"Welcome to the Technocracy" | A look into the forgotten Technocracy movement of the 1930s and how it predicted Silicon Valley’s worldview | AI News Digest
The Technocracy movement of the 1930s, led by Howard Scott, envisioned a society governed by engineers and technicians, replacing traditional political structures. This movement gained traction during the Great Depression, proposing radical ideas like energy accounting and a centralized state called 'The Technate.' Although it peaked in popularity, the movement faded due to Scott's controversial claims and lack of scientific backing. Recently, parallels have been drawn between the technocratic ideals of the past and the current tech elite's influence, particularly in Silicon Valley. Today's technocrats leverage advanced data analytics to shape social outcomes, echoing the original movement's goals. However, the effectiveness of such predictions remains questionable, highlighting the ongoing tension between technology and democracy.
