Prospects, Bleak and Less Bleak

Abstract

We have found a trend to authoritarianism in data processing and kitsch communities, and we have to take into account that the crises in the nation states and the economy can be solved in favor of authoritarian regimes rather than in favor of a global society with independent glocal public services and a basic income for everyone. Modern technology condemns masses of people to being economically superfluous. The failures of the states have led to new wars that offer the stagnating economies investment opportunities and jobs, but they are about keeping and extending the power of the powerful rather than opportunities for using human constructive abilities. Data analysis gives an edge to firms and states that make the most ruthless use of it in nudging populations and blackmailing non-conforming decision makers, as Eggers’ novel demonstrates.