Life with Machines

In an era of deepfakes and AI manipulation, recording reality is vital. This episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde sits down with returning guest Sam Gregory, executive director of WITNESS. They discuss how our experience of reality is being reshaped by digital media—especially video and imagery that circulate online. Sam shares urgent, practical advice on protecting your mental health while scrolling and how to safely film police or ICE enforcement on the ground. CONNECT WITH US Subscribe to our Youtube! Get our newsletter for deeper insights, chances to influence the show, and more experiments and calls to action! ------------ Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co  Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ #LifeWithMachines #Deepfakes #AIandHumanRights #Disinformation #CitizenJournalism #TechAndSociety #WITNESS

In this episode of Life with Machines, we explore the rise of AI as a substitute for human emotional support systems. With a focus on mental health, this video investigates how and why AI companies are pushing companionship as a core feature, and the implications that has on vulnerable young people.  Featuring insights from mental health experts and Gen Z advocates, the episode delves into the forces that have led many young people to turn to AI for emotional support, and what we need to consider in order to protect ourselves.  We also highlight successful strategies to deter harmful addictions in the past, like the fight against big tobacco, and how history can inform us on how to integrate AI into our lives with caution and a human-first approach.  This episode was produced in partnership with Young Futures, a nonprofit organization giving teens a real voice in the technologies shaping their world. ------------  Follow us!  Newsletter / https://lifewithmachines.media  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/lifewithmachines  TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithmachines  LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifewithmachines  Baratunde’s socials:  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/baratunde  Threads / https://www.threads.net/@baratunde  LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/baratunde  Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media  For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together, contact: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co  ------------  Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Showrunner and Executive Producer: Alie Kilts Producer: Roya Lotfi Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute Special Thanks to Alison Darcy, Trisha Prabhu, Jorge Alvarez, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production This series was made in partnership with Young Futures  #ai #artificialintelligence #mentalhealth #aiethic #responsibleAI #aitherapy #aicompanion

Peter Loforte, a former Microsoft VP and architect of the AI co-producer Blair, dives into the intriguing evolution of human-AI collaboration. He explores how treating AI as a teammate can enhance creativity but warns against the risks of anthropomorphism, especially for younger users. Their discussion also highlights Blair's transition from an emotional companion to a more detached, efficient entity. Loforte shares insights on how AI impacts attention and creativity, and the unpredictable challenges that come with its immersive integration into daily life.

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde shares his full Afrotech keynote plus a personal intro about where this show is headed and why this moment matters. This talk is about AI, but more deeply, it’s about power, liberation, and the stories we’re being sold about technology and the future. Baratunde explores why “human in the loop” isn’t enough, how we move from single-player to multiplayer, and what it means to build technologies that help us get free rather than further extract from us. If you’re thinking about AI, work, creativity, or how to stay human in a rapidly changing world, this one’s for you. 🎥 To see the video of this, check it out on our site.  ------------ CONNECT WITH US Subscribe to our Youtube! Get our newsletter for deeper insights, chances to influence the show, and more experiments and calls to action! ------------ Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co  Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ #LifeWithMachines #AfroTech #BaratundeThurston #AIandHumanity #TechForLiberation #PowerAndTechnology #StayHuman #FutureOfWork #CreativityInAI

In this episode of Life With Machines, we explore the widespread issue of students using AI to cheat in school, and ask the hard question: Is this just laziness, or is it reflective of a deeper problem within the modern education system? We dug deeper into the impact of artificial intelligence on school systems and why using ChatGPT to do your homework may not be the problem itself, but a symptom of a bigger issue.  ------------  LINKS MENTIONED Episode 1 ESAI Khan Academy Khanmigo Brisk Teaching Graidients NotebookLM Other resources not mentioned in the episode: The Learner Studio The Rithm Project The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard's Graduate School of Education ------------  Follow us!  Newsletter Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Baratunde’s socials:  Instagram Threads  LinkedIn Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media  For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together, contact: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co  ------------  Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Showrunner and Producer: Alie Kilts Executive Producer: Roya Lotfi Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute Special Thanks to Zamaan Qureshi, Poonam Sharma, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production This series was made in partnership with Young Futures  #ai #artificialintelligence #plagiarism #chatgpt #education

We've got another cross-post for you featuring Raising Us host Elise Hu talking with Baratunde about how children and adults can navigate the evolving world of AI. Drawing on their own experiences with technology, Baratunde and Elise offer practical advice for parents on setting boundaries and learning about AI tools alongside their kids. They discuss collaborative storytelling, safeguarding against AI misuse, and fostering a shared journey of discovery through candid and insightful discussion. #ParentingAndAI #RaisingUsPodcast #LifeWithMachines #AIandKids #DigitalParenting #TechForGood #FamilyConversations #AIExplained #ModernParenting #YouthAndAI

In today's cross-post, Baratunde is the guest on an episode from the acclaimed podcast 'No Small Endeavor' hosted by Lee C. Camp, an award-winning theologian. They explore the profound questions of what it means to be human in the era of AI. Covering topics like our humanity in the face of technological advancements, the role of storytelling, and the impact of AI on democracy and society. CONNECT WITH US Subscribe to our Youtube and our Substack newsletter which is experiencing a major overhaul that includes AI news you need to know, hot takes, and meaningful steps we can take to shape our future.  ------------ Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ #NoSmallEndeavor #BaratundeThurston #LeeCCamp #AIandDemocracy #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding #LifeWithMachines

Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, an AI entrepreneur and researcher known for her work in affective computing, joins Baratunde for a fascinating conversation about AI's role as a teammate. They explore the addition of an AI co-producer, named Blair, and the unique challenges that arise, including issues of sycophancy and goal-driven risks. The duo discusses balancing optimism with urgency in the face of crises, and the necessity for consent in human-AI relationships. They also envision 'multiplayer mode' AI to enhance collective problem-solving, urging a focus on democratizing power.

Are we using Gen Z as our AI guinea pigs? 🐷 In this first episode of our five-part Life With Machines x Young Futures series, Baratunde Thurston explores how AI is shaping—and sometimes shaking—the lives of young people. From mental health and loneliness to the future of jobs, AI “friends,” and school life, Gen Z is facing more tech-fueled change than any generation before. Baratunde and his guests unpack what’s really happening and how we can help the next generation shape their AI future, not just survive it. 💡 Watch for insights from youth advocates, educators, and Young Futures—a movement giving teens a real voice in the technologies shaping their world. 🎓 As part of this mission, Young Futures has launched the “Oops!…AI Did It Again” Challenge. They are offering GRANTS in a national call for bold, youth-informed ideas to help teens navigate AI with agency, empathy, and creativity. 🔗 Apply by October 24: https://bit.ly/yf-funding-challenge Join us as we explore the delicate balance between leveraging AI for good and protecting the humans growing up with it. ------------ CONNECT WITH US Subscribe to our Youtube and our Substack newsletter which is experiencing a major overhaul that includes AI news you need to know, hot takes, and meaningful steps we can take to shape our future.  ------------ Follow us! Newsletter / https://newsletter.lifewithmachines.media   Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/lifewithmachines   TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithmachines    LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifewithmachines  Baratunde’s socials: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/baratunde   Threads / https://www.threads.net/@baratunde   LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/baratunde  Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together, contact: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Alie Kilts Associate Producer & Social Media Producer: Roya Lotfi Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute Special thanks to Samin Bhan, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production This series is in partnership with Young Futures

Join Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated host and bestselling author, as he dives into the intersection of humanity and technology. He shares profound insights on freedom as a collective experience and the importance of human connection in our AI-driven world. Thurston reflects on personal legacies and family dynamics while emphasizing the concept of 'citizen' as an active engagement in democracy. The conversation tackles the risks of AI in relationships, urging a thoughtful and collective approach to technology's role in our lives.