How to Age Up

How to Know What's Real: How to Keep Watch

Jun 3, 2024

Explore the evolving role of video proof with smartphones and deepfakes. Uncover biases in surveillance systems and the impact on privacy. Dive into discussions on algorithmic auditing and evaluation. Learn about the risks of AI-generated images and the importance of critical evaluation in a surveillance-heavy world.

28:07

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Quick takeaways

Increased documentation of our lives through technology reveals biases and privacy concerns.

Advancements in AI and machine learning pose risks of distorting reality and spreading misinformation.

Deep dives

The Influence of Wearable Technology on Behavior and Self-Surveillance

Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, prompts users to stand or move, creating conflicting emotions of appreciation and judgment. The concept of self-surveillance is discussed, where individuals monitor their daily activities and behaviors through devices like smartwatches. This constant tracking can lead to feelings of accountability but may also border on self-surveillance, blurring the line between self-care and intrusive monitoring.

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Introduction

2min

Navigating Self-Tracking Technology

6min

Facial Analysis Accuracy, Data Sources, and Privacy Regulation in Tech

5min

Exploring Surveillance and Behavioral Impact of Being Watched

2min

The Dark Side of Surveillance and Deep Fakes

12min

With smartphones in our pockets and doorbell cameras cheaply available, our relationship with video as a form of proof is evolving. We often say “pics or it didn’t happen!”—but meanwhile, there’s been a rise in problematic imaging including deepfakes and surveillance systems, which often reinforce embedded gender and racial biases. So what is really being revealed with increased documentation of our lives? And what’s lost when privacy is diminished?

In this episode of How to Know What’s Real, staff writer Megan Garber speaks with Deborah Raji, a Mozilla fellow, whose work is focused on algorithmic auditing and evaluation. In the past, Raji worked closely with the Algorithmic Justice League initiative to highlight bias in deployed AI products.

Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com.

Music by Forever Sunset (“Spring Dance”), baegel (“Cyber Wham”), Etienne Roussel (“Twilight”), Dip Diet (“Sidelined”), Ben Elson (“Darkwave”), and Rob Smierciak (“Whistle Jazz”).

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How to Age Up

How to Know What's Real: How to Keep Watch

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Influence of Wearable Technology on Behavior and Self-Surveillance

Implications of Surveillance Technologies and Anonymity Concerns

Risks of Deep Fakes and Shallow Fakes in Manipulating Media

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Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts