Cory Doctorow critiques AI "inevitabilism" and developer control

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] · 2026-06-22 06:49

Cory Doctorow's review of "The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI" critiques the concept of "inevitabilism" in technology adoption, exemplified by Eric Schmidt's advice to "get on the rocket ship." Doctorow argues that revolutionary technologies are not inherently inevitable but are shaped by the choices of those who develop them. He contends that presenting users with an ultimatum to adopt a technology or face negative consequences is a manipulative tactic that warrants public disapproval. AI

IMPACT Critiques the framing of AI adoption as inevitable, highlighting the agency of developers in shaping technology.

RANK_REASON Article is a book review discussing the societal implications of AI and technology adoption.

Read on Mastodon — fosstodon.org →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

Cory Doctorow critiques AI "inevitabilism" and developer control

COVERAGE [1]

Mastodon — fosstodon.org TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] · 2026-06-22 06:49

"When Eric Schmidt told students, “[If] someone offers you a seat on the rocket ship, you do not ask which seat, you just get on,” that was inevitabilism. The i

"When Eric Schmidt told students, “[If] someone offers you a seat on the rocket ship, you do not ask which seat, you just get on,” that was inevitabilism. The idea is that revolutionary new technology gives you, the worker or consumer, no choice but to get on board. Yet the techn…

LINKS theguardian.com/…/the-reverse-centaurs-gu…

COVERAGE [1]

"When Eric Schmidt told students, “[If] someone offers you a seat on the rocket ship, you do not ask which seat, you just get on,” that was inevitabilism. The i

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