Into The Machine with Tobias Rose-Stockwell

Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge, dives deep into the future of dating, where AI might compete with human connections. He discusses the impact of algorithms on relationships and whether dating apps are ultimately beneficial. Concerns about ease of AI companionship overshadowing messy but real human intimacy arise. McLeod warns of the 'flesh-suit dilemma' where humans become mere conduits for AI. He also explores ethical product design and the importance of cultivating wisdom in tech-savvy children for healthier future connections.

In this engaging conversation, Tristan Harris, the founder of the Center for Humane Technology and a key figure in technology ethics, discusses alarming AI capabilities and potential societal risks. He explores the real-world harms already emerging from AI models and warns about the economic concentration and labor displacement that could follow. Harris advocates for designing Socratic AIs to enhance human flourishing and emphasizes the urgent need for balanced regulation in the face of global AI competition.

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