From AI to Quantum: Hype around new emerging technologies are all pervasive. But what do we acutally mean when we call somehting a "hype"? Since the Silicon Valley, with its so called "New-Economy", conquered the economic world from the late 90s onward, huge sums of money are spent on the potential development of future-oriented technologies. Alleged tech visionaries promote societal transformation with bold promises through skyrocketing value development. This is coupled with a strident optimism that captures the attention of investors, politicians, journalists - and the general citizenry. This talk willl analyse hype not only as an economic but a political phenomenon. Are hypes accidental or deliberately steered?  How does hype differ from trend, vision or scenario? Can anybody hype? Who benefits from an economy centered around the lofty promises of venture capital?
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Dr. Jascha Bareis is Senior Researcher at the Université de Fribourg, Human-IST institute. As a political scientist, he studies the intersection of hypes, (civilian and military) AI, tech futures and political communication. Other areas of expertise include technology assessment, trust in technology and democratic theory.