Part 10/13:
A large portion of their dialogue considers the dark side of technological and societal development. They examine the exploitation involved in extracting rare earth minerals like coltan—used in smartphones—that relies heavily on child labor, often in conflict zones such as the Congo. The ethical implications of supporting such industries clash with consumer demand for cheap electronics. They debate how much of this exploitation could be mitigated through local manufacturing, recycling, and technological innovation, but recognize the enormity of the challenge.