Today we think of the printing press as one of humanity's greatest inventions.

But when it first appeared, many people feared it.

Some worried about misinformation. Others feared job loss. Some believed it threatened society itself.

In this episode, Rosenberg explores how the fears surrounding the printing press sound surprisingly similar to today's anxieties about artificial intelligence.

Topics discussed:

• Johannes Gutenberg
• Medieval scribes
• Technological change
• Artificial intelligence
• Human psychology
• Media history
• The fear of innovation

History • Technology • Culture • Society

Rosenberg is an audio-first exploration of the ideas, inventions, and forces that shape human behavior.

New episodes explore history, media, technology, psychology, and culture through thoughtful storytelling and commentary.