Leif Weatherby

Leif Weatherby writes about digital culture and the history of knowledge. He is associate professor of German and director of the Digital Theory Lab at New York University, and is working on a book about language and AI.

BOOB TUBE

We’re in a ‘Streamhole’ of Garbage TV. It’s Netflix’s Fault.

Labor and entertainment are collapsing as platforms betray their promise to consumers.

Leif Weatherby

A photo illustration of a Tesla driver and sad face.

DIMINISHING RETURNS

‘Tesla Syndrome’ Explains Why Tech Is Making Us Miserable

There’s a class war that’s leading to worse innovations—but it’s not between the sides you think it is.

Leif Weatherby

A scanner at an entrance turnstile of a new Starbucks store partnered with Amazon Go.

HIDDEN COSTS

Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ Tech Is a Privacy Nightmare

Frictionless checkout may speed up your day, but it will also accelerate our worst fears about data collection.

Leif Weatherby

A photo illustration of a movie projector reel projecting binary code.

CULTURE WARS

Why AI Is Poised to Make Pop Culture a Nightmare

We rely on TV and movies to be a healthy distraction from day-to-day life. Handing the reins to AI is a mistake on so many levels.

Leif Weatherby