
