Elon Kills the Block Button, AI Comes for Podcasts, and The Good Liar's Guide to Talking to Trump Voters
Oct 27, 2024
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Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, the comedic force behind The Good Liars, share their experiences from the front lines of Trump rallies. They delve into the humor they uncover in Trump's messaging while navigating the implications of Twitter's new block button policy. The duo discusses the rise of alternative platforms like Bluesky and ponder the threat of AI-generated content on podcasting. Their unique insights blend satire with pointed observations on political engagement, making for a captivating conversation.
The removal of the block function on social media raises serious concerns about user safety and harassment vulnerabilities for marginalized individuals.
The Good Liars emphasize the importance of humor in navigating the contradictions within Trump's rhetoric, illustrating the complexities of political discourse today.
AI-generated content potentially threatens traditional journalism by redirecting traffic and ad revenue, raising ethical questions about creativity and authorship in media.
Deep dives
Advancements in 5G Technology and Customer Experience
T-Mobile for Business collaborates with companies like Delta Airlines to enhance customer service using 5G technology. Ground staff at Delta can access real-time information, improving assistance for travelers from the Delta Sky Club to the jet bridge. Additionally, Tractor Supply leverages T-Mobile's 5G solutions to connect over 2,200 stores nationwide, facilitating quicker product matching for customer needs. These innovations exemplify how businesses are utilizing 5G to enrich the customer experience.
The Good Liars: Navigating Trump Rallies
Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, known as The Good Liars, engage in comedic and insightful interviewing of Trump supporters at rallies. Their approach includes highlighting the contradictions in supporters' beliefs, often leading to unexpected moments of tension and humor. The hosts recount experiences at a recent rally, where they faced backlash for asking challenging questions, illustrating the polarized atmosphere surrounding political discourse. Despite the challenges, they aim to create connections and even find common ground amid the turmoil.
The Impact of Social Media Changes
Recent changes to the block function on social media platforms have sparked outrage and concern regarding user safety and harassment. Posts can still be viewed by blocked accounts, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful content and allowing for potential stalking. This shift reflects a broader discussion on the implications of such changes, particularly regarding the safety of vulnerable users and the harassment prevalent on the platform. Critics argue that these alterations prioritize user engagement over necessary protections, especially for marginalized individuals who face heightened risks online.
AI Tools: A Double-Edged Sword
Google's introduction of an AI-powered tool for converting text into a podcast raises significant ethical concerns regarding content creation and monetization. While touted as a means to summarize information, this tool may inadvertently threaten local news organizations by siphoning off traffic and ad revenue. The potential for AI-generated podcasts to replace human reporters poses existential questions about the future of journalism and creative professions. As the technology evolves, the implications on authorship and quality content will continue to unfold, revealing both opportunities and challenges.
The Complex Psychology of Trump Supporters
Conversations with Trump supporters reveal a deep-seated admiration for his perceived authenticity and defiance against the establishment. Many supporters connect with Trump as an emblem of resistance, feeling he articulates frustrations they experience in their own lives. However, the allure of conspiratorial thinking also underscores a troubling aspect of his support base, where some individuals turn to unverified narratives to make sense of their realities. The ongoing interaction at rallies demonstrates a dynamic interplay of humor, fear, and a longing for representation that defines contemporary political engagement.
The Good Liars, a MAGA trolling comedy duo, join Offline to share what it’s like on the ground at Trump rallies this close to the election. Davram Stiefler and Jason Selvig have been churning out political satire since they occupied Occupy Wall Street, and they talk to Jon about finding the humor and holes in the Trump camp’s rhetoric. But first! This week the app formerly known as Twitter announced a major change to the block function: it’s gone. Max and Jon discuss whether the ensuing X-odus will finally make Bluesky relevant, and why Jon doesn’t like to give his haters the satisfaction of being blocked. Then, it’s bros vs. brobots as the guys face down their own obsolescence and listen to an AI-generated podcast from NotebookLM. The platform is trained on whatever data–or book about saving democracy–you upload, and can synthesize the material into a jokey conversation between two hosts with a good rapport…sound familiar?
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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