Software Wants Us Twerking 996

Your favorite podcast hosts clock in to tech’s 996 work culture. That means working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, a concept that moved from China to Silicon Valley. Emily unpacks the particulars of the 996 phenomenon, revealing the burnout, competition, and absurd expectations at some of the world’s biggest tech companies. Mike shares his own ‘workaholic’ past. Plus, the Superintelligent hosts offer Superintelligent ideas about how low-tech can improve your work and life in a high-tech world. Links Why the ‘996’ schedule is capturing the interest of Silicon Valley leadershiphttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/26/nx-s1-5567995/why-the-996-schedule-is-capturing-the-interest-of-silicon-valley-leadership Influencers in the Wild (social media virality and sociology)https://www.instagram.com/influencersinthewild The power of low-tech in a high-tech worldhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4086115/the-power-of-low-tech-in-a-high-tech-world.html Rosalía “Berghain”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 996 Work Culture 00:52 The Impact of Workaholism in Tech 03:19 Cultural Perspectives on Work Hours 05:45 The Role of AI in Work Culture 08:25 Personal Experiences with Workaholism 09:27 The Future of Work and Burnout 12:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Work Culture 15:46 Cultural Perspectives on Work Ethic 18:59 The High-Tech World and Its Implications 22:33 The Importance of Traditional Skills 25:58 AI and Human Dependency 29:39 Embracing Language and Culture 33:12 Pop Culture Reflections and Closing Thoughts Keywords 996 work culture, burnout, workaholism, AI impact, work-life balance, technology in work, cultural work ethic, low-tech solutions, intellectual growth, creativity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com