Jill Lepore on the ‘Artificial State’ and why Silicon Valley’s leaders are bad sci-fi readers
Historian Jill Lepore argues that tech companies use grand language to describe their products, implying they're creating a new government. This theory isn't flattering to Silicon Valley.
What happened
Jill Lepore's upcoming book, The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State, suggests that tech companies like Twitter and Anthropic use grandiose language to describe their products, likening them to a new form of government. Lepore's theory implies that these companies are trying to create a sense of legitimacy and authority through their language.
Why it matters
As a business owner, you know how important it is to communicate clearly and transparently with your customers and stakeholders. Lepore's theory highlights the potential risks of tech companies using overly ambitious language to describe their products, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential disillusionment.
The takeaway
Be mindful of the language you use to describe your products and services, and make sure it accurately reflects their capabilities and limitations.
Our plain-English take, written from public reporting for operational business owners. Always read the original for full context.
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