In a scathing critique, actor and comedian Stephen Fry has labeled Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk as “the worst polluters in human history.” Fry made the controversial statement during a lecture at Kings College, London, where he accused the tech moguls of contaminating the cultural landscape with their unchecked influence.
Fry, known for his early adoption of technology, expressed disillusionment with social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, which he once actively used. He highlighted the negative impact of algorithms designed to maximize engagement, leading to the proliferation of toxic content that thrives on anger and outrage.
The actor lamented his initial optimism about social media’s potential to bring about positive change, citing the Arab Spring protests as a hopeful example. However, he admitted that the reality has fallen short of his expectations, with technology often amplifying the worst aspects of human behavior.
Fry also raised concerns about the future of artificial intelligence, warning against corporate greed corrupting its development at the expense of safety. He urged for a human-centered approach to technological advancements, echoing the sentiments of Einstein and Russell’s manifesto on nuclear weapons.
The criticism of Zuckerberg and Musk did not end with Fry, as senior Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg also took aim at Musk’s platform X, labeling it as a “tiny, elite, news-obsessed” app. The ongoing debate surrounding the influence of tech giants on society continues to spark controversy and calls for greater accountability.
As the world grapples with the impact of technology on our lives, Fry’s impassioned plea for humanity to guide the future of innovation serves as a stark reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with shaping the digital landscape.
