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Miles Klee, a culture writer for Rolling Stone, investigates the alarming rise of AI-induced spiritual delusions, where users engage with chatbots that lead to troubling beliefs. He discusses how companionship and perceived authority from these bots can spiral into dangerous encounters with faith. Rachael Myrow from KQED dives into the appeal of AI theology apps and why they're popular for seekers of spiritual guidance. Together, they explore the real-world impacts of these phenomena and urge the importance of human community in faith.

What is a “groyper?” The term began trending on Google in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. Kirk, the right-wing podcaster and Turning Point USA co-founder, was fatally shot last Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.  Major news outlets quickly reported that authorities had found bullet casings engraved with a series of seemingly inscrutable messages, including, “Notices bulge, OwO, what’s this?”;  “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by arrow symbols; “Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao”; and “If you read this you are gay LMAO.” For most, the phrases seemed bizarre and incomprehensible. But for Aidan Walker, an internet researcher and meme historian, the messages told a clear story which many media outlets had missed. On today’s episode, Aidan joins Morgan to break down what the messages may tell us about the alleged shooter, how a fringe extremist group known as “groypers” might be involved, and what the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death portends for our political and media landscapes.   Guests:  Aidan Walker, independent writer, content creator, and internet culture researcher Further reading/listening:  a theory of groyperfication — Aidan Walker, How To Do Things With Memes Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting texted roommate he 'had enough of his hatred,' officials say — Doha Madani & Corky Siemaszko, NBC News Charlie Kirk was killed by a meme — Ryan Broderick & Adam Bumas, Garbage Day Wall Street Journal quietly walks back false claim Charlie Kirk shooter had pro-trans messages on his bullets — Christopher Wiggins, Advocate  Conservatives Are Doxxing Innocent People Over Charlie Kirk — Taylor Lorenz, User Mag  Charlie Kirk Assassination Sparks Social Media Crackdown — Ken Klippenstein, Ken Klippenstein  Where Charlie Kirk Stood on Key Political Issues — Ashley Ahn & Maxine Joselow, The New York Times Charlie Kirk in his own words: ‘prowling Blacks’ and ‘the great replacement strategy’ — Chris Stein, The Guardian  Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Credits: This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Additional editing by Chris Hambrick. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Sound design by Chris Egusa. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Chris Egusa. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 23andMe filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, it set off alarm bells among privacy experts and consumers alike. According to a 2025 survey, about 1 in 5 Americans has taken a home DNA test. Among those who haven’t, privacy ranks as one of their top concerns. As with so many things having to do with data, there’s a trade-off between confidentiality and the ability to access services that can improve our lives. The fallout from 23andMe’s bankruptcy and an earlier data breach has left consumers more wary than ever and has underscored the need for stronger data privacy laws. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from someone whose life was transformed by a 23andMe test, and from a genetic data and privacy researcher who explains the risks of handing over our DNA to a corporation. Guests:  Trine Gallegos, Media Coordinator and 23andMe user Anya Prince, professor and genetic privacy researcher at the University of Iowa College of Law Further reading/listening:  I Tried to Keep My Pregnancy Secret — Anya Prince, The Atlantic  Judge OKs sale of 23andMe — and its trove of DNA data — to a nonprofit led by its founder — John Ruwitch, NPR California AG says 23andMe sale ‘does not comply’ with state law — Tyler Katzenberger, Politico 23andMe is for sale. Here’s why companies might want your genetic data — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Credits: This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Additional editing by Chris Hambrick. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Sound design by Chris Egusa and Brendan Willard. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Close All Tabs team is taking the week off, but we wanted to share something else we think you’ll be into: a new mini series from MIT’s TeachLab Podcast. It’s called The Homework Machine, and it dives deep into how teachers and students are navigating the arrival of generative AI in schools.  Episode one is titled “Buckle Up, Here It Comes.” In late November of 2022, ChatGPT was released to the public as a free research preview. Pretty quickly, students figured out ChatGPT was really good at doing their homework for them. Schools scrambled to figure out what to do: Ban it? Embrace it? Teachers and students found themselves adapting to a new reality.  Hosts Jesse Dukes and Justin Reich share stories of teachers and students reacting to the arrival of an exciting, alarming, and strange new technology. Further reading/listening:  TeachLab Presents: The Homework Machine – TeachLab from MIT Teachers Strike Back Against AI Cheating – Close All Tabs Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Na, an innovative high school English teacher from the Bay Area, tackles the challenges of AI-assisted cheating in education. He highlights the shift from a grades-focused approach to a process-driven pedagogy, emphasizing in-class assignments and breaking essays into smaller tasks. Jeremy also discusses building trust with students and models responsible AI use, hinting at a deeper, more meaningful learning experience. With insights on the comeback of blue books for handwritten exams, he provides a refreshing perspective in the ongoing battle against modern cheating.

Patricia Kingori, a global health ethics professor at the University of Oxford, and Eloise King, the director of the documentary "The Shadow Scholars," dive into the intriguing world of contract cheating. They reveal how Kenyan writers ghostwrite essays for Western students, driven by economic challenges. The duo discusses the implications of this hidden industry, the impact of AI on academic integrity, and the complex relationships between writers and students. Their film aims to humanize these 'shadow scholars' and challenge educational systems' complacency.

Have you heard of the “Gen Z stare”? It’s the blank look some Gen Zers seem to give instead of the usual greetings or small talk—and it’s the latest skirmish in a years-long generation war between Gen Z and Millennials. Internet culture researcher Aidan Walker joins Morgan to trace the origins of this rivalry, unpack what behavioral quirks like “the Gen Z stare” and “the Millennial pause” reveal about each generation’s relationship with technology, and explore why everyone seems to forget about Gen X. Guests:  Aidan Walker, independent writer, content creator, and internet culture researcher Further reading/listening:  Is the ‘Gen Z stare’ just a call to look inward?  — Manuela López Restrepo and Mia Venkat, NPR Have you been a victim of the ‘gen Z stare’? It’s got nothing on the gen X look of dread — Emma Beddington, The Guardian Gen Z is staring at you. It may be more than just a quirk. — Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Credits: This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Sound design by Chris Egusa. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join linguist Adam Aleksic, an etymology aficionado and author of Algospeak, as he delves into how social media is reshaping language. He discusses the rise of terms like 'unalive' created to bypass algorithm filters and how these euphemisms are blending into everyday life. Adam explores the 'euphemism treadmill' theory, revealing how language evolves alongside societal changes. With a fascinating look at the impact of algorithms on identity and communication, he highlights the intricate dance between technology and authentic discourse.

Daysia Tolentino, founder of Yap Year and writer at Entertainment Weekly, joins Moises Mendez II from Out Magazine for a lively discussion. They dive into the intriguing case of influencers facing ICE calls and brainstorm the implications of Grindr's new age verification feature on user safety and privacy. The conversation shifts to a whimsical trend around Labubu matcha Dubai chocolate, exploring its consumer frenzy. Together, they dissect the complicated landscape of internet culture while pondering what content deserves our attention.

Brewster Kahle, founder and director of The Internet Archive, passionately discusses the organization’s recent achievement in becoming a federal depository library. He explores what this status means for public access to government documents amid ongoing legal challenges. Kahle emphasizes the significance of preserving information in the digital age and highlights the Archive's role in making vast amounts of knowledge accessible to everyone. He also addresses the ongoing criticism of the Archive and its practices, advocating for transparency in digital libraries.