It is fascinating how lots of people seem to genuinely have the mental association "EAs = people who are anti-technology"

Of course it makes sense if 2023 AI stuff is one's first introduction to internet nerd subcultures, but even two years ago that characterization would have seemed completely incomprehensible.

It's weird though because EA has talked about x risks for years, including bio and nuclear risks, but no one gets mad at EA for being anti-technology due to concerns over bio.

I think it has a lot to do with the OSS culture meeting the x-risk culture and the two not knowing which principles apply.