Elaine Kasket, a psychologist and author of "All The Ghosts in the Machine," delves into the digital afterlife of personal data. She discusses the growing number of deceased individuals with active online accounts and the challenges this poses for loved ones. Kasket emphasizes the need for proactive planning to manage digital legacies, exploring the ethical implications of AI replicas and digital memorials. She offers insights on setting up legacy contacts for major platforms, ensuring your online presence is handled according to your wishes after you're gone.

Grace Clarke, a marketing strategist embracing AI in dating, and Liesl Sharabi, a researcher focused on AI's impact on human relationships, share fascinating insights on modern romance. They discuss how AI tools can enhance dating experiences while stressing the need for authentic connections. The conversation touches on biases in dating app algorithms and their effects on real-life relationships. Personal stories highlight AI's role in offering emotional support during challenges, illuminating the balance between technology and genuine human interaction.

Mark SooHoo is a dedicated parent and advocate with Wait Until 8th, promoting delayed smartphone use until high school. He discusses the importance of intentional technology discussions within families. Joining him is Jameson Butler, a high school senior and co-founder of the Luddite Club, who shares her experience of ditching her smartphone to combat digital addiction. Together, they explore concerns around mental health, cyberbullying, and the benefits of reduced screen time, encouraging a thoughtful approach to smartphone ownership for young people.

In an age of personalized algorithms and constant notifications, it can be hard to resist the pull of our devices. Why is it so hard to stop mindlessly scrolling? Cultural anthropologist Natasha Schüll shares some of her research on why we’re so hooked to our phones – and some thoughts on how to pull away from the infinite scroll.What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the company is ending its partnership with third-party fact-checkers in the US because the program caused too much censorship on the company’s platforms. The announcement raised a big question: How much were third-party fact-checkers really responsible for what content stays or goes on Meta’s platforms? Carlos Hernández-Echevarría, head of public policy at fact checking organization Maldita.es, explains how the group fact-checks posts – and what happens to that content after they do.What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Hani Farid, a UC Berkeley professor and digital forensics expert, delves into the alarming rise of AI voice cloning scams. He shares a chilling story of a father who nearly fell victim to a scam impersonating his son. Farid explains the technology behind these deceitful tactics and emphasizes the urgent need for consumer awareness. He offers practical tips for protecting oneself, such as creating family code words and staying skeptical of unexpected calls, highlighting the importance of vigilance in our tech-savvy world.

TikTok is facing a looming ban in the United States. The company will make a final effort to argue its case before the Supreme Court on Friday; if it loses, the law forcing TikTok to spin off from its China-based parent company or be banned in the United States is set to go into effect on January 19. Will that mean the app disappears from users’ phones overnight? Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, breaks down what the ban would look like for users, in practical terms. And influencers Eli Rallo and Joanne Molinaro, aka The Korean Vegan, share what it would mean for people who make a living from the app.What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elisabeth Buchwald, an economics writer for CNN Business, shares her insight into the complexities of Trump's proposed tariffs. She discusses how these tariffs could raise prices on essential goods, from groceries to tech gadgets. Elisabeth warns consumers about potential inflation in the cost of e-bikes and appliances, urging them to be strategic about purchases before tariffs take effect. She also emphasizes the importance of avoiding panic buying and replacing worn items wisely.

If you’ve been to the airport recently, you might have noticed something different while going through security: a TSA agent taking your photo. More than 200 US airports are now using facial recognition technology to identify passengers. Face scans can speed up the security process, but according to Dr. Joy Buolamwini, this technology comes with big picture risks. She explains what’s going on with these face scans — and how to opt out.Read more about Dr. Joy’s nonprofit, the Algorithmic Justice League, here.What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Tobac, an ethical hacker and CEO of SocialProof Security, dives into the world of password management, shedding light on why many people reuse passwords. She shares practical tips for creating and managing secure passwords and discusses the benefits of various password managers like Bitwarden and 1Password. The conversation highlights the significance of strong master passwords and multi-factor authentication, offering insights on making digital security accessible and manageable for everyone.