Uncanny Valley | WIRED WIRED Roundup: Are We In An AI Bubble?
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Oct 10, 2025 Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at WIRED, dives into current events with insights on surveillance and tech policy. She discusses the controversial flight of Mark Bray, who faced threats in the U.S., and the implications of ICE's social media surveillance plans. Leah also reveals how chatbots cleverly manipulate users emotionally, while a recent FDA announcement led to chaos over autism drug misinformation. Lastly, they tackle the burning question: are we in an AI bubble, unpacking market reactions and historic tech trends.
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Professor Stranded After Death Threats
- Mark Bray, a Rutgers professor targeted by far-right influencers, tried to flee the U.S. with his family after receiving death threats.
- United Airlines canceled their reservation at the gate, leaving them stranded amid unclear circumstances.
Antifa Designation Escalated Harassment
- The Trump administration's focus on Antifa amplified online campaigns and threats against perceived opponents.
- Designating loosely affiliated activists as domestic terrorists escalates harassment and fear for academics and dissenters.
ICE Wants Round‑the‑Clock Social Surveillance
- ICE plans a 24/7 social-media surveillance program using contractors and AI to support deportation and arrest operations.
- Such monitoring risks broad data collection and the targeting of tangential or incidental online activity.
