The Colbert Report Season 9 Episode 60 Douglas Rushkoff

Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist and consultant who has authored several books on technology and society, is the guest for the 60th episode of the 9th season of The Colbert Report. Rushkoff and Colbert engage in a lively conversation about the impact of technology on society, touching upon topics ranging from the influence of social media to the role of corporations in shaping our digital lives.

Rushkoff argues that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter incentivize users to engage in attention-seeking behavior that ultimately distracts from meaningful social engagement. He posits that these platforms are primarily designed to capture our attention, rather than to facilitate genuine social interaction. Colbert counters by suggesting that social media has democratized communication, empowering marginalized voices and facilitating social organization.

The conversation then shifts towards the role of corporations in shaping our digital lives. Rushkoff argues that corporations have too much power over our online experiences, as they control the platforms that we use to communicate and consume media. He suggests that we need to re-evaluate how we interact with these platforms and demand greater control over our digital lives. Colbert, ever the satirist, jokes that Rushkoff's ideas amount to "digital socialism."

The episode also features a segment in which Colbert pokes fun at the recent controversy surrounding a United Airlines flight in which a passenger was forcibly removed from his seat. Colbert quips that United's new slogan should be "We beat the competition. And sometimes our passengers." The segment serves as a reminder of Colbert's trademark brand of political satire and his ability to use humor to comment on current events.

Overall, the episode is a testament to The Colbert Report's ability to engage in informed, sometimes contentious, discussions about the issues of the day. Rushkoff and Colbert's conversation highlights the complicated, multifaceted nature of technology's impact on society, leaving viewers with much to ponder.