What Happened to the Utopian Promise of the Early Internet?




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Based on Tim Wu’s urgent and eye-opening book, The Age of Extraction (Knopf, 2025), we will examine how dominant tech giants have transformed tools of potential democratization into inescapable tollbooths that extract our money, data, and attention. Moving beyond the daily headlines, our sessions will dissect the mechanics of "platform capitalism" and evaluate its profound impacts on wealth inequality, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the health of our democratic institutions. We will trace this historical shift in economic power and critically evaluate Wu’s practical roadmap for breaking monopolies and returning control to the public. Whether you are fascinated by the intersection of economics and technology, or simply want to understand the hidden forces shaping our modern world, our group will offer a space to untangle these complex issues with fellow curious minds. No prior background in economics or tech policy is required—just bring your curiosity, a willingness to share your perspective, and a copy of the book!
 

Class Details

4 Session(s)
Weekly - Tue

Location
Virtual - Any Location

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition: 

$0.00


Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
7/7/2026 - 7/28/2026 Weekly - Tue 09:45 AM - 11:45 AM N/A, Virtual - Any Location  Map Philip Zawa  ; Robert Jenkins