Galaxy Brain

Ipsit Vahia, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham's McLean Hospital, discusses the nuanced relationship between older adults and technology. He highlights that their tech use is diverse, often purposeful, and beneficial for staying connected. Vahia warns against overgeneralizing screen time impacts, emphasizing individual context. The conversation covers the potential risks of scams and misinformation while celebrating the advantages of mobility and social apps. He offers practical tips for fostering connections with older loved ones through respectful discussions about technology.

Isaac Stanley-Becker, a national security writer, and Adrienne LaFrance, executive editor at The Atlantic, dive into the recently released Epstein files. They discuss the political ramifications of the heavily redacted documents, the disturbing insights into abuse, and the societal tolerance of powerful men. The duo reflects on how document dumps ignite conspiracy theories and explore the implications for public trust and political fallout. Their discussion highlights how initial reactions reveal deeper societal fatigue with scandal, leaving questions about accountability.

Max Read, a writer focused on culture and power on the internet, dives into the intriguing world of prediction markets. He highlights their evolution from niche bets to mainstream platforms, driven by a mix of gambling and finance. The conversation tackles whether these markets genuinely portray collective wisdom or simply reflect trader biases. Read also discusses the challenges surrounding young men's exploitation in this ‘suckerification’ economy and the addictive nature of these markets in a quest for excitement.

Rachel Martin, an NPR host known for her celebrity interviews, delves into how video transforms trust and connection in interviews. Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter, outlines the podcasting industry's evolution, from the boom of Serial to the rise of YouTube as a powerhouse. Derek Thompson, a media analyst, shares his theory that everything has become television, reshaping our attention and social dynamics. Together, they explore the implications of video-first media on our society, urging listeners to consider the cultural shifts at play.

Kashmir Hill, a technology reporter from The New York Times, explores the dark side of our relationships with chatbots. She discusses alarming cases where users experienced delusions and personal crises, including the tragic story of a teen's suicide linked to chatbot interactions. Hill investigates how AI, designed to be engaging, can lead to dangerous dependencies and distorted realities. The conversation also touches on the ethical responsibilities of companies like OpenAI and the challenges of ensuring safety in these digital companions.

Charlie Warzel speaks with Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat and an expert in open-source investigations. They discuss how disordered discourse threatens democracy, with algorithms fostering outrage and fractured realities. Higgins shares his journey from online forums to Bellingcat, emphasizing the importance of verification, deliberation, and accountability in democratic processes. He warns about the US's drift toward a simulated democracy, while advocating for grassroots actions, media literacy, and community engagement to restore shared reality and empower informed discourse.

Pablo Torre, a seasoned sports journalist and host of "Pablo Torre Finds Out," joins to explore the intersection of sports, culture, and gambling. He discusses how sports create communal experiences while also being a vessel for political messages. The conversation dives into issues like the impact of legalized betting on audience engagement and the ethical dilemmas surrounding it. Pablo also examines how team ownership reshapes billionaire images and critiques the short-term thinking prevalent in today's sports economy.

Hank Green, a longtime internet creator and cofounder of educational media company Complexly, joins to discuss the current state of the web. He reflects on a time when the internet felt personal and serendipitous, contrasting it with today's algorithm-driven misery machine. They explore the rise of outrage in content, the trust shift from institutions to creators, and how TikTok's algorithms impact user experiences. Green advocates for joy and authenticity as a counter to online negativity, leaving listeners cautiously hopeful about the future of the internet.

The internet has warped public life: Politicians behave like influencers, the economy resembles a casino, and people can no longer agree upon a consensus reality. New conspiracy theories, memes, and main characters seem to pop up every day. A constant war is on for your attention, and it’s easy to feel lost. Each week, Galaxy Brain and its host, Charlie Warzel, invite you into conversations to make sense of the fire hose of information. Is AI destroying our ability to think? Do your grandparents have a screen-time problem? Galaxy Brain looks beyond the algorithm and anchors you to the real—however strange it may be. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices