The Indicator from Planet Money

In this discussion, Jasmine Sun, an independent writer and tech culture commentator, dives into the unique slang emerging among AI-era tech workers. She highlights the paradox of abundant AI investments alongside job scarcity, revealing how terms like 'high agency'—symbolizing resourcefulness—and 'NPC,' referring to those seen as automatable, reflect deep anxieties. The conversation also touches on the competitive atmosphere fostered by fears of AI-induced inequality, showcasing a complex dialogue around Silicon Valley's evolving lexicon.

This week dives into a significant global internet outage caused by a DNS failure at Amazon Web Services, sparking discussions about service agreements and the necessity for backup plans. It also uncovers a surprising trend where 44% of Americans plan to claim Social Security early, triggered by fears of insolvency. Additionally, California boosts its film industry with expanded tax credits, aiming to attract productions like Heat 2, promising local economic benefits.

Concert ticket pricing is under scrutiny as Ticketmaster's CEO claims they're undervalued. The impact of bots hoarding tickets and the struggles of small venues are highlighted. Economist Alan Sorensen discusses how the secondary market springs up to correct pricing issues. Maine's new law, aimed at regulating ticket sales, is explored, including its effects on local venues and the potential relocation of bots to states with fewer restrictions. It's a deep dive into the complexities of concert ticket sales!

Dustin Dwyer, a reporter from Michigan Public, dives into the heated debates surrounding AI data centers in small communities. He shares insights on a contentious zoning meeting in Pavilion Township where locals voiced their fears about water use and energy demands. Dwyer discusses the minimal benefits these centers may offer, like jobs, while highlighting the strain on local resources. The podcast reveals how resident pushback is delaying substantial investments and questions whether this resistance can truly challenge the data center expansion.

The debate around quarterly earnings reports heats up as the Trump administration suggests shifting to semiannual releases. Explore the history of U.S. reporting requirements and their impact on investor decisions. Discover how reducing reporting frequency could combat managerial short-termism and encourage long-term investments. Sustainability-focused investors may welcome this change too. Yet, some argue that frequent updates enhance market stability. Delve into the pros and cons as the SEC re-evaluates reporting practices.

Veterinary bills have surged by 40% since 2020, leaving many pet owners struggling to afford necessary care. A veterinarian shares insights into the rising costs and the economic theories that explain this trend. The episode delves into how inflation impacts pet healthcare and discusses the broader implications on pet ownership. Tune in for a look at the economic forces affecting our furry friends' well-being!

Explore the fallout of frozen federal funding, revealing the partisan impacts on infrastructure projects. Learn about the U.S.-China trade dynamics as officials consider price floors to combat low Chinese prices on critical goods. Dive into the world of music where AI-generated tracks are flooding streaming services, raising alarms for artists over income declines. Reflect on the cultural irony of AI covers of iconic songs and the mixed reactions from the music community. It's a captivating mix of economics and art!

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.