Lana Swartz

In this engaging discussion, guests Lana Swartz and Alice Marwick dive into the dark world of AI-enabled scams. Lana, a media studies professor, highlights how economic precarity and side-hustle culture fuel scams. Alice, a social scientist, exposes the alarming role of human trafficking in scam operations. They explore how generative AI automates fraud by crafting personalized scripts targeting vulnerability, while also debating whether AI could reduce human trafficking. Their insights shed light on the terrifying interplay between technology and exploitation.

In this engaging conversation, Lana Swartz, a media studies professor at the University of Virginia and author of "New Money: How Payment Became Social Media," explores the fascinating overlap between money and social media. She discusses how payment apps like Venmo have transformed money into a social tool. The evolution from cash to cryptocurrencies highlights community identity and the shifting economic landscape. Swartz emphasizes that money can unify or divide society, raising essential questions about inclusion and the future of currency.

Join Lana Swartz, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'New Money,' as she discusses how payments have evolved into social media. She explores the historical connection between money and communication technology, and the rise of digital currencies. The conversation delves into consumer behavior shifts, corporate currencies, and the impact of Bitcoin on traditional methods. Swartz also touches on how the pandemic has reshaped our social and economic landscapes, showcasing the significant role of payment systems in everyday life.