What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future

COVID’s still here but the public’s appetite for masking, social distancing, or remote learning is long gone. One palatable way to stop the spread: improving air circulation indoors. Guest: Apoorva Mandavilli, science and global health reporter for the New York TimesIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Zawodny, transportation reporter, discusses the frustrations faced by Howard County parents dealing with bus delays and incorrect drop-offs. He explores the challenges of a high-tech bus contractor called Zoom, its connection to canceled routes, and the unexpected disruptions caused by tech companies in student transportation.

Tech reporter Will Oremus discusses the declining usefulness of social media as a source of news during natural disasters, focusing on the example of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He explores the challenges of misinformation and hoaxes, as well as the changing responsibilities of big tech companies. The episode also highlights the potential benefits of the news industry distancing itself from social media platforms.

Tech editor Sarah Frier discusses the shifting perception of LinkedIn, its transformation into a storytelling platform, the rise of LinkedIn influencers, and its expansion into different content formats.

Chloe Sorvino, Forbes writer and author of Raw Deal, discusses the rise of sustainable pet food and lab-grown meat. The podcast explores the environmental impact of pet food, the conundrum of high-end pet food brands, and the potential market for lab-grown pet food. It also discusses challenges and solutions for sustainable pet food, such as locally sourced scraps and alternative feed ingredients.

Tech reporter and senior policy analyst Emily Baker-White joins the show to discuss TikTok's negotiations with the US government, concerns about its links to China, and the creation of a third-party executive security committee. They also explore the potential implications of TikTok's recommendation algorithm and the future of free speech on the platform.

Kate Lindsay, author of the internet culture newsletter Embedded, discusses the challenges of managing a deceased person's digital footprint, the complex issue of digital ownership after death, and the grieving process for the digital self. It explores the emotional implications of keeping someone alive in the digital sphere, the difficulties of accessing and managing digital assets, and the importance of planning and record-keeping to avoid complications.

At first, cryptocurrency seemed like the solution to the problems sex workers have had with traditional banks. But as the US moves to regulate the crypto industry, many are finding it hasn’t worked out like they hoped. Guests:Joel Khalili, reporter at WiredLiara Roux, sex worker, organizer, and writerYou can check out Joel’s reporting in Wired here. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When conservative writer Richard Hanania’s old posts, originally published under a pseudonym, came to light, people were shocked at just how racist and reactionary they were. Perhaps less shocking were the tech moguls who were revealed to be supporting him. Guest: Anil Dash, technologist and writer, and the head of GlitchIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A “smart gun” is designed to only work in the hands of the gun’s proper owner. With the first smart gun potentially coming to market later this year, can the tech deliver on its promise?Guests: Champe Barton, reporter at The TraceKai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of BiofireIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices