Into The Machine with Tobias Rose-Stockwell

Episode 1: Is AI Making Us Stupid? A Conversation with Jonathan Haidt

30 snips
Sep 18, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and bestselling author, tackles the pressing issues facing democracy today. He reveals how engagement algorithms distort public discourse and exacerbate polarization. Haidt warns of the developmental crisis stemming from declining attention spans and diminished childhood interactions. He proposes practical solutions like phone norms and age restrictions on social media. Ultimately, he advocates for resilient democratic institutions while fostering cautious optimism for the future.
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INSIGHT

Algorithms Reshape Public Attention

  • Engagement-optimizing algorithms rewired public attention and pulled discourse to the edges.
  • Tobias argues this shift undermines shared reality and the preconditions for democratic compromise.
INSIGHT

Affective Polarization Threatens Democracy

  • Effective polarization (affective dislike) threatens democratic compromise more than issue differences.
  • Haidt argues social media magnifies affective polarization and endangers liberal democracy.
INSIGHT

From Omniscience To Omnipotence Risks

  • AI presents omniscience (knowledge) and emerging omnipotence (ability to act) risks.
  • Haidt warns agents that enable harm at scale could destabilize society by empowering malicious actors.
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