Will Oremus, a tech reporter at The Washington Post, dives into Elon Musk's role in shaping modern media narratives and right-wing politics, highlighting his controversial feuds and influence on public perception. Becca Lewis discusses Silicon Valley's conservative transition and its impact on technology's role in governance. Elyse Graham reveals how scholars and librarians became unlikely spies during WWII, showcasing the power of narrative manipulation in conflict. Together, these insights unravel the complex interplay between tech and politics both historically and today.

Will Oremus, a technology writer for the Washington Post, dives into the shifting landscape of social media post-election. He discusses the rise of Bluesky and how it’s gaining traction as users flee from X, formerly known as Twitter. Oremus examines the nostalgia for earlier social media experiences and the challenges Bluesky faces in scaling while maintaining user engagement. He also contrasts Bluesky with Threads, highlighting the competitive dynamics shaping online discourse today. Can Bluesky fill the void left by Twitter? Tune in for insights!

Tech futurists have been saying for decades that artificial intelligence will transform the way we live. In some ways, it already has: Think autocorrect, Siri, facial recognition. But ChatGPT and other generative A.I. models are also prone to getting things wrong—and whether the programs will improve with time is not altogether clear. So what purpose, exactly, does this iteration of A.I. actually serve, how is it likely to be adopted, and who stands to benefit (or suffer) from it? On episode 67 of The Politics of Everything, hosts Laura Marsh and Alex Pareene talk with Washington Post reporter Will Oremus about a troubling tale of A.I. fabulism; with science fiction author Ted Chiang about ramifications of an A.I-polluted internet; and with linguist Emily M. Bender about what large-language models can and cannot do—and whether we’re asking the right questions about this technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Oremus, a technology columnist at The Washington Post, dives into the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities and its implications for free speech and tech regulation. They discuss how Telegram has influenced political discourse in regions like Russia and Ukraine, while also grappling with privacy and government oversight. Oremus highlights the tension between Silicon Valley's ideals and the growing demands for regulation, raising questions about the responsibilities of social media amidst rising global scrutiny.

Will Oremus, a tech news analysis writer at The Washington Post, dives into the complexities of President Trump's executive order on online free speech. He discusses how the order critiques the Biden administration's role in content moderation, raising crucial debates about censorship versus free expression. Oremus also examines the potential fallout for social media platforms, including risks of unchecked harassment. He explores how the political narrative around content moderation influences public perception and the challenges faced by misinformation research.

Will Oremus, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the chaos following Hurricane Helene. He highlights the rampant misinformation on social media about FEMA's disaster relief efforts, leading to confusion among storm victims. Oremus also discusses the alarming rise of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that emerged in the wake of the hurricane. He underscores the human cost of such disinformation, particularly in Pensacola, as local officials work tirelessly to combat false narratives and maintain community trust during crises.

Will Oremus, a technology writer at the Washington Post, dives into the shifting social media landscape after recent elections. He explores the rise of Bluesky as an alternative to the transformed X, examining its unique features and user dynamics. The conversation highlights the challenges facing new platforms, user migration towards engaging political discourse, and innovative moderation strategies. Oremus also sheds light on the competitive rivalry with Threads and the fragmentation of online communities based on political ideologies.

Will Oremus, a technology writer for the Washington Post, dives into the chaotic world of misinformation during hurricane seasons. He highlights how social media exacerbates the challenge of finding accurate information amid disasters. Oremus discusses the spread of false narratives concerning government aid and the influence of AI-generated content on public perception. He also explores how manipulated images can shape narratives and affect trust in disaster response efforts, raising concerns about public safety in an increasingly digital landscape.

Will Oremus, a tech news analysis writer for The Washington Post, dives into the soaring success of Meta's Threads app, which hit 200 million users in just months. He explores its integration with the decentralized Fediverse and what that means for user interaction across platforms. Oremus discusses Meta's surprising shift towards openness and interoperability, contrasting it with past practices. Finally, they tackle the future of social media, examining how regulatory pressures might shape the evolution of decentralized networks.

Tech reporter Will Oremus discusses the declining usefulness of social media as a source of news during natural disasters, focusing on the example of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He explores the challenges of misinformation and hoaxes, as well as the changing responsibilities of big tech companies. The episode also highlights the potential benefits of the news industry distancing itself from social media platforms.