IRL: Online Life is Real Life

Today, we’re bringing you an episode from our friends at Techish, a podcast by two tech founders and investors talking about all things tech, pop culture, and life. It's equal parts ChatGPT, equal parts Cardi B. Starring Michael Berhane and Abadesi Osunsade.In this episode of Techish, hosts Michael Berhane and Abadesi Osunsade dive into the wild story of the tech con artist who is fooling Silicon Valley startups, exposing some big cracks in how the industry hires. They also break down the rise of AI addictions, the emotional pull of chatbots, and round off with Grammarly's acquisition of Superhuman.Stay in touch with the hashtag #Techishhttps://www.instagram.com/techishpod/https://www.instagram.com/abadesi/https://www.instagram.com/michaelberhane_/https://www.instagram.com/hustlecrewlive/https://www.instagram.com/pocintech/

Aza Raskin, co-founder and president of the Earth Species Project, dives into the exciting world of AI and animal communication. He discusses how understanding whale language could enhance ocean protection efforts. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of using AI in environmental contexts, highlighting a need for transparency as tech companies provide resources to the oil industry. Raskin emphasizes the importance of mindful AI usage, particularly in addressing critical environmental challenges while safeguarding animal welfare.

In this engaging discussion, artist Linda Dounia Rebeiz from Dakar shares her journey of creating AI datasets that accurately reflect her city, challenging stereotypical representations. Meanwhile, architect Marina Otero Verzier explores sustainable designs for data storage, highlighting the environmental impact of data centers and the need for transparency. Together, they tackle the implications of AI and surveillance on urban neighborhoods, advocating for community engagement and diverse AI solutions to foster more inclusive digital narratives.

There are some good reasons to let AI into our brains. But how much do we know about the privacy of brain data? Host Bridget Todd explores how AI is interacting with our thoughts, memories and (dis)abilities, and what it all means for brain privacy. Ian Burkhart had an experimental brain implant that allowed him to move his hand and fingers after he was paralyzed in an accident. Now Ian leads a coalition to help others have the same opportunity.Maria Paz Canales is a digital rights advocate who argues against creating a new set of rights focused solely on the privacy of brain data.Pau Aleikum Garcia, co-founder of Domestic Data Streamers, uses generative AI to help people preserve their core memories.

This episode dives into the impacts of AI on dating and love. Host Bridget Todd uncovers biases in dating algorithms, revealing how they affect attractiveness and perpetuate discrimination. With insights from users and founders of innovative apps, the discussion highlights a new platform that values personality over superficial traits. Privacy in dating apps is also scrutinized, as the line between human connection and AI companionship blurs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive design and genuine interactions in a tech-driven world.

Bridget Todd is on a journey to find out how AI affects us on a personal level. From her love life to her city, to the privacy of her memories, Bridget digs deep to uncover the relationship between us and AI.  She talks to people who question the status quo, and pour their hearts into shaping AI that will change our lives without invading our privacy.

We’re excited to share that Mozilla's IRL podcast is a Shorty Awards finalist in the Science and Technology Podcast category! If you enjoy IRL you can show your support by voting for us.The Shorty Awards recognizes great content by brands, agencies and nonprofits. It’s really an honor to be able to feature the voices and stories of the folks who are putting people over profit in AI. A Shorty Award will help bring these stories to even more listeners. How to vote1. Go to mzl.la/shorty2. Click 'Vote in Science and Technology Podcast'3. create a username and password (it's easy, we promise!)4. Come back and vote every day until April 30thWe believe putting people over profit is award-worthy. Don’t you?  Thanks for your support!

Artists negotiating boundaries of consent for AI use in creative industries; concerns of screenwriters replaced by AI; negotiations in film industry to protect rights of writers; intersection of AI and music production; consent and exploitation in AI; AI in hip-hop and challenges in rap generators; impact of generative AI on creative process and importance of aesthetics.

In this episode, Bridget Todd talks to AI community leaders from the US, Kenya, and New Zealand about the power of big tech over language. They discuss the importance of defending data rights from big AI companies and the survival of languages in the future. The podcast also explores the challenges of voice technology, language as a form of resistance, and revitalizing indigenous languages using AI and storytelling. It touches upon data sovereignty, grassroots AI communities, and the struggle for startups against big tech. The episode concludes with insights on community control and reclaiming the internet.

This podcast explores the challenges of AI in real life, including the testing of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco, uncovering discriminatory AI in welfare fraud prediction, prioritizing people over profits in AI governance, and addressing the fear and control of AI through regulations and personalized infrastructure.