The Opinions The Internet May Look Different After You Listen to This
19 snips
Jan 13, 2026 
Tressie McMillan Cottom, a prominent columnist and scholar, joins creative consultant Emily Keegan to dive into the world of AI-generated content. They discuss the emotional fallout from being fooled by AI, questioning public trust and how media literacy may not be enough. The conversation explores the role of legacy media in verification, the appeal of AI imagery, and what defines art. Both highlight a growing demand for genuine human expression and offer tips on spotting dubious content while pondering a cultural shift back to authenticity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pulled A Viral Post That Felt 'Too Perfect'
- Tressie McMillan Cottom described sharing a viral Instagram clip she later realized was AI-generated and then unshared it.
- She felt tricked and a bit chagrined despite her expertise in digital authenticity.
Trusted Source Led To Believing Fake Photos
- Emily Keegan recounted believing photos of Nicolas Maduro handcuffed because a trusted Instagram contact shared them.
- As a photo editor she was embarrassed for not verifying the images more carefully.
Platform Design Outruns Media Literacy
- Tressie argues training people in media literacy won't solve the problem because platform design overcomes those skills.
- She says low social trust predated and enables AI slop's effectiveness.