Big Technology Podcast

Jonathan Haidt, a professor of ethical leadership at NYU and author of "The Coddling of the American Mind," dives deep into the impact of social media on societal intelligence. He discusses how digital platforms have fueled political dysfunction, echo chambers, and radicalization, dubbing them responsible for our 'structural stupidity.' Haidt critically evaluates the state of contemporary discourse, the challenges of accountability, and explores remedies to combat negativity in online interactions. His insights shed light on the fine balance between technology and society.

Jenna Golden, former political ad sales leader, Brandon Borrman, ex-global communications head, and Leslie Miley, who led Twitter's safety engineering, join CNBC reporter Alex Sherman to unpack the chaos surrounding Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition. They discuss the internal struggles at Twitter, the impact on employee morale, and the complexities of balancing shareholder interests with user needs. The group delves into Musk’s motivations, the challenges of content moderation, and speculates on Twitter's future amidst ongoing turbulence.

Kevin Weil, the former head of product at Twitter and Instagram, now leads business and product at Planet, a company capturing daily images of Earth with satellites. He discusses the unique challenges Twitter faces in maintaining public conversation amid pressures from Elon Musk and TikTok. Weil also contrasts Twitter's scaling struggles with Instagram's decisive product strategies and highlights how satellite imagery can enhance transparency and address climate change. His insights on cryptocurrency's potential impact on remittances are equally thought-provoking.

Dan Dolev, managing director at Mizuho and fintech analyst, dives deep into the ethical implications of the fintech revolution. He analyzes how fintech aims to empower underserved populations but also exposes them to potential risks. Discussions include the accountability of platforms like Robinhood and the challenges of gamification in trading. The conversation also covers the struggles of Coinbase amid market turbulence and leadership issues, raising crucial questions about the future of fintech in the evolving landscape of finance.

Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Odd Lots and a Bloomberg editor, dives into the factors behind the recent stock market meltdown. He breaks down the unique circumstances like high inflation and tech sector struggles, questioning traditional recovery methods. The discussion moves to the Federal Reserve's interest rate effects and the volatility of angel investing platforms. Weisenthal also assesses the aftermath of the SPAC boom and reflects on the cryptocurrency market's decline, exploring what future innovations could emerge.

Nina Achadjian, a partner at Index Ventures, shares her insights on the impact of declining market valuations on startups and venture capital strategies. She explains how the current bear market is reshaping funding dynamics, emphasizing a shift towards profitability over growth. Achadjian discusses how emerging fields like AI present opportunities amidst challenges, and highlights the potential of vertical software tailored for niche industries. The conversation wraps up with a look at e-commerce and crypto's future in this new economic landscape.

Mike Schroepfer, former CTO at Meta, shares his insights from a remarkable career at one of the world's largest tech companies. He discusses the evolution of Facebook from a web-centric to a mobile-first platform and reflects on the challenges of content moderation in balancing human behavior with safety. Schroepfer also elaborates on the exciting intersection of technology and climate solutions, emphasizing the promise of AI and VR in driving innovation and fostering human connection. His reflections provide a deep understanding of leadership and future technology.

Erik Brynjolfsson, a professor at Stanford University and director of the Digital Economy Lab, dives into the surprising reality that AI hasn't yet displaced human jobs. He discusses how humans and machines can collaborate for mutual benefit, emphasizing the need for retraining to adapt to technological shifts. The conversation also explores automation's role in enhancing creativity and productivity, challenging the notion that technology only replaces workers. Brynjolfsson advocates for a future where technology augments human capabilities, pushing for a more equitable job market.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor-in-chief, dives into the media's pressing trust crisis. He discusses the factors behind declining trust, like societal polarization and new subscription models. The conversation also delves into the impact of social media on journalism, especially after Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. Thompson examines how these shifts challenge media integrity and explore the balance between journalism and economic pressures. Personal touches include his insights on maintaining fitness amid professional chaos.

Vivian Schiller, executive director of Aspen Digital and former news head at Twitter and NPR, discusses the growing distrust of elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She delves into the 'Great Reset' and its implications for public perception, highlighting the disconnect between elites and the masses. The conversation also touches on corporate responsibility, the rise of unionization in tech, and the troubling relationship between social media platforms and news. Schiller emphasizes the importance of local journalism in combating disinformation and fostering trust.