Culture Shock: How Big Tech’s Digital Colonialism Imposes Values on the World with Katharina Reinecke, PhD

Big Tech, predominantly designed by those from Western cultures, embeds specific cultural norms into global systems, leading to culture shock for users across the world. This lack of diversity among developers results in designs that ignore local customs and needs, effectively creating a modern form of digital colonization where billions must conform to a narrow technological worldview. To explore how Western digital culture is imposed upon the world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the director of the interdisciplinary UW Center for Globally Beneficial AI, Katharina Reinecke, PhD. Katharina presents key findings from her book, Digital Culture Shock, detailing how different cultural preferences shape global user behavior across social media platforms and how people search for and share information. This episode is proudly sponsored by: Calm — Offers the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Download Calm and find a place made just for you to rest. Visit Calm.com/HHTR. Listeners get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription. Signos — Offers the world’s first FDA-cleared AI-driven app and CGM for weight management and wellness that turns data into lasting habits for better health. Visit https://signos.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get $10 off select plans. Cozy Earth — Offers luxury loungewear, premium pajamas, and essential home goods. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get up to 40% off your order. Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.