The Aboard Podcast NYC Sends AI Packing
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Oct 7, 2025 In New York City, subway ads for a new AI wearable called 'Friend' are facing public backlash. The discussion dives into why New Yorkers resist such technology, the ethics of constant surveillance, and the cultural disdain for Silicon Valley. They explore business models, data concerns, and the fascinating tension between tech innovation and public skepticism. Plus, a humorous twist as one host imagines a billionaire's skincare routine. Can AI truly be integrated into daily life, or are we better off without it?
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Friend Pendant Example
- Paul describes Friend, a $129 pendant that listens constantly and talks back through your phone.
- He frames it as a sci‑fi personal ChatGPT device that many New Yorkers find invasive.
City Culture Shapes AI Reception
- New York City reacts strongly against visible consumer AI marketing because of cultural norms and privacy sensitivity.
- Paul argues the city’s public transit and dense social fabric make surveillance products especially unwelcome.
Subway Ad Pushback Story
- Paul and Rich recount how subway riders alter or deface ads quickly to push back against intrusive campaigns.
- They compare this to past examples where posters were modified within minutes of going up.