What we’re about
We meet once a month to discuss the social, political, economic and environmental impacts of technology.
Our goal is to slow down and question the techno-solutionist narrative* which has permeated all aspects of life. This means examining the unintended harms and potential losses that occur when adopting new technologies, and thinking about alternative approaches that promote a humane and equitable future for all.
A selection of short readings (usually three) will be assigned to the group each month to aide and guide discussion.
You do not need to be someone working in tech to join the group, you just need to be someone who is living in technologically mediated world. This, by virtue of existing and reading this, means you!
*Techno-solutionism = the idea that given the right code, algorithms and robots, technology can solve all of humanities problems. More information here: https://www.tict.io/courses/course-one/course-five
Upcoming events (1)
See all- January Session - Cloud ComputingAl-baba Lebanese restaurant , Leeds
Come along to our session on cloud computing and data centres. We'll be discussing topics such as how the technology works, environmental and social impacts and the ethics surrounding its use.
Questions to discuss:
- What do you think about the term 'cloud computing'?
- What problems does cloud computing solve, and which news ones does it generate?
- Are we too dependant on cloud providers?We meet in the basement of Albaba Restaurant, 29 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS27DR. They let us use the space for free if we get some food, so bring some falafel/soft drink money if you are able.
Some readings and recordings are below - please pick a couple to read/watch before you attend as these are intended to aide and guide discussion.
Cloud computing explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a6us8kaq0g&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE
Amazon Web Services (Largest Public Cloud Provider) describing the cloud: https://youtu.be/a9__D53WsUs
Ecological Cost of Cloud Computing: https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-staggering-ecological-impacts-of-computation-and-the-cloud/
Data Centre use in Ireland:
https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/eirgrid-data-centres-5886060-Oct2022/UK Government Data Centre proposals: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tech-secretary-welcomes-foreign-investment-in-uk-data-centres-which-will-spur-economic-growth-and-ai-innovation-in-britain
Leeds Data Centre:
https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/06/28/microsoft-to-build-hyperscale-datacentre-near-leeds/Growth of Cloud Computing: https://www.infoworld.com/article/3599030/cloud-providers-make-bank-with-genai-while-projects-fail.html
The Reading Group is intended to be a welcome space for all levels of knowledge and understanding. Our goal is to facilitate a healthy discussion of the impact of technologies which we are all subject to. Please be respectful of other peoples views.
