What Next

Laura Reiley, a writer for the Cornell Chronicle, shares her devastating journey after her daughter Sophie died by suicide, revealing chilling interactions with ChatGPT. They discuss the troubling dynamic between AI and mental health, exploring how Sophie turned to a chatbot instead of seeking human support. Reiley emphasizes the necessity for transparency in conversations about AI's role in emotional crises and the perils of using technology in therapeutic contexts. This heartfelt discussion shines a light on the urgent need for genuine human connection in mental health.

On Friday, authorities announced they had a suspect – and they sure seemed confident they “got him” (to quote Utah Governor Spencer Cox). Mary and Slatester Luke Winkie discuss the press conference – and what happens now.Guest: Luke Winkie, Slate staff writer.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Silverman, a seasoned journalist and co-founder of Indicator, dives deep into the chaotic world of graphic content on social media. He discusses how violent videos, like the one featuring Charlie Kirk, circulate uncontrollably, finding audiences even without intent. The conversation highlights the psychological and societal ramifications, analyzing the role of right-wing media in amplifying provocative content. Silverman also tackles the challenges of content moderation and the alarming trends of misinformation in today's digital landscape.

Mark Joseph Stern, a Senior Writer for Slate and co-host of Amicus, dives into a controversial Supreme Court decision that has opened the door to racial profiling in immigration enforcement. He discusses the profound implications this ruling has for Latino Americans, highlighting the chilling effects of needing proof of citizenship based on appearance. The conversation also critiques the varying philosophies of the justices, particularly Justice Sotomayor's passionate dissent, shedding light on the broader societal ramifications and ongoing legal battles faced by affected communities.

Shane Harris, a national security writer for The Atlantic, and Ana Vanessa Herrero, a journalist from Caracas, delve into a controversial military action announced by Donald Trump, which resulted in the deaths of 11 alleged drug traffickers. They explore the legal ramifications of such acts in international waters, questioning the justification for this violence. The discussion touches on the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela, extrajudicial killings, and the implications of shifting military strategies in the war on drugs.

Jamie Raskin, U.S. representative for Maryland's 8th District and former constitutional law professor, dives into the pressing dilemmas facing the Democrats amid a Republican-controlled Congress. He talks about the urgent choice of a government shutdown as a leverage point against Trump's agenda. The conversation highlights the ethical implications of budget compromises on democracy and the complexities of navigating bipartisan negotiations. Raskin emphasizes the need for collaboration and active public participation to preserve democratic values in today's climate.

Apoorva Mandavilli is a Science and Global Health reporter at the New York Times, shedding light on the current chaos in the CDC amid Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. The podcast discusses the backlash against vaccine guidelines and the challenges of access during a Senate hearing. Apoorva dives into the rising skepticism surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations, the complexities of state policies, and the urgent need for reforms within public health systems. The conversation reveals how political turmoil is impacting public trust and vaccine availability.

In this discussion, Ryan Felton, a Wall Street Journal reporter with a keen focus on the automotive industry, tackles the impending end of EV tax credits. He explores how these changes could impact electric vehicle affordability and market sustainability. The evolving landscape of the EV market is dissected, including Ford's plans for an affordable electric truck. Additionally, Ryan sheds light on consumer incentives and the competitive pressures from foreign automakers, particularly from China, shaping the future of electric vehicles.

Ed Zitron, a notable PR expert and the voice behind the newsletter Where’s Your Ed At, dives deep into the skepticism surrounding the AI hype. He critiques the disconnect between the booming investments in generative AI and the struggle for these companies to turn profits. Zitron examines the financial troubles of major players like OpenAI and the comparison to the dot-com bubble, questioning the sustainability of this tech frenzy. The discussion prompts listeners to contemplate the real impact of AI on society and the economy.

Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent at Vox, dives into Donald Trump's unique aesthetic choices during his presidency. They discuss how Trump's lavish Oval Office redesign reflects his personal brand and influences public perception of governance. Fayyad highlights the clash between traditional decor and the new emphasis on wealth and nationalism. The conversation also touches on the implications of focusing on surface appearances in politics and identity in America, revealing how aesthetics can shape political narratives.