This episode of Orion Talks, hosted by Marta Furlan, features Dr. Mauro Lubrano examining the rise of anti-technology extremism. He begins by distinguishing it from anti-technology activism, emphasizing that conflating the two risks discrediting legitimate concerns and may even contribute to further radicalization.

The discussion situates recent attacks on tech leaders and infrastructure within a broader and expected escalation of anti-technology violence. These acts are driven by the belief that technology poses an existential threat to humanity and the environment. Drawing on his book Stop the Machines, Lubrano traces the evolution of anti-technology thought from material concerns (e.g., job loss) to philosophical critiques, and ultimately to today’s extremist view of technology as a “mega-machine.”

The episode co ...