This is What Algo-cracy Looks Like, 2025.12.01

Tech leaders are pushing the idea that automation can strengthen democracy — but as usual, their bold suggestions are based on castles made of sand. Alex and Emily tear down some flimsy arguments for AI governance, exposing their incorrect assumptions about the democratic process. References: " This Is No Way to Rule a Country " " Four ways AI is being used to strengthen democracies worldwide " Also referenced: Collective Intelligence Project surveys Interview with CalMatters CEO Fresh AI Hell: Amazon introduces AI translation for Kindle authors Nature op ed recommends AI versions of Einstein, Bohr, and Feynman An AI Podcasting Machine Is Churning Out 3,000 Episodes a Week AI dating café to open in New York Recipe slop flooding social media AI slop about Autism published in Nature Upwork ad for fixing LLM editorial " Hundreds of Chicago residents sign petition to pause robot delivery pilot program over safety concerns " Check out future streams on Twitch . Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see . Our book, 'The AI Con,' is out now! Get your copy now . Subscribe to our newsletter via Buttondown . Follow us! Emily Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender Alex Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex Twitter: @alexhanna Music by Toby Menon. Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park . Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.