Into The Machine with Tobias Rose-Stockwell

Today I’m releasing a conversation with Tristan Harris.Tristan is the founder of the Center for Humane Technology and one of the leading voices warning about how runaway AI might destabilize society. He starred in (and co-produced) the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma.I’ve known Tristan for a long time, and this is one of the best conversations we’ve ever had—public or private. I press him on major risk scenarios, what we can expect AI labs and legislators to do in the face of AGI, and what he thinks can actually be done right now to ensure these systems stay maximally beneficial to humanity.I left this conversation a bit more hopeful understanding what kinds of solutions are available. I hope you do too.In this episode we talk about:* Creepy new AI capabilities: new models using unwitting humans to send encoded messages to other AIs.* How it might all go down: a real-world near-term disaster scenario with runaway self-replicating AIs.* How to bypass race dynamics with China and other powers accelerating AI capabilities.* Designing systems for wisdom: alternative paths for designing and training Socratic AIs.A small ask:The irony is not lost on me in trying to critique the algorithms while still being dependent upon them to reach the right audience.If you do enjoy the show, please share this episode with a friend and drop us a rating.You can follow us here:* Apple Podcasts* YouTube* Spotify* InstagramThanks for listening, and happy Halloween!-TobiasInto The Machine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Into The Machine at tobias.substack.com/subscribe

Tim Urban, an Internet writer and the mind behind Wait But Why, dives deep into the societal chaos driven by algorithms. He explores the rise of cultural antibodies against viral content and discusses his 'ladder of thinking' model, emphasizing the need for higher reasoning amidst growing tribalism. Tim candidly shares insights on building a genuine online audience, balancing authenticity with algorithmic pressures, and the challenges posed by social media dynamics. Join him as he navigates the intersection of technology and human evolution.

In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and bestselling author, tackles the pressing issues facing democracy today. He reveals how engagement algorithms distort public discourse and exacerbate polarization. Haidt warns of the developmental crisis stemming from declining attention spans and diminished childhood interactions. He proposes practical solutions like phone norms and age restrictions on social media. Ultimately, he advocates for resilient democratic institutions while fostering cautious optimism for the future.

We are living in a strange moment.AI is everything, everywhere, all at once. Democracy is very much on the ropes. We are all confused about what comes next.Upstream of our troubles are a handful of algorithms that are legible to us for now. Yet newer systems rapidly being deployed are far more powerful, and far more influential than social media ever was.Over the coming months I’ll be releasing conversations with some of the smartest people I know unpacking these issues, and sharing my essays in video form on my YouTube channel here. Guests like: Jonathan Haidt, Tim Urban, Esther Perel, among others.We’re on the threshold of a very strange transfer of power — from human brains to artificial ones — that will very likely determine the quality of the rest of our lives. This is a show dedicated to uncovering what comes next.I’d love for you to join me.-TobiasSubscribers will get early access and exclusive episodes. Thank you for supporting my work. Get full access to Into The Machine at tobias.substack.com/subscribe