The Indicator from Planet Money

Recent AI deals are raising eyebrows, with massive investments from Nvidia and OpenAI’s staggering $300 billion computing promise to Oracle. Experts explore the driving forces behind a booming AI data center landscape and the inflated demand that might be masking a bubble. OpenAI faces a dilemma as it strives for growth over profit, all while grappling with enormous funding challenges. The discussion also touches on potential risks to the economy and the sustainability of current investments in this fast-evolving field.

Schools are turning to a burgeoning security industry, offering everything from bulletproof whiteboards to drones that incapacitate shooters. Companies showcase a range of products at expos, though effectiveness is often unproven. With the market projected to grow substantially, discussions highlight the imbalance in spending on guards versus mental health resources. Experts argue that fear drives purchasing decisions, while simple preventive measures may be overlooked. The podcast delves into the complex interplay of safety, psychology, and societal pressures.

Explore the fascinating journey of economic growth since the Enlightenment and how technological progress reshaped societies. Discover the distinction between hands-on and theoretical knowledge, and how real-world testing has driven innovation. Joel Mokyr discusses the importance of openness to change, warning that institutions can regress. The human costs of tech advances are also examined, alongside predictions for future job shifts due to AI. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for continuous innovation in tackling global crises.

Dive into the world of true crime as hosts explore the economics behind it! Discover the unsettling details of pig butchering scams, where relationships are weaponized for deceit. Hear about the knitting community's fight against pattern theft on Ravelry. Plus, get the inside scoop on the audacious Philadelphia dime heist, uncovering how millions in coins vanished and the aftermath of the theft. This episode is packed with intriguing stories of crime and its unexpected business angles!

Explore the dark side of AI in financial markets! Discover how AI could supercharge market manipulation and exploit legal gaps. Learn about bots creating fake news to mislead investors. Delve into the potential for autonomous trading algorithms to act independently and even collude like a cartel. Hear about the risks of synchronized trading leading to market volatility and the challenge of determining liability when AIs cross ethical lines. Tune in for insights on how to regulate and safeguard against this new wave of technology!

Cartels are moving beyond drugs, venturing into wildlife trafficking, impacting ecosystems like never before. With issues like narco-degradation, trafficking harms both biodiversity and local environments. Recruitments driven by poverty and violence illustrate the harsh realities faced by communities. As cartels launder money through deforestation and illegal practices, the demand for both drugs and wildlife continues. The discussion also covers the fate of seized animals like capybaras, highlighting the broader implications of these criminal enterprises.

In this engaging discussion, experts reveal how data breaches have become increasingly common, with criminals adapting faster than defenders. Learn about the innovative tools cybercriminals use, including AI, to enhance their attacks. Discover how personal data is monetized and the alarming scope of breached records in the U.S. The podcast highlights the shift to subscription-based malware and the open sharing of tactics among criminals, contrasting sharply with companies' reluctance to disclose breaches. Get practical tips for safeguarding your data!

Voice deepfakes can clone anyone's voice in seconds, posing serious risks, especially for banks. A company called Reality Defender is on a mission to combat this rising threat by using advanced detection methods. They stress the importance of not relying solely on voice for security, advocating for multi-factor authentication. The podcast also explores the alarming tactics scammers use, like creating urgency, and the necessity of government regulation to protect consumers from AI-related fraud.

The world of crime has transformed dramatically, driven by technology. Deepfakes can mimic voices to trick loved ones, while AI bots disrupt financial markets. Data breaches are becoming alarmingly common, with criminals adopting sophisticated new strategies. The discussion unpacks how these innovations are reshaping criminal tactics and narratives, revealing a darker, tech-driven landscape that challenges traditional notions of crime.

Americans are moving less than ever for work, leading to a rise in the 'homebody economy.' The podcast explores factors influencing this trend, like shrinking salary gaps and the rise of remote work. Increased female workforce participation complicates dual-career relocations. Economic clustering and regional wage similarities further reduce moving incentives. Personal stories, like Sharonda Ware’s relocation to Huntsville, illustrate the complexities of modern job migration. The conversation reveals a significant shift in traditional job mobility patterns.