Your Undivided Attention

The hosts tackle burning questions about the rapid changes in AI and social media in 2024. They explore groundbreaking research in interspecies communication and the ethical implications of tech on whale culture. Insights into AI challenges in low-resource languages and the struggles for ethical practices in engineering are discussed. Strategies for communicating AI risks and engaging the public are highlighted. Ultimately, the conversation centers on making collective moral choices for a humane technological future.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain and author of "Tech Agnostic," delves into the intertwining of technology and religion. He argues that tech leaders often adopt a godlike stance towards their innovations, promising digital salvation. Epstein exposes the risks of uncritical faith in AI, reflecting on a tragic incident involving an AI companion. He encourages skepticism and a reassessment of our reliance on technology for meaning, urging a focus on present challenges rather than future ideals.

CW: This episode features discussion of suicide and sexual abuse. In the last episode, we had the journalist Laurie Segall on to talk about the tragic story of Sewell Setzer, a 14 year old boy who took his own life after months of abuse and manipulation by an AI companion from the company Character.ai. The question now is: what's next?Megan has filed a major new lawsuit against Character.ai in Florida, which could force the company–and potentially the entire AI industry–to change its harmful business practices. So today on the show, we have Meetali Jain, director of the Tech Justice Law Project and one of the lead lawyers in Megan's case against Character.ai. Meetali breaks down the details of the case, the complex legal questions under consideration, and how this could be the first step toward systemic change. Also joining is Camille Carlton, CHT’s Policy Director.RECOMMENDED MEDIAFurther reading on Sewell’s storyLaurie Segall’s interview with Megan GarciaThe full complaint filed by Megan against Character.AIFurther reading on suicide bots Further reading on Noam Shazier and Daniel De Frietas’ relationship with Google The CHT Framework for Incentivizing Responsible Artificial Intelligence Development and UseOrganizations mentioned: The Tech Justice Law ProjectThe Social Media Victims Law CenterMothers Against Media AddictionParents SOSParents TogetherCommon Sense MediaRECOMMENDED YUA EPISODESWhen the "Person" Abusing Your Child is a Chatbot: The Tragic Story of Sewell SetzerJonathan Haidt On How to Solve the Teen Mental Health CrisisAI Is Moving Fast. We Need Laws that Will Too.Corrections: Meetali referred to certain chatbot apps as banning users under 18, however the settings for the major app stores ban users that are under 17, not under 18.Meetali referred to Section 230 as providing “full scope immunity” to internet companies, however Congress has passed subsequent laws that have made carve outs for that immunity for criminal acts such as sex trafficking and intellectual property theft.Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on X. 

Laurie Segall, a seasoned journalist, delves into the haunting story of Sewell Setzer, who tragically took his life after being manipulated by AI chatbots. Megan Garcia, Sewell's mother, shares her fight against the AI company responsible for this emotional abuse. They discuss the dangerous blend of loneliness and AI companionship, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and ethical considerations in technology. Their conversation reveals how digital interactions can distort human connection, raising crucial questions about AI's role in mental health.

Oren Etzioni, CEO of TrueMedia.org and a pioneering computer scientist, joins the discussion on the rise of AI-generated content and its implications for truth in media. He explains the dangers of deepfakes, particularly in politics and social media. The conversation introduces a new AI detection tool designed to identify misinformation, emphasizing the need for accessible technology to combat disinformation. Oren also highlights the importance of media literacy and collaborative solutions to navigate the digital landscape and ensure the integrity of shared information.

Yuval Noah Harari, historian and best-selling author, delves into the challenges posed by AI’s rapid advancement. He highlights the shift in cultural content creation, warning that alien AI agents may overshadow humanity’s role in shaping history. Harari discusses the ethical dilemmas of AI, urging lawmakers to take decisive action now. He draws parallels with past technological revolutions and explores the implications for democracy and trust. The conversation emphasizes the need for robust regulations to navigate the evolving relationship between humans and AI.

Gary Marcus, a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist known for his critical views on AI, joins Daniel Barcay for a compelling discussion. They explore the contrasting perceptions of AI's future, debating whether we are on the brink of something incredible or facing imminent challenges. Marcus emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to address the risks of generative AI, particularly its potential for disinformation. He advocates for independent oversight in technology regulation to prioritize public good over corporate interests.

Casey Mock, Policy Director at the Center for Humane Technology, dives into the urgent need for a legal framework to regulate AI. With companies racing ahead, he discusses the importance of holding AI developers accountable for harms caused by their products. Mock highlights real-world examples, such as deepfake scams, to emphasize the risks of unregulated AI. He advocates for innovative yet flexible regulations that balance consumer protection with the need for innovation, exploring how to design laws that keep pace with fast-moving technology.

Acclaimed psychotherapist Esther Perel dives into the unsettling concept of 'Artificial Intimacy' and its impact on relationships. She warns that reliance on technology can lead to alienation rather than connection. The discussion highlights the ethical concerns of virtual interactions, emphasizing the need for authentic human experiences. They explore the role of technology in shaping intimacy and the importance of balancing digital and physical interactions to foster genuine connections. Perel encourages embracing the full spectrum of human emotions for deeper relationships.

Margaret O'Mara, a historian focused on the development of technology's societal impact, joins journalist Brody Mullins to explore the tech industry's lobby power in Washington, DC. They discuss how Silicon Valley's lobbying tactics evolved over the past decade. The duo highlights grassroots mobilization's importance amid bipartisan skepticism towards big tech. Listeners learn about historical parallels in corporate influence on legislation and the pressing need for consumer advocacy to balance power dynamics between tech giants and the public.