Vibe Shift, Really?: Broligarchy, Tech Power, and Authoritarian Fantasies

“For them, the future of technology is about only one thing: escape from the rest of us.” Douglas Rushkoff, Survival of the Richest

As digital technologies increasingly permeate politics, the economy, and everyday life, power relations are shifting decisively toward a shrinking group of actors. Tech billionaires and their ideological architects are not only shaping markets but are undermining democracy and human rights worldwide. Within the mindset of the “broligarchs,” democracy is inefficient, the public sphere a nuisance, and participation a risk.

What happens when digital innovation merges with authoritarian fantasies? What role do U.S. tech elites play in the erosion of democratic institutions? And how can the growing concentration of digital, economic, and political power be challenged?

In this panel, journalist and Grimme Award winner Christian Schiffer (The Peter Thiel Story) analyzes the political culture of digital publics and the rise of techno-authoritarian tendencies. Theologian and conflict researcher Wolfgang Palaver situates the ideological foundations of these power fantasies, highlighting their proximity to U.S. tech elites and political actors. Anna-Verena Nosthoff, junior professor for Ethics of Digitalization and co-director of the Critical Data Lab, researches tech authoritarianism and examines the societal impact of tech corporations and the digital transformation of the public sphere.

Moderated by Sarah Kriesche (Ö1), the discussion asks whether the so-called “vibe shift” marks a genuine historical turning point or a narrative that disguises authoritarian solutions as technological progress.