Programming, Libertarianism, and the Evolution of Hacker Culture

Is there something about the field of programming that attracts individuals with libertarian or anarchist beliefs? Many computer scientists and programmers have been stereotyped as leaning towards these ideologies, but the reality is more complex. This article explores the relationship between programming, libertarianism, and the broader context of hacker culture.

Why Programmers Lean Libertarian

High systematizing quotients (ability to analyze and synthesize information) are often associated with an interest in designing systems, while high empathizing quotients (focus on conflict theory and group dynamics) are more prevalent among those inclined towards Progressivism and Social Conservatism. This difference in cognitive styles may partly explain why many programmers embrace libertarian ideas. Additionally, a strong focus on innovation and a bias against restrictive regulations may also contribute to the libertarian leanings of programmers.

Furthermore, the ability to learn and become successful programmers through self-education rather than formal degrees has historically attracted individuals who are not conformist. This self-taught aspect of programming is a significant factor in the culture, as many early adopters and successful developers were not part of the traditional educational system, leading to a unique culture that values individuality and freedom.

The Modern Picture: Duality in Programming Culture

The modern programming landscape paints a different picture. The majority of programmers are not libertarian or anarchists, and many hold a wide range of political views. Nevertheless, there are historical roots in hacker culture that still influence the field. The Free Software and Open Source movements, which promote a form of governance that extends beyond traditional hierarchical structures, reflect these libertarian leanings. However, these views do not always extend beyond the realm of technology.

One of the core principles of hacker culture is the belief that information should be free. This ethos has led to significant developments in privacy and encryption, where programmers have taken risks to defend individual privacy against government surveillance. This cultural value on privacy stands in stark contrast to the actions of large tech corporations, which often prioritize centralized control and data exploitation over individual rights.

Repurposing Hacker Culture for Privacy Rights

The history of the tech industry provides a compelling narrative of how hacker culture interacts with broader political and economic forces. For instance, the release of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) by Phil Zimmermann demonstrated a strong stand against government overreach and surveillance. This event, along with the actions of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, highlights a significant cultural divide within the programming community.

Despite these individual successes, the tech industry at large often operates in ways that contradict the libertarian values of its programmers. Corporations like Google, Facebook, and Palantir, which are ironically associated with well-known libertarians, are major players in promoting government data collection and control. This centralization of power and data is at odds with the decentralized and privacy-friendly ethos that many programmers espouse.

The Future of Programming Culture

The widening gap between the libertarian ideals of programming culture and the industry’s actions raises questions about the future of this field. As large language models (LLMs) continue to disrupt the tech industry, the traditional hacker culture may face challenges. The historical roots of programming culture, rooted in smaller, countercultural movements, may be replaced by more commercially driven dynamics.

Nevertheless, the duality within programming culture likely reflects a broader trend in society. The tech industry’s actions often contradict the cultural values that many of its employees hold. This duality is not unique to technology but is mirrored in other industries and cultural movements.

While the relationship between programming and libertarianism is complex, it is clear that the historical and cultural roots of the tech industry played a significant role in shaping its unique culture. The future of this culture will depend on how these initial conditions evolve in the face of changing economic and social dynamics.