Paulina Borsook’s book "Cyberselfish," originally published in 2000 and long out of print, is being reissued by Tin House following a resurgence of interest in its critical examination of Silicon Valley’s techno-libertarian culture. The book explores the anti-regulation ideology prevalent among tech leaders and its impact on the industry’s development.
Borsook describes techno-libertarianism as a “basket of beliefs” that is fiercely opposed to government intervention, despite the tech sector’s heavy reliance on public funding and regulation. She traces this mindset back to the early 1990s, noting that it persisted even after the dot-com crash and has continued to influence Silicon Valley’s business practices.
In a recent interview, Borsook explained that her work serves as a travelogue documenting her attempts to understand this culture, which she sees as distinct from the countercultural elements also present in the region. She distinguishes between socially conservative "Gilders" and more culturally liberal "Ravers," highlighting the coexistence of diverse ideologies within the tech leadership.
Borsook criticizes the industry’s resistance to regulation, citing companies like Airbnb and Uber as examples of businesses prioritizing financial gain over community responsibility. She also views the current AI boom as an extension of this attitude, describing it as a "big Ponzi scheme" driven by stock market interests rather than intrinsic value.
The renewed attention to "Cyberselfish" began about a year and a half ago, sparked by rising prices for used copies and interest from academics and social media discussions. This momentum led to the new edition, which includes a fresh introduction by Gil Durán, who helped bring the book back into print.
Reflecting on the future, Borsook expresses skepticism about reforming large tech companies from within, given their alignment with controversial political figures and profit-driven motives. However, she remains hopeful for young technologists who reject toxic industry norms and seek to pursue alternative, socially conscious paths, though she acknowledges the challenges posed by current investment trends focused heavily on AI and military applications.
The reissued "Cyberselfish" remains unchanged from its original form, preserving its snapshot of a pivotal era in tech culture. Borsook’s critique offers a historical lens on Silicon Valley’s evolution and continues to resonate amid ongoing debates about technology’s role in society.