The Accelerationist Playbook

Brett Scott's "The Accelerationist Playbook" critiques the prevailing narratives surrounding technological progress, arguing that they often lead to corporate domination rather than genuine improvement in quality of life. He identifies four key moves made by tech optimists: framing history as a high score game, casting technological advancement as a race, generating salvation narratives around digital inclusion, and portraying anxiety about change as a conservative reaction. Scott emphasizes that mainstream narratives depict a linear progression towards a cashless and automated future, where those who lag behind are seen as failures. He argues that this perspective ignores the potential for parallel paths of coexistence, where older technologies and practices can remain relevant alongside new innovations. By challenging the assumptions of a singular, high-speed trajectory, Scott advocates for a more balanced approach that values diversity and resilience in technological adoption. He suggests reframing the conversation to focus on maintaining a balance of power between different technological paths, rather than simply pushing for rapid digital transitions.

- The narrative of technological progress often equates to corporate dominance.

- Mainstream views frame history as a linear race towards higher technological scores.

- Anxiety about technological change is often dismissed as conservative resistance.

- There is potential for coexistence of old and new technologies, rather than a singular path.

- A balanced approach to technology can promote diversity and resilience in society.