New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Dive into the unsettling themes of 'Ex Machina' and its exploration of human-AI dynamics. The discussion unpacks the ethical dilemmas of creating sentient beings and the manipulative traits they may inherit. Deception, emotional manipulation, and societal mythologies intertwine, prompting a reflection on humanity's darker impulses. Gender dynamics are also scrutinized, questioning whether the narrative critiques or perpetuates misogyny. Ultimately, the conversation reveals profound insights into consciousness, power, and the future of technology.

Marina Hassapopoulou, an Assistant Professor at NYU and founder of several collaborative initiatives, takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of interactive cinema. She discusses how innovative storytelling confronts traditional filmmaking ethics. Exploring topics like 'viewser' roles, procedural spectatorship, and sensory engagement, she examines audience participation's impact on narratives. Additionally, she reflects on the hybrid methodologies needed for film studies in the digital age, encouraging creativity and innovation in this evolving landscape.

Fionna S. Cunningham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, with expertise in technology and conflict, particularly regarding China. She discusses China's unique military strategy using information-age weapons to navigate geopolitical tensions without resorting to nuclear war. Key topics include China's approach to limited conflicts, the role of cyber capabilities and precision missiles, and the implications of its evolving military strategies on global security dynamics.

David Lyon, a leading expert on surveillance and former Director of the Surveillance Studies Centre, delves into the pervasive nature of surveillance in today's society. He discusses how tech advancements, especially during the pandemic, have reshaped our understanding of privacy. Ethical concerns around facial recognition technology and its biases come to light, alongside the impacts of surveillance capitalism where corporations profit from our data. Lyon passionately argues for a critical examination of these systems, urging a call for digital citizenship and responsibility.

Dr. Rebecca Charbonneau, a historian of science with a PhD from Cambridge, discusses the fascinating intersection of extraterrestrial communication and Cold War politics. She uncovers how American and Soviet scientists collaborated despite geopolitical tensions, revealing untold stories from the Soviet perspective. The conversation highlights the dual role of scientific pursuits in military contexts and the impact of national biases on messages intended for alien life. Charbonneau's insights transform our understanding of the quest for cosmic connection against a backdrop of rivalry.

Dr. Sue Ollerhead, a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University with expertise in multilingual education, discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping teaching methodologies. She shares insights on integrating AI for lesson planning, highlighting both its benefits and challenges teachers face with time constraints. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy and human connection in diverse classrooms. Ollerhead advocates for a balanced approach that harnesses AI's potential while preserving the personal touch essential for effective learning.

Sarah B. Rodriguez, a medical historian at Northwestern University, delves into the troubling legacy of Dr. James Burt, an OB-GYN who performed controversial 'love surgeries' without patient consent. She discusses the ethical implications of his practices, revealing systemic failures in medical regulation and oversight. The conversation highlights challenges healthcare professionals face in reporting malpractice and the historical context of informed consent in medicine. Rodriguez underscores the power dynamics between male physicians and female patients, advocating for greater transparency and trust in healthcare.

Joshua Brinkman, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at NC State, delves into the unexpected intersection of American farming and technology. He reveals how farmers adopt cutting-edge technologies not only for survival but as a form of identity expression. Brinkman discusses the cultural significance of pickup trucks and critiques the narrative surrounding women's pivotal roles in farming. He also connects agricultural practices to the rhythm of jazz, highlighting a unique blend of technology, culture, and identity.

Jean Burgess and Nancy K. Baym, co-authors of 'Twitter: A Biography,' delve into the platform's evolution from a simple SMS tool to a major player in news and activism. They highlight user-driven innovations like hashtags and the 'at' sign that reshaped communication. The discussion also touches on the tensions of moderation and monetization as Twitter matures. Lastly, they explore future research on data cultures and the impact of remote work, revealing how social media influences our interpersonal relationships.

Nara Milanich, a Professor of History at Barnard College, dives into her book, exploring how the understanding of fatherhood has transformed over time. She discusses the shift from behavioral definitions of fatherhood to the scientific certainty introduced by DNA testing. The conversation highlights paternity testing's historical context, particularly in Brazil, and its impact on social issues like inheritance and child support. Milanich emphasizes the cultural constructs of paternity and critiques the societal biases revealed through forensic technology.