Philipp Markolin
@philippmarkolin.bsky.social
Science blogger and communicator:
www.protagonist-science.com
Mein investigatives Buch über die Insider-Geschichte hinter der COVID-19 Ursprungskontroverse jetzt exklusiv auf Deutsch erhältlich:
www.lab-leak-fever.com
www.protagonist-science.com
Mein investigatives Buch über die Insider-Geschichte hinter der COVID-19 Ursprungskontroverse jetzt exklusiv auf Deutsch erhältlich:
www.lab-leak-fever.com
Pinned
Lab Leak Fever
The COVID-19 Origin Theory that Sabotaged Science and Society
www.protagonist-science.com
Happy August.
Here is a little surprise for everybody: The english version of my book is finally available. You can get it on Amazon. You can also read and listen to it on my blog, where I will release the book as freely accessible serialized novel.
1/
www.protagonist-science.com/p/lab-leak-f...
Here is a little surprise for everybody: The english version of my book is finally available. You can get it on Amazon. You can also read and listen to it on my blog, where I will release the book as freely accessible serialized novel.
1/
www.protagonist-science.com/p/lab-leak-f...
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Extremely important. Please read.
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The AI Race to Reboot Feudalism
Let's be honest about why they gamble everything
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Extremely important. Please read.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
US knowledge infrastructure is under attack, write Dean Jackson and Sam Woolley, as part of a series of provocations ahead of a symposium at the University of Pittsburgh's Communication Technology Research Lab (CTRL) on threats to knowledge and democracy. The assault is complex and multidirectional.
The United States is on the Cusp of a Digital Dark Age | TechPolicy.Press
The first in a series of provocations, Dean Jackson and Sam Woolley write that the current assault on knowledge infrastructure is complex and multidirectional.
www.techpolicy.press
November 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
US knowledge infrastructure is under attack, write Dean Jackson and Sam Woolley, as part of a series of provocations ahead of a symposium at the University of Pittsburgh's Communication Technology Research Lab (CTRL) on threats to knowledge and democracy. The assault is complex and multidirectional.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
*this*. there is no end to the tabloids' and fascists' demands because they have nothing other than those demands -- there is no "program" and no "opinion" other than rage. The only end is the one put to it by reasonable people while there is still a chance.
November 10, 2025 at 2:25 PM
*this*. there is no end to the tabloids' and fascists' demands because they have nothing other than those demands -- there is no "program" and no "opinion" other than rage. The only end is the one put to it by reasonable people while there is still a chance.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
I added my voice to this petition which is simply to demand that platforms uphold the law. For some peculiar reason they don't seem to be keen.
Demand the Data: What’s Really Going Viral? | Mozilla Foundation
Social media platforms aren’t sharing what goes viral on their sites. Tell YouTube, Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X to disclose their most-viewed content. Sign now.
www.mozillafoundation.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I added my voice to this petition which is simply to demand that platforms uphold the law. For some peculiar reason they don't seem to be keen.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
#Vectorialism explains what is happening with AI very neatly.
The "vectors of information" are the "power commodity" of the era (capital in capitalism, land in feudalism, slaves in classical).
Understand that, and it becomes clear.
/cc @mckenziewark.bsky.social
The "vectors of information" are the "power commodity" of the era (capital in capitalism, land in feudalism, slaves in classical).
Understand that, and it becomes clear.
/cc @mckenziewark.bsky.social
August 4, 2025 at 7:40 AM
#Vectorialism explains what is happening with AI very neatly.
The "vectors of information" are the "power commodity" of the era (capital in capitalism, land in feudalism, slaves in classical).
Understand that, and it becomes clear.
/cc @mckenziewark.bsky.social
The "vectors of information" are the "power commodity" of the era (capital in capitalism, land in feudalism, slaves in classical).
Understand that, and it becomes clear.
/cc @mckenziewark.bsky.social
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The AI Race to Reboot Feudalism
Let's be honest about why they gamble everything
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
"Is there a more feckless, spineless opposition party anywhere in the democratic world? Why do Democrats insist on repeatedly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?"
Me for Zeteo's First Draft this morning on the Democratic surrender in the Senate:
Me for Zeteo's First Draft this morning on the Democratic surrender in the Senate:
🏳️ BREAKING: Democrats Surrender. Again
Mehdi's Monday morning update on the senators voting to reopen the government without a guarantee on heathcare; the BBC rolling over for Donald Trump; and Kathy Hochul's clash with Zohran Mamdani.
zeteo.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:01 PM
"Is there a more feckless, spineless opposition party anywhere in the democratic world? Why do Democrats insist on repeatedly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?"
Me for Zeteo's First Draft this morning on the Democratic surrender in the Senate:
Me for Zeteo's First Draft this morning on the Democratic surrender in the Senate:
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Later SARS-CoV-2 viruses in humans evolved the ability to use New World monkey ACE2, and recombination seems to be able to sample more mutations for the spike gene to cross species barriers.
doi.org/10.1093/molb...
doi.org/10.1093/molb...
SARS-CoV-2 Evolution in Humans Enables its Transmission to Nonhuman Primates
Abstract. Zoonotic viruses frequently cross species barriers, but the molecular processes enabling reverse zoonosis remains poorly defined. The COVID-19 pa
doi.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Later SARS-CoV-2 viruses in humans evolved the ability to use New World monkey ACE2, and recombination seems to be able to sample more mutations for the spike gene to cross species barriers.
doi.org/10.1093/molb...
doi.org/10.1093/molb...
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The AI Race to Reboot Feudalism
Let's be honest about why they gamble everything
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:47 PM
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
this
Altman has been quite clear about his strategy.
From the 2008 crash he learned that if you bind enough of the economy to your business you can do whatever you like; government will decide the rules no longer apply.
What he's selling is unaccountabilty.
From the 2008 crash he learned that if you bind enough of the economy to your business you can do whatever you like; government will decide the rules no longer apply.
What he's selling is unaccountabilty.
I honestly don’t get the value of this company. They hoover up energy and water. Their product constantly gets things wrong and, in extreme cases, coaches people into suicide.
And it’s all built on what seems to be malicious and vast intellectual property theft.
What does OpenAI offer the world?
And it’s all built on what seems to be malicious and vast intellectual property theft.
What does OpenAI offer the world?
November 9, 2025 at 9:52 AM
this
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
"Instead, their interests are maximizing profit and market power. The AI industry is no different, and educators should repudiate its false promises."
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/a...
Read more here: bsky.app/profile/oliv...
15/n
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/a...
Read more here: bsky.app/profile/oliv...
15/n
October 25, 2025 at 7:03 AM
"Instead, their interests are maximizing profit and market power. The AI industry is no different, and educators should repudiate its false promises."
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/a...
Read more here: bsky.app/profile/oliv...
15/n
www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/a...
Read more here: bsky.app/profile/oliv...
15/n
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
I appreciate the work of these authors to show that this problem not only is still here but has grown:
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
AI's capabilities may be exaggerated by flawed tests, according to new study
A study from the Oxford Internet Institute analyzed 445 tests used to evaluate AI models.
www.nbcnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I appreciate the work of these authors to show that this problem not only is still here but has grown:
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Scientists and scholars in AI and its social impacts call on von der Leyen to retract #AIHype statement.
@olivia.science
@abeba.bsky.social
@irisvanrooij.bsky.social
@alexhanna.bsky.social
@rocher.lc
@danmcquillan.bsky.social
@robin.berjon.com
& many others have signed
www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
@olivia.science
@abeba.bsky.social
@irisvanrooij.bsky.social
@alexhanna.bsky.social
@rocher.lc
@danmcquillan.bsky.social
@robin.berjon.com
& many others have signed
www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
Scientists call on the President of the European Commission to retract AI hype statement
Experts in AI call on the President of the European Commission to retract unscientific AI hype statement she made in the budget speech.
www.iccl.ie
November 10, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Scientists and scholars in AI and its social impacts call on von der Leyen to retract #AIHype statement.
@olivia.science
@abeba.bsky.social
@irisvanrooij.bsky.social
@alexhanna.bsky.social
@rocher.lc
@danmcquillan.bsky.social
@robin.berjon.com
& many others have signed
www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
@olivia.science
@abeba.bsky.social
@irisvanrooij.bsky.social
@alexhanna.bsky.social
@rocher.lc
@danmcquillan.bsky.social
@robin.berjon.com
& many others have signed
www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
watch it here: here: http://youtube.com/w...
2/2
2/2
Resisting misinformation - Thinking Matters
A short documentary introducing how misinformation spreads, how prejudice and bias get reinforced, why it feels so unstoppable and what works to counter it.
Key Points
- Misinformation appeals to emotion to drive clicks, shares and attitude change. Disinformation and deepfakes scale quickly through
youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
watch it here: here: http://youtube.com/w...
2/2
2/2
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
BREAKING: Mark Wolf, appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan, writes that he is resigning as a judge to have the freedom to speak out against the president's assault on the rule of law.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
November 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
BREAKING: Mark Wolf, appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan, writes that he is resigning as a judge to have the freedom to speak out against the president's assault on the rule of law.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
The thread as a shareable webpage: https://skywriter.blue/pages/did:plc:5zqjavyvxgpqup52vic4whgn/post/3m55kz4yxjs2h.
Page by Philipp Markolin | @philippmarkolin.bsky.social - skywriter.blue
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com...
skywriter.blue
November 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The thread as a shareable webpage: https://skywriter.blue/pages/did:plc:5zqjavyvxgpqup52vic4whgn/post/3m55kz4yxjs2h.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
They're also rebooting slavery. I have been reading. I started with solar panels and gradually realized that it's not just polysilicon in Xinjiang, it's lots of things, and not only in China. I feel like I've fallen through a rotten floorboard into hell.
November 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
They're also rebooting slavery. I have been reading. I started with solar panels and gradually realized that it's not just polysilicon in Xinjiang, it's lots of things, and not only in China. I feel like I've fallen through a rotten floorboard into hell.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
It’s possible to see social media, and now AI, as the new radio — the new information technology which will ruin democracies around the globe if we don’t find a way to prise off billionaires’ control of those new info channels.
November 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
It’s possible to see social media, and now AI, as the new radio — the new information technology which will ruin democracies around the globe if we don’t find a way to prise off billionaires’ control of those new info channels.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
chats. That was a constructive move, using radio to reach more people and push back against charlatans and hucksters from Coughlin to the border blaster types.
It’s why Mamdani saying that “well-produced media“ is a key tool of fighting for democracy should give us hope, and be an example.
It’s why Mamdani saying that “well-produced media“ is a key tool of fighting for democracy should give us hope, and be an example.
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
chats. That was a constructive move, using radio to reach more people and push back against charlatans and hucksters from Coughlin to the border blaster types.
It’s why Mamdani saying that “well-produced media“ is a key tool of fighting for democracy should give us hope, and be an example.
It’s why Mamdani saying that “well-produced media“ is a key tool of fighting for democracy should give us hope, and be an example.
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Robber barons, rails, rents, and RADIO of the next 20 years. (Is what we should now focus on.)
100 years ago, we were in the midst of a fight with those forces. Goebbels used radio to infamous ends. In the US, we had Father Coughlin using radio to chg the info env.
Positive: FDR used fireside… /1
100 years ago, we were in the midst of a fight with those forces. Goebbels used radio to infamous ends. In the US, we had Father Coughlin using radio to chg the info env.
Positive: FDR used fireside… /1
This article is a first essay out of my larger research focus on building participatory democracy in the digital age: how to counteract the global authoritarian movement.
Given recent AI news and a sense of urgency, I wanted to share one idea that maybe is worth a discussion today.
2/
Given recent AI news and a sense of urgency, I wanted to share one idea that maybe is worth a discussion today.
2/
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Robber barons, rails, rents, and RADIO of the next 20 years. (Is what we should now focus on.)
100 years ago, we were in the midst of a fight with those forces. Goebbels used radio to infamous ends. In the US, we had Father Coughlin using radio to chg the info env.
Positive: FDR used fireside… /1
100 years ago, we were in the midst of a fight with those forces. Goebbels used radio to infamous ends. In the US, we had Father Coughlin using radio to chg the info env.
Positive: FDR used fireside… /1
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
A long read but worth your time!
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The AI Race to Reboot Feudalism
Let's be honest about why they gamble everything
open.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:44 AM
A long read but worth your time!
The data colonialism performed by digital platforms will pale in comparison to the current AI data grap.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg...
Read my latest ⬇️
And that is just the tip of the iceberg...
Read my latest ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The data colonialism performed by digital platforms will pale in comparison to the current AI data grap.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg...
Read my latest ⬇️
And that is just the tip of the iceberg...
Read my latest ⬇️
Reposted by Philipp Markolin
Some personal news: I have been financially supporting a family member in a mental health crisis which has spiraled into a financial disaster.
I would like to keep doing progressive activism but I can no longer pay rent for myself and my two kids.
Please help if you can. Thank you very much.
I would like to keep doing progressive activism but I can no longer pay rent for myself and my two kids.
Please help if you can. Thank you very much.
Donate to Support Needed for Rent and Career Transition, organized by Matt Sheffield
I never thought I'd be doing this before, but I could really use your hel… Matt Sheffield needs your support for Support Needed for Rent and Career Transition
gofund.me
November 8, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Some personal news: I have been financially supporting a family member in a mental health crisis which has spiraled into a financial disaster.
I would like to keep doing progressive activism but I can no longer pay rent for myself and my two kids.
Please help if you can. Thank you very much.
I would like to keep doing progressive activism but I can no longer pay rent for myself and my two kids.
Please help if you can. Thank you very much.
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The AI Race to Reboot Feudalism
Let's be honest about why they gamble everything
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:47 PM
New:
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The current “AI race” media frenzy, whether framed as productivity revolution, Chinese competition, or AGI salvation, is either largely myth-making or missing the most crucial point.
So let me challenge that frenzy with a different story.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...