Holding the Tech Industry Accountable for Disruption

Now we know why technologists are racing to develop virtual reality: so they can live there if Donald Trump gets elected.

But here’s a better idea: The tech industry should take ownership of the role it played in creating Trumpism. If the industry did a better job helping society deal with all the disruption that technology throws at it, Trump might have fewer fans than the Tennessee Titans.

Tech leaders tend to like politics about as much as cats like baths. But all of a sudden they’re joining the presidential melee, lining up against Trump, sometimes in creative ways. LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman said he’ll put up a $5 million if someone reveals Trump’s tax returns. Rob Glaser, to Vladimir Putin. A signed by nearly 150 tech leaders proclaims, “We stand against Donald Trump’s divisive candidacy and want a candidate who embraces the ideals that built America’s technology industry.” (Peter Thiel’s recent $1.25 million check for Trump made most tech leaders throw up in their mouths a little.)