Life with Machines AI Is the Best and Worst of Culture | Rahaf Harfoush (Ep. 6.5)
In this episode of 'Life with Machines,' host Baratunde Thurston discusses the ethical, social, and emotional ramifications of AI with digital anthropologist and bestselling author Rahaf Harfoush who offers her perspective from France. They explore how AI is reshaping society in ways similar to fast fashion, creating an abundance of cheap and ubiquitous content, and the growing consumer desire for more ethical, sustainable, and human-centric alternatives. Rahaf shares insights from her research on AI's potential and risks, and her unique perspective on how AI intersects with human life. The conversation delves into the importance of conscious attention, technological impacts on culture, and the broader implications of AI in everyday life. The episode also includes thought-provoking audience questions that touch on topics like AI's role in religion and the potential revival of handcrafted practices in response to automation.
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CHAPTERS
00:59 Welcome to Life with Machines
01:51 Introducing Rahaf Harfouch
03:15 The Role of a Digital Anthropologist
06:00 The Evolution of Online Relationships
07:45 The Impact of AI on Society
20:14 What Do Tech Leaders Believe?
28:08 How To Empower Communities Through Technology
31:09 Exploring Solar Punk and Technological Harmony
32:23 Help Chains on TikTok
33:32 The Power of Attention and Human Spirit
35:04 Interacting with AI: Pronouns and Human Emotions
43:30 AI's Impact on Religion and Spirituality
47:00 Crafting and DIY in an Automated World
53:41 AI in Pop Culture: Emotional Journeys
57:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions
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Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media
Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media
Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media
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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston
Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph
Editor: Alie Kilts
Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone
Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland
Video Editor: Erik Shute
Videographer and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media
Theme Music: Andy Clausen
Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte
Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production
Sponsored by Lenovo
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