Sociologist Zeynep Tufekci discusses concerns about AI's implications on manipulation, control, and decision-making. The impact of biases in widespread AI deployment is explored. Privacy infringement, accessibility, and translation capabilities are highlighted as risks and benefits of AI. Regulation of technology, particularly facial recognition software, is discussed, including positive steps taken in the United States. The challenges in regulating AI models and the role of governments are examined, ending on a hopeful note.

Topics include woke AI creating diverse images, interview with Libs of TikTok founder, the impact of long COVID on society and trust in institutions, navigating challenges of long COVID, and the importance of journalism in providing contextual understanding.

In this insightful discussion, Zeynep Tufekci, a New York Times columnist and Princeton sociology professor, delves into the interplay of technology, media, and political power. She analyzes how social media influences global protests and the growing erosion of public trust in institutions. Tufekci highlights the risks posed by unchecked technological influence, particularly with figures like Elon Musk impacting democratic processes. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance amid rising public health threats and the implications for American democracy.

Zeynep Tufekci, a New York Times columnist and Princeton professor, delves into the intricate ties between technology and democracy. She discusses how social media shapes political movements and influences public trust in institutions, especially under a changing U.S. administration. The conversation also covers Elon Musk's impact on European politics, contrasting hate speech laws in the U.S. and Germany, and the dangers of unchecked governmental power. Tufekci calls for urgent reforms to safeguard democracy amid rising surveillance concerns.

Zeynep Tufekci, a New York Times columnist and Princeton sociology professor, discusses the intricate relationship between technology, media, and political power. She explores how social media shapes civic engagement and political movements, citing examples like Elon Musk's role in European politics. Tufekci highlights the erosion of public trust in institutions, challenges faced during public health crises, and the consequential governance crisis in the U.S. The conversation urges a critical look at the risks of unchecked technological influence and political complacency.

When Zeynep Tufekci penned a New York Times op-ed at the onset of the pandemic challenging the prevailing public health guidance that ordinary people should not wear masks, she thought it was the end of her public writing career. Instead, it helped provoke the CDC to reverse its guidance a few weeks later, and medical professionals privately thanked her for writing it. While relieved by the reception, she also saw it as a sign of a deeper dysfunction in the scientific establishment: why should she, a programmer and sociologist by training, have been the one to speak out rather than a credentialed expert? And yet realizing her outsider status and academic tenure allowed her to speak more freely than others, she continued writing and has become one of the leading public intellectuals covering the response to COVID-19. Zeynep joined Tyler to discuss problems with the media and the scientific establishment, what made the lab-leak hypothesis unacceptable to talk about, how her background in sociology was key to getting so many things right about the pandemic, the pitfalls of academic contrarianism, what Max Weber understood about public health crises, the underrated aspects of Kemel Mustapha’s regime, how Game of Thrones interested her as a sociologist (until the final season), what Americans get wrong about Turkey, why internet-fueled movements like the Gezi protests fizzle out, whether Islamic fundamentalism is on the rise in Turkey, how she’d try to persuade a COVID-19 vaccine skeptic, whether public health authorities should ever lie for the greater good, why she thinks America is actually less racist than Europe, how her background as a programmer affects her work as a sociologist, the subject of her next book, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Note: This conversation was recorded on July 14th, 2021, before the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Zeynep on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.  Thumbnail photo credit: Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Zeynep Tufekci, an associate professor and opinion writer, dives into the chaotic world of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the early missteps of journalists and public health officials, the dynamics behind mask mandates, and the eroding trust in institutions. Tufekci highlights the complexities of public health messaging, the rise of alternative voices in media, and the need for reform in social media to combat misinformation. There's a pressing call for credible expertise to guide society through future crises.

Experts Andrew Gelman and Zeynep Tufekci discuss the failures of polling in recent elections, questioning its impact on democracy. They delve into the reasons behind polling errors and the need for improvement. Anthony Wells sheds light on the functioning of the polling industry beyond elections.

In this engaging discussion, Zeynep Tufekci, an influential advocate for common sense pandemic policies, delves into the missteps of our COVID-19 response. She emphasizes the critical importance of credible information and transparent communication. Tufekci shares her challenges in promoting mask usage amidst misinformation and critiques media narratives that skew public perception. Additionally, she argues for institutional reform to ensure better public health management in the future. With her background and insights, Tufekci offers valuable lessons for navigating crises.

Zeynep Tufekci, an influential voice on Twitter and a researcher from the University of North Carolina, shares her unique journey from growing up in Turkey to becoming a technosociologist. She discusses her early warnings about the pandemic, the societal risks exposed by interconnectedness, and her transformative experiences, including overcoming homelessness. Tufekci also reflects on the impacts of digital technology on democracy, cautioning against the influence of big data and targeted advertising on public discourse.