6 months ago, I left the bullshit industrial complex
A former tech PR insider’s account of leaving what they call the “bullshit industrial complex” prompts a broader critique of how modern technology has shifted from solving human problems to extracting attention, data, and money. Commenters connect this to disillusionment with big tech, advertising-driven business models, AI that automates creative work instead of drudgery, and the erosion of integrity and meaning in white‑collar jobs. While some remain optimistic about technological advances, many argue that structural incentives in late-stage capitalism—not the tools themselves—are driving the harm.
Disillusionment with Tech & Big Companies
- Many relate to leaving big tech or “the industry” due to cynicism, rent‑seeking, and value extraction over solving real human problems.
- Several contrast the 90s’ techno‑optimism (“enough tech to help, not enough to dominate”) with today’s attention harvesting, surveillance, and platform monopolies.
- Some still see this as a “golden age” (fertility tech, self‑driving taxis, LLMs, VR, open source), arguing pessimism may reflect aging more than tech itself.
AI, Automation & the “Laundry vs Art” Meme
- Long debate over the quip: “I want AI to do my chores, not my art.”
- One side: It captures frustration that tech automates joy (creative work) instead of drudgery (housework), and symbolizes misaligned incentives.
- Others: Call it clickbait, note laundry/dishwasher machines already exist, and argue AI isn’t stopping anyone from making art—only changing paid markets.
- Class issues surface: wanting to escape menial labor is seen by some as “classist,” others reject romanticizing such work while affirming dignity for workers.
Labor, Inequality & Capitalism
- Multiple comments tie modern tech to shifting income from labor to capital and eroding the middle class, citing falling labor share of income.
- Others counter that technology historically enabled a middle class and that inequality itself isn’t necessarily harmful; policy and access to capital are key.
- Discussion of gig economy and “platformization” as mechanisms to underpay workers, sidestep labor laws, and concentrate power.
Advertising, Platforms & Surveillance
- Strong sentiment that computing has become an arm of advertising and psychological manipulation, with attention and data as primary extractive targets.
- Blame variously placed on ad‑funded models, search/SEO, smartphones, app‑store policies, and global platforms’ winner‑take‑all dynamics.
Integrity, Meaning & Leaving the “Bullshit Industrial Complex”
- Many resonate with the author’s moral exhaustion: producing PR/BS, not believing in their work, or doing “corporate drudgery” like press releases.
- Some argue integrity means not just exiting but actively exposing manipulation patterns so others can resist.
- Others are pragmatic: they admire leaving for ethical reasons but admit they’d stay for financial security.
PR, Hype & Ethics
- PR is variously described as propaganda, “highly optimized bullshit,” and necessary brand strategy.
- One camp says good marketing co‑creates products and visions (e.g., charismatic founders and brand narratives).
- Critics stress the thin line between aspirational storytelling and outright fraud (invoking cases where marketing long preceded working tech).