Drew Harwell, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, discusses the striking trend of political figures emulating social media influencers for cabinet roles, dubbed ‘influencer creep.’ He highlights the implications of this culture on politics, including the commodification of fame in governance. The conversation also dives into Claudine Gay's tumultuous presidency at Harvard, marking a clash over cultural wars, free speech, and expectations of diversity, revealing how social media amplified campus tensions amid ongoing protests.

Sarah Ellison, a media and democracy reporter for The Washington Post, joins Drew Harwell, a tech reporter, to dissect the Trump administration's bold new communication strategies. They explore how the White House is shunning legacy media to dominate narratives through social media, even using viral content to simplify complex issues. Their discussion touches on the clever use of memes and satire, and how these tactics reshape public discourse and challenge traditional democratic checks, showcasing a radical shift in political messaging.

Join Drew Harwell, a technology reporter from The Washington Post with a focus on tech's societal impacts, as he discusses the complexities of a potential TikTok ban. He explores legislative concerns, the implications for free speech, and the challenges of selling the app amid data privacy fears. Harwell breaks down TikTok's unique algorithm and its role in shaping youth activism, notably during the Gaza protests. Discover how TikTok mobilizes its community against Congressional action and the broader themes of governance and digital freedom.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter focused on data privacy, dives into the troubling lawsuit against TikTok for violating child data protections. He outlines the serious implications of how the app handles children’s personal information under COPPA. The conversation expands to discuss the broader issues of data collection across various platforms, revealing how apps often share this data with law enforcement and governments. Additionally, listeners are treated to a heartwarming look at Australian sea lions showcasing their unique foraging behaviors.

Taylor Lorenz and Drew Harwell, journalists from The Washington Post, dive into Facebook's underhanded tactics to tarnish TikTok's reputation. They discuss how leaked documents reveal Meta's campaign to blame TikTok for harmful trends while deflecting attention from its own controversies. The conversation highlights the irony of Facebook's smear strategy and raises crucial questions about data privacy related to TikTok's Chinese ownership. Both guests urge listeners to consider the broader implications of social media rivalries in the fight for user trust.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, and Marice Shake, a fellow at the Stanford Cyber Policy Center, delve into the complex relationship between tech giants and the Trump administration. They discuss the implications of TikTok's ban and recent bipartisan legislation amid national security concerns. The conversation touches on how tech companies like Tesla and Amazon are adjusting their strategies to gain favor with political power. They also explore the challenges of regulating AI while balancing innovation with civil liberties.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the rise of influencer culture in politics, highlighting figures like Trump and RFK Jr. He explores how social media reshapes political dynamics and the blurred lines between authenticity and marketing. The conversation dives into controversies surrounding endorsements and potential conflicts of interest in political ambitions, such as those involving Dr. Oz. Harwell raises concerns about transparency in sponsored content and the implications for public trust in governance.

Tech reporter Drew Harwell from The Washington Post dives into the intriguing rise of influencers in politics, spotlighting figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz. He discusses the blurred lines between public service and commercialism, especially in the wake of the Trump era. The conversation also tackles ethical concerns around influencer marketing and the complexities of federal endorsements. With the digital age reshaping political branding, Harwell questions what this means for genuine engagement from elected officials in an increasingly commercial landscape.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the powerful influence of social media on the election landscape. Risa Venturia, a fact-checker, sheds light on the challenges of misinformation, especially for Gen Z voters. Grace Goh shares firsthand insights from young voters about issues that matter most to them. They explore the contrasting strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the role of TikTok in engaging youth, and the importance of critical thinking to navigate the current media chaos.

Drew Harwell from Washington Post discusses the rise of conspiracy theories post-assassination attempt on Trump. They explore the challenges of moderating content on social media, the influence of powerful figures like Elon Musk and Roger Stone in spreading misinformation, and the impact of conspiracy theories on the current election.