Growing concerns are being voiced regarding the escalating influence of technology billionaires, particularly concerning their impact on democratic processes and environmental sustainability. Author and satirist Marc-Uwe Kling expressed significant unease and frustration in a recent interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, highlighting what he perceives as a fundamental issue posed by this concentration of wealth and power.
Kling specifically cited the control exerted over mass media by these individuals as a threat to democracy, alongside anxieties about the environmental consequences of their actions. He pointed to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, as contributing to societal polarization. The author’s concerns were further amplified by recent alliances between US technology figures and political figures like Donald Trump, a development he deemed particularly problematic for Europe.
Beyond social media, Kling expressed deeper worries pertaining to the rapid-paced competition surrounding artificial intelligence, suggesting that the ambitions of certain billionaires risk jeopardizing the future of humanity.
While not advocating for a boycott of platforms like X or Amazon, Kling urges individuals, particularly public institutions, to critically examine the media landscape and explore alternative options. He proposes a “plus-one strategy” encouraging organizations – including cultural institutions, government agencies, universities and public broadcasters – to develop supplementary online presences, potentially utilizing platforms within the “Fediverse.
Kling’s observations are reflected in his latest collaborative work with illustrator Bernd Kissel, a comic album satirizing the Mars endeavors of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. He indicated that these real-world developments served as direct inspiration for the project, prompting commentary on the ambitions of the world’s wealthiest individuals and a desire to relocate beyond Earth.
