Title: Stephen Fry Calls Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk “Worst Polluters in Human History”
Renowned actor and comedian Stephen Fry has made a bold statement, labeling Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk as “the worst polluters in human history.” Fry delivered this scathing criticism during a lecture at Kings College, London, where he expressed concerns about the impact of their companies on society.
According to Fry, the toxic effects of Zuckerberg and Musk’s platforms are pervasive, affecting the very fabric of our culture. He highlighted the harmful emissions of “toxic particulates and stinking effluvia” that flow unchecked from their companies into the world around us, making it impossible for future generations to enjoy clean air and water.
Fry, known for his early adoption of technology, was once an active user of X (formerly Twitter) but ceased posting in 2022 after the platform was acquired by Musk. Despite retaining his account, Fry has since distanced himself from social media, lamenting his initial belief that it could bring about positive change in society.
During his lecture at the Digital Futures Institute, Fry reflected on the unintended consequences of social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement. He criticized the platforms for amplifying negative emotions like anger, shock, and horror, rather than fostering unity and positive change.
In addition to his critique of social media, Fry also discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), warning against the potential for corporate greed to corrupt its development. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and ethical considerations in the advancement of AI technology.
Fry’s remarks were not the only criticism directed at Musk, as senior Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg also took aim at X during a separate event in London. Clegg described the platform as a “tiny, elite, news-obsessed, politics-obsessed app” and accused it of becoming a “one-man hyper-partisan hobby horse.”
As debates around the impact of social media and technology continue to unfold, Fry’s impassioned plea for humanity to prioritize ethical considerations in the development of AI serves as a timely reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
