This chapter explores the implications of AI-generated content in politics, highlighting the blurred lines between reality and digital fabrication. It discusses the financial challenges faced by AI companies, particularly in light of Elon Musk's investments in X and XAI, while also examining the Cybertruck's controversial branding and market viability. The conversation reflects on how the Cybertruck's unique image contrasts with traditional pickup truck needs, raising questions about its future in the electric vehicle market.
X users might have noticed a new kind of artificial intelligence-generated image proliferating: strange visions of Elon Musk next to Disney characters carrying guns, or Donald Trump in all kinds of, well, weird situations. This was what followed a new release of Musk’s Grok AI tool, which can now make images—unsurprisingly with fewer guardrails than other image-creating machines out there.
On this episode we’ll talk about Grok’s new skillset and also get into the semiotics of the Cybertruck. Initially conceived of as a mass-market truck, it’s slid into another category: marker of a certain kind of right-wing flex, the kind Musk himself has engaged in on his struggling social network. Joining David to discuss is Davey Alba, a Bloomberg technology reporter, along with Max Chafkin and Dana Hull.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.