Podcast – Cory Doctorow's craphound.com

This week, 17-year-old Poesy Taylor Doctorow shares her journey from high school graduation to starting college at UC Santa Cruz, highlighting her dance triumphs and upcoming adventures. She offers a fun tutorial on Egyptian War, revealing gameplay strategies and the social atmosphere of card games. Poesy discusses the impact of her mother's career shift to the BBC and the family’s holiday traditions, all while reminiscing through a lively rendition of Jingle Bells. This charming exchange showcases their unique bond and Poesy's exciting new chapter.

Explore the concept of 'inshittification' and discover how choice is systematically stripped away in modern society. Learn how policies limit personal freedom, from no-fault divorce to digital rights management. Delve into the dubious economics of 'revealed preference' and why it's not the consumers at fault. Examine the role of tech giants and policymakers in perpetuating these issues. Ultimately, find out why genuine change requires profound policy reform, not just a shift in leadership.

Ed Zitron, a technology commentator and host of the Better Offline podcast, dives into the concept of 'enshittification'—the decline of tech quality driven by profit motives. He and Cory Doctorow discuss how Google’s decline is linked to ad-driven incentives and what creates a 'rot economy.' They explore whether this degradation is inevitable, emphasizing that systemic issues require collective political action rather than just consumer choices. Zitron warns of an impending AI bubble, while urging practical skills for future resilience.

Lina Khan, former Chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and a leading voice in antitrust, dives deep into her concepts of 'Enshittification'. She and Cory discuss how digital platforms worsen over time due to systemic policy failures. They explore the harmful surveillance business model and its implications for privacy law. The duo emphasizes the necessity of coalition-building for privacy reform and compares current regulatory landscapes with European standards. Khan also examines AI's role in exacerbating these issues, posing risks while presenting potential remedies.

This discussion dives into the looming threat of an AI investment bubble, driven by monopolistic companies. There's a stark warning that this bubble could lead to widespread economic collapse, as many AI firms lack a path to profitability. The flawed narrative that growth will come from replacing workers is also examined. It emphasizes the fragile state of AI supply chains and the unrealistic revenue expectations for these companies. Ultimately, the focus is on practical solutions to mitigate the impending damage of this speculative excess.

The discussion dives into Frank Wilhoit’s Law, illustrating how conservatism creates legal protections for in-groups while binding out-groups. Insights into how this concept connects petty grievances to radical politics highlight the troubling decline into fascism in America. The host critiques the role of monopolies in perpetuating systemic inequality and emphasizes the urgent need for vigilance against rising authoritarianism. Personal anecdotes of travel challenges and creative projects enrich the narrative, reflecting on technology's impact and social issues.

In a celebratory milestone, the host dives into the concept of 'inshittification', illustrating how digital platforms like Facebook prioritize profit over user experience. The discussion critiques Amazon's monopolistic practices and their economic ramifications for consumers. Twitter's recent struggles under new leadership are also explored, highlighting issues of content moderation and financial instability. Lastly, the emotional bonds users form within declining communities are examined, revealing the complexities of loyalty amidst platform degradation.

Dive into a chaotic adventure where dimension-hopping criminals wreak havoc on the protagonist's life! Reflect on the moral dilemmas as they navigate dangerous negotiations to protect loved ones. Enjoy light-hearted moments of camaraderie during a thrilling escape. Also, explore personal stories about culinary gatherings and the joys of cultural preservation through rare film projects. The narrative balances humor and tension, leaving you eager for the next wild ride.

Dive into the chaotic world of dimension hoppers wreaking havoc in a quiet neighborhood! The story revisits a beloved narrative, blending humor and tension as the protagonist navigates absurd confrontations. Reflect on the recent closure of a cherished bookstore while exploring the eerie parallels between fictional tech moguls and today's societal concerns. With an artistic project on the horizon, there's excitement in the air. Prepare for sensory adventures and unexpected twists in this captivating blend of storytelling and reflection.

The discussion dives into the essence of art as a deep communication of feelings from the artist to the audience. It critiques AI-generated art for lacking the rich, nuanced intent behind human creativity. The speaker reflects on the emotional disconnect found in AI works, emphasizing that true artistry involves countless subtle decisions that AI simply cannot replicate. The conversation also touches on upcoming community events, alongside personal anecdotes that add a relatable touch to the overall narrative.