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