An interview with Hazel Weakly, a software developer, platform engineer, and advocate for building more humane technological ecosystems.
We start by discussing Hazel’s motivations behind a recent blog post calling for a more human-centered approach to technology. The conversation explores themes like the role of AI, the impact of algorithmic bias, and the commodification of online interaction, which Hazel views as eroding genuine human connection.
This transitions into a discussion about how to create alternatives, including social networks and developer tools, such as programming languages. Hazel contrasts the philosophies behind Rust and Haskell, emphasizing Rust’s balance between safety, usability, and developer experience. She articulates her broader vision for technology—creating tools that enable collective actualization, where individuals and communities are empowered to achieve more than they imagined possible.
Hazel’s very open with her influence of thinkers such as Christopher Alexander, adrienne marie brown and the concept of wholeness. Here’s one quote that leaves a lasting impression:
And the thing that really drives a lot of the pursuit for me is that question of wholeness of how do you build tools and ecosystems and ways of working and collaboration between people to get them to a point where they are greater than some of their parts. And also to do this magical thing where you enable people to do things they didn't even know that they could, and they see the results of those efforts and then they go, "Wow, I didn't know I could do that", and then they light up and their eyes just glow with this deep inner confidence of everything. And that feeling more than anything else, being able to give people that deep glow of, achievement of purpose, of actualization. That really drives so much of what I do and so much of what I think.
Hazel Weakly
Contacting Hazel
Here are a few useful links to find Hazel on the Internet. If these get stale, then please refer to Hazel’s website.
Acknowledgements
Intro and outro music composed by Lorenzo Evans.