Dressed in matching black attire, with identical sneakers and hoodies, a distinct group of tech leaders presents an almost cult-like image. They gravitate towards similar literature, particularly within the realm of science fiction, and communicate in a language soaked in a messianic zeal. Their messages resonate with warnings about an impending apocalypse, portraying themselves as humanity’s saviors from the potentially disastrous impacts of the AI they’ve birthed.
Jill Lepore, a historian from Harvard and winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for her book titled *We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution*, likens the behavior of Silicon Valley’s elite to that of a religious cult, with AI elevated to a divine status and these leaders acting as its prophets. In her recent publication, *The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State*, released in August, Lepore contends that Big Tech now holds significant sway over both the United States and the broader global landscape. She asserts that these tech giants utilize their authority to endorse political leaders who align with their interests, consequently undermining democratic values and contributing to the dissemination of misinformation.
In an interview with *Vanity Fair*, Lepore describes the "Artificial State" as a reality where humans are governed—and in many cases replaced—by machines owned by corporate entities. When asked about how imminent this future might be, she emphasizes that the clearest illustration of this phenomenon lies within the public sphere. A functional liberal democracy relies on an environment where open discussions can flourish, allowing citizens to gather trustworthy information and engage in meaningful dialogue. However, the Artificial State actively dismantles this civic engagement and breeds a culture of trolling instead.
According to Lepore, the current communication infrastructure encourages individuals to withdraw from civil engagement rather than participate actively. It fosters alienation from social connections and fellow citizens, driving people towards a toxic cycle of outrage, condemnation, and grievance that ultimately harms the fabric of civil society.
