

Kara Swisher: Tech, Power, and Why You Should Get the F*cking Duck
90 snips Oct 2, 2025
Kara Swisher, a veteran tech journalist renowned for her insights into Silicon Valley, discusses a plethora of fascinating topics. She reflects on the evolution of internet privacy and the challenges faced in Africa regarding tech access. The conversation highlights the dynamic between tech wealth and public perception, while also delving into the awkwardness surrounding Google Glass. Trevor shares his personal dating advice and aspirations for tech that benefits everyone, leading to a lively debate on the societal impact of media and the ethical implications of AI.
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How Kara Learned Selfies From Kim
- Kara Swisher learned selfie techniques from Kim Kardashian, including lighting and poses.
- She described practicing the "duck face" and using a ring light to improve photos.
AOL Foreshadowed Modern Privacy Tradeoffs
- Early services like AOL showed how user data could be scraped and monetized for advertising.
- Trevor and Kara agree that early internet models foreshadowed today's privacy and ad-driven platforms.
Access, Not Interest, Drove Early Global Gaps
- Google visualized global search requests and saw Africa almost dark due to lack of access, not lack of questions.
- Wireless and cheaper infrastructure later allowed rapid growth and questions from previously disconnected regions.