The Cold AI Era: How Trump and Musk’s Vision is Redefining Society

When we think of the future, the images that come to mind are often shaped by the powerful figures who are pushing us toward it. In the case of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, these two personalities represent a vision that is becoming more and more tangible: a world dominated by artificial intelligence, devoid of human warmth, and driven by an unwavering belief in technology’s ability to solve all our problems.

A Vision of Technology and Human Erasure

Eric Sadin, a philosopher specializing in the critique of technology, has been vocal about what he sees as the anti-humanism at play in the ideologies of figures like Musk and Trump. According to Sadin, this vision is not just about replacing human labor with machines; it’s about erasing the human presence altogether, reducing individuals to mere data points constantly bombarded by automated, hyper-personalized offers.

At the heart of this ideology is the belief that the world is deeply flawed, and that humanity itself is the cause of these flaws. The solution? Technology—specifically exponential technologies like AI. With its ability to process information faster, more reliably, and at a lower cost, AI is heralded as the tool that can fix everything. But Sadin warns that this drive towards automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a world where human beings are sidelined, their roles in society diminished to mere consumers of what the machines produce.

The Ideology Behind Musk and Trump’s Vision

What exactly is the ideology behind Musk and his supporters? At its core, it’s the belief in the superiority of the entrepreneur. Musk resembles a figure like John Galt from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged—a genius engineer who, disillusioned with the inertia of the state, rallies other entrepreneurs to stop their work, threatening to bring the economy to a halt. For Musk and Trump, the state—particularly the federal government—is seen as an obstacle to progress.

The Dangers of Automation and the Rise of AI

Musk’s appointment to oversee government efficiency signals the automation of public affairs. AI systems could ultimately replace government employees, leading to a technocratic nightmare where algorithms govern society’s functioning. This push for automation risks creating a hyper-bureaucracy, making processes opaque and alienating citizens.

Trump, Musk, and the Technological Totalitarianism

Could this be the beginning of a new form of totalitarianism? According to Sadin, this world may not feature overt oppressiveness like past regimes. Instead, we might face a subtle system where algorithms make important decisions, leading to “soft digital totalitarianism.” By automating everything, society risks cutting off its foundational elements—human agency and participation.

Musk’s Dissonance on Environmentalism

Musk’s environmental stance reflects a troubling trend, as he downplays urgent climate action in favor of a technology-driven screw-fix approach. This cognitive dissonance highlights the environmental costs of his ventures, contradicting the very ethos of sustainability he promotes.

The Path Forward: Embracing the Human Element

Eric Sadin argues for a return to human-centered solutions. Rather than surrendering entirely to technology, we must prioritize human relationships in creating equitable systems. This vision of a “Spring of Collectives” offers hope against the AI-driven future envisioned by Musk and Trump, calling for a commitment to life in all its forms.