Keen On America

Keith Teare, founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation, discusses the urgent need for progressives to embrace technology rather than resist it. He argues that their current ‘no’ mentality is surrendering the debate to conservatives. Teare and host Andrew Keen dissect the shifting political landscape influenced by tech, the U.S.-China tech rivalry, and the implications of AI in daily life and military applications. They emphasize the importance of creating a hopeful narrative around technology that fosters societal improvement while navigating current political tensions.

Michal Kosinski, an Associate Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, discusses the alarming effects of social media on democracy. He highlights how platforms like Facebook inadvertently empowered populist candidates, bypassing traditional media. Kosinski also reflects on his controversial research that predicts personal traits from social media data. While he sees potential in AI to improve lives, he warns of the long-term risks associated with its unchecked advancement and emphasizes the need for effective privacy protections in our digital landscape.

Kenneth Cukier, deputy executive editor at The Economist and co-author of best-selling books on data and AI, shares his insights on the rapid technological changes over the past two decades. He reflects on how early tech giants were seen as mere startups and delves into the complexities of Big Data's impact on society and innovation. Cukier voices concerns about declining civil discourse online and predicts that by 2045, government roles may shrink while community power rises, dismissing the notion of achieving artificial general intelligence.

Ece Temelkuran is a notable Turkish journalist and author, acclaimed for her critique of the Erdogan regime. In this conversation, she delves into the profound changes capitalism has wrought on democracy, likening it to the Industrial Revolution. Temelkuran emphasizes the rise of modern fascism through spectacle. She passionately advocates for the importance of friendship in resisting authoritarianism and critiques the illusions of Silicon Valley. Despite concerns over rising far-right movements, she promotes an active faith in humanity's moral compass.

Albert Wenger, a partner at Union Square Ventures and author of The World After Capital, brings a wealth of experience from his time at del.icio.us and as an angel investor. He discusses moving beyond outdated industrial-age thinking and embracing digital solutions as the primary constraint centers around attention. Wenger highlights the potential for groundbreaking AI advancements, advocating for open models to foster transparency. He shares his vision for using technology to tackle issues like climate change and disease, promoting experiments like basic income pilots to reshape capitalism for a more equitable future.

Kurt Gray, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UNC Chapel Hill and author of 'Outraged', dives into the roots of America's political divide. He argues that both sides feel victimized by perceived threats, stemming from a blend of evolved behaviors as prey and predator. Highlighting the importance of storytelling, he advocates for empathy and active listening to bridge divides. Gray also discusses the complexities of morality in politics, the flaws of human nature in political systems, and how understanding different perspectives can foster dialogue and peace.

Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist and bestselling author, discusses her new novel, More or Less Maddy, featuring a young aspiring stand-up comedian diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in fiction, drawing from extensive research and personal experiences. Genova highlights the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for the term 'neurological disorder' to encourage understanding. The conversation intertwines comedy with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, exploring identity and societal expectations.

Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at the Washington Post and author of "Europe Without Borders: A History," explores the evolving nature of borders in Europe. He delves into the historical significance of the Schengen Agreement and its transformative impact on European integration. The discussion highlights rising populism and the recent reinstatement of border controls in Germany. Stanley-Becker connects these developments to broader global trends, offering insights on how these shifts may influence immigration policies in the U.S. and beyond.

Laurie Trautman, an immigration expert and director of the Border Policy Research Institute, dives into how COVID-19 reshaped global attitudes towards borders. She discusses the rise of aggressive nationalism and the implications of border policies on immigration. Trautman offers a critique of current security-focused strategies, advocating for a more nuanced approach. She highlights the emotive power of imagery in shaping public sentiment about refugees and explores the need for effective legal pathways in immigration, drawing comparisons between U.S. and Canadian policies.

Nicholas Carr, a renowned author and former executive editor of the Harvard Business Review, dives deep into the digital revolution's impact on society. He discusses how technological innovation has shifted from fulfilling human needs to indulging self-serving desires, predicting a decline in meaningful engagement. Carr highlights the 2012 smartphone and social media boom, linking it to rising anxiety among youth. He also explores AI's role in creativity and warns against outsourcing essential human activities, urging a more thoughtful engagement with technology.