Never Post

Mike asks if there’s anything in the connection between fascism and the aesthetics of A.I.. And if they are connected, how are they? Is there something inherently fascistic about these technologies? Also: OPEIU Local 153 is union PROUD!–Become a Never Post member at https://www.neverpo.st/ for access to extended and bonus segments, and our side shows like “Slow Post”, “Posts from the Field” and “Never Watch”– Call us at 651 615 5007 to leave a voicemail Drop us a voice memo via airtable Or email us at theneverpost at gmail dot com –Intro Links Vote for us in the Signal Awards! Friend.com ads backlash ICE looking to create social media surveillance team Apple and Google remove ICE tracking apps The bots come for Cracker Barrel –AI and New American Fascism White House Posts Ghoulish AI Cartoon Showing Woman's Deportation (Huffpost) With Manifest Destiny art, DHS goes hard on ‘white makes right’ (LA Times) Eating the Future: The Metabolic Logic of AI Slop (e-flux) The Other Side of the Canvas (Unpopular Front) Ur-Fascism (The Anarchist Library) In Unhinged Speech, Pete Hegseth Says He's Tired of ‘Fat Troops,’ Says Military Needs to Go Full AI (404 Media) Antiquity to Alt-Right Pipeline from Ep. 13 Generated-ish from Ep. 22 –Thank you to Dannel Jurado for recording the Kickstarter picket.Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.Never Post is a production of Charts & Leisure and is distributed by Radiotopia

This installment dives into the quirks of listener habits, including the unusual practice of blasting podcasts through phone speakers. The hosts explore nostalgic topics like the history of ringback tones and spark enthusiasm over the idea of musical notifications training the ear. Unique morning alarm routines and the concept of recipes as social signals also come under scrutiny. Plus, a fun debate surfaces about the ethics of AI in family photos, and listeners weigh in with creative graffiti submissions. Tune in for laughter and enlightening discussions!

Tori Dominguez-Peek, a contributing producer and AI education advocate, dives into the contentious topic of AI in classrooms. She explores how AI is changing student engagement and academic integrity, discussing the alarming trend of students relying on tools like ChatGPT for assignments. Tori highlights the emotional and educational value of original writing and shares insights into professors' strategies for enforcing no-AI policies. The conversation raises critical questions about the future of learning and literacy in an increasingly digital age.

Siri Dahl, an adult content creator and activist, shares her insights on age verification challenges and censorship in the adult industry. She highlights the struggles of platforms like Pornhub and OnlyFans under new legislation, emphasizing the resilience of creators. Gabriella Lewis, a James Beard Award-nominated producer, humorously critiques the aesthetic-driven approach to viral recipes that often prioritize looks over taste. Together, they explore how evolving online regulations impact both adult entertainment and culinary content in today's digital landscape.

In a lively discussion with Meghal Janardan, a renowned ceramicist from Brooklyn, the team tackles the futuristic promises of technology, like flying cars and matter replicators. They humorously contrast these dreams with today's reality while addressing society's growing disconnect from nature due to advanced tech. The conversation also touches on beauty technology, communication challenges with translation tools, and nostalgic reflections on childhood design. Ultimately, they explore the balancing act between convenience and deeper human connections.

David Huerta, a senior digital security trainer at Freedom of the Press Foundation, dives into the maze of age verification laws and their impact on minors online. He discusses the recent blocking of Bluesky in Mississippi and the use of VPNs to navigate these challenges. The conversation touches on the implications for smaller tech companies, the legal battles surrounding new regulations, and the pressing need for transparency in data access. Huerta's insights reveal the complexities of balancing online safety with privacy concerns, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Toby Martin, a contributing producer who investigates social algorithms and gender, joins Justin Jackson, co-founder of Transistor.fm, to dissect how algorithms shape perceptions of identity. They explore the peculiar nuances of hyper-masculine ads experienced by trans men and discuss the challenges of algorithmic targeting. The conversation also dives into the evolution of RSS, highlighting its significance in content distribution and the push for open standards in the digital landscape, making it clear that RSS still has a vital role in media consumption today.

The hosts tackle the chaos of social media, addressing how algorithms impact mental health for creators. They humorously discuss the pitfalls of workplace surveillance and its effect on social interactions, especially in nightlife. A playful segment highlights listener-submitted graffiti, blending art and activism. Conversations also touch on the whimsical side of technology, from bone conduction earphones to the benefits of using Firefox Focus for privacy. Plus, a light-hearted critique of casinos reveals shared traits with online platforms in the pursuit of satisfaction.

Molly Blake, a social sciences librarian at the University of Minnesota, and Linda Kellum, a data librarian and organizer of the Data Rescue Project, discuss the urgent need to preserve public datasets threatened by government cuts. They highlight tactical efforts to archive vital information, particularly from the Department of Education, emphasizing community involvement's role in democracy. The conversation sheds light on the historical significance of data preservation and the ongoing battle against digital information loss.

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