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 leadership
https://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 world
https://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: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com
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
