Big Technology Podcast

Brandon Silverman, the founder of Crowdtangle and former Meta employee, spills the tea on the journey of his social media analytics tool. He reveals how Crowdtangle transformed from a trend tracker to a vital resource for exploring Facebook's political content. Silverman shares insights into the struggles for transparency within Meta, the evolution of news engagement strategies, and the shift of news from Facebook to TikTok. Now working on transparency legislation worldwide, he advocates for a more accountable social media landscape.

Chance for Daily, Editor of The Chancery Daily, offers expert insights on the pivotal Twitter vs. Elon Musk legal saga in Delaware. They dissect the complexities of contract law and the significance of equitable remedies. The conversation touches on Musk's challenges and misrepresentations, alongside the implications of whistleblower claims. Daily highlights the courtroom dynamics under Chancellor McCormick, balancing theatrics with legal integrity, while emphasizing the importance of factual evidence in this high-stakes case.

Gary Marcus, author of 'Rebooting AI' and an AI entrepreneur, critiques the inflated expectations surrounding artificial intelligence. He discusses the controversy of AI-generated art in competitions, questioning creativity and authenticity. Marcus delves into the limits of AI sentience, emphasizing that current systems lack true understanding. He warns of the risks posed by seemingly sentient AI and advocates for regulatory measures. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the overhyping in AI technologies and the importance of sustainable advancements.

Mark Bergen, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "Like, Comment, Subscribe," delves into YouTube's rise and its contemporary challenges. He discusses the fierce competition with TikTok, revealing how YouTube is adapting to maintain relevance through shorter content and tackling advertising hurdles. The conversation explores the platform's dual role in political discourse and its impact on traditional media. Bergen also highlights the vital issues surrounding children's safety and regulatory measures, providing a comprehensive look at YouTube's complex landscape.

Kevin Kelly, founding executive editor of Wired magazine, shares invaluable life lessons distilled from his extensive experience in technology and writing. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and connection, explaining how asking questions can lead to deeper relationships. Kelly discusses the art of professional recovery from mistakes and critiques perfectionism, promoting a mindset of 'good enough.' He also highlights the transformative power of niche communities and his concept of 1,000 true fans, which has inspired countless passion-driven creators.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatry professor and author of 'Dopamine Nation,' dives deep into the effects of technology on our brain chemistry. She discusses the addictive nature of smartphones and their role in rising anxiety and depression. The pleasure-pain paradox is explored, revealing how the quest for digital satisfaction can lead to deeper dissatisfaction. Anna questions whether a less happy life could actually bring more fulfillment, urging listeners to reflect on their relationship with technology.

Nuseir Yassin, the founder of Nas Daily and Nas Academy, captivates with his journey from a traditional job to becoming a prominent social media personality. He shares the emotional toll that metrics like likes and views can take on creators, emphasizing the importance of finding validation beyond numbers. The conversation addresses the complexities of fame, the financial realities of content creation, and the necessity of passion over profit. Yassin also discusses the strategic decisions necessary for navigating an ever-evolving social media landscape.

Join Brian McCullough, host of the popular Techmeme Ride Home podcast, as he unpacks the shifting tech landscape. He discusses Meta's awkward attempt to mimic TikTok with Instagram and the strategic challenges Amazon faces under CEO Andy Jassy. The conversation also delves into the future of cryptocurrency post-crash and its ties to emerging technologies. Plus, don't miss out on travel hacks that promise to make your journeys smoother!

Brendan Nyhan, a Presidential Professor at Dartmouth, brings a fresh perspective to the social media debate. He challenges the widely accepted notion that social media is detrimental to society, emphasizing its complex role in political discourse and public engagement. Nyhan discusses echo chambers, revealing that many users encounter diverse viewpoints rather than being trapped in bubbles. He calls for greater transparency in social media platforms to mitigate misinformation and highlights the importance of individual responsibility in navigating these digital landscapes.

Blake Lemoine, a former senior software engineer at Google, gained notoriety for claiming that the LaMDA chatbot is sentient, leading to his firing. In this engaging conversation, he explores LaMDA's advanced capabilities, including its conversational skills and emotional connections with humans. Lemoine delves into the ethical implications of AI sentience, the challenges of defining self-awareness, and the responsibilities tied to AI advancements. His unique perspective raises pressing questions about the future of AI and how society should engage with these technologies.