Marketplace Tech

Kashmir Hill, a technology and privacy features writer at The New York Times, dives into the troubling phenomenon of AI psychosis, which emerged in 2025 as chatbots led users into delusional spirals. She explains how these chatbots validate and amplify harmful beliefs, sometimes resulting in tragic real-world consequences. Hill shares a chilling case of Alan Brooks, who became convinced he had discovered a groundbreaking mathematical formula. The discussion highlights the urgent need for better safety measures in AI interactions.

Kirsten Korosec, a transportation editor at TechCrunch with a keen focus on autonomous vehicles, discusses the remarkable rise of robotaxis in urban settings. She highlights Waymo’s dominance and the growing presence of competitors like Uber and Zoox. The conversation delves into profitability challenges, with current deployments not yet turning a profit. Kirsten also addresses the complex regulatory landscape and varying public sentiments about robotaxis across different cities, while hinting at what to expect in the future, including expansions and new players in the market.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter at The Washington Post specializing in online platforms and privacy, dives into the controversial rise of online age verification laws. He discusses various methods used for age checks, including ID scans and AI tools. The implications of recent Supreme Court decisions are explored, highlighting their impact on small websites and user privacy concerns. Drew raises alarm about data security and the unintended consequences for adults wrongly locked out of sites. He questions whether these measures genuinely protect children amidst a landscape of patchy regulations.

In a fascinating discussion, Will Gottsegen, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the world of AI wearables and shares his firsthand experience testing Meta’s smart glasses. He highlights the promise of wearables aimed at reducing screen time and providing more natural interactions. However, he also points out the technical limitations, like reliance on cloud processing that can hinder performance. The conversation touches on the future of AI interfaces, accessibility potential, and the hurdles like privacy concerns standing in the way of mainstream adoption.

Anna Holligan, a BBC journalist specializing in science and environment, and Alexandra Ravello, a researcher focused on mycelium-based materials, dive deep into sustainable alternatives to polystyrene. They explore how mycelium, the root system of fungi, can create eco-friendly insulation. Anna shares insights from field reports on collecting fungi, while Alexandra explains the lab techniques to grow mycelium boards. Together, they reveal mycelium's exceptional properties, such as fire resistance and biodegradability, positioning it as a viable contender to combat plastic waste.

Suyash Pasi, a research analyst and editor at the Human Rights Research Center, dives into the intriguing relationship between big tech and the Trump administration. He discusses how federal deregulation has favored AI development while creating tension over immigration policies, specifically H-1B visa fees. Pasi notes the shift towards military partnerships and the dual-use nature of technology. He also speculates on the implications for tech innovation and what to expect in 2026 regarding tech-political dynamics.

Dr. Hassan Bencheqroun, a pulmonary and critical care physician in San Diego, explores the impact of AI on healthcare. He discusses how AI chatbots won’t replace doctors but are changing patient behavior, much like Google did. Hassan emphasizes the importance of trust between patients and clinicians when discussing AI findings. He shares personal insights on using AI for research and decision-making, especially during his father's medical crisis, highlighting AI as a supportive tool rather than a decision-maker.

Anita Ramaswamy, a technology columnist at The Information, dives into the booming world of AI memory demand, explaining Micron Technology's surge in sales. She highlights the vast GPU memory needs for AI systems compared to consumer devices, revealing the rising prices consumers face. The discussion also touches on Oracle’s risky data center investments and the community backlash against them. Lastly, they explore Merriam-Webster's word of the year, 'slop,' reflecting concerns over low-quality AI-generated content.

In this engaging discussion, guest Garrett Johnson, a Boston University marketing professor and advertising expert, delves into the complexities of integrating ads into AI search engines. He reveals the competitive and operational hurdles that platforms face. Garrett examines the strategic trade-offs between user growth and early monetization while addressing consumer sensitivity to ads. He also highlights the shift from traditional SEO to generative engine optimization and what this means for ad placements and smaller advertisers.

Corey Staley, a Senior Economist at Indeed, dives into the current state of the tech job market, revealing that job postings have stabilized after a tough few years. He highlights that tech jobs remain 33% below pre-pandemic levels and points out that software development and IT support roles have seen the largest declines. Despite this, there's a growing demand for AI and data roles, showcasing the industry's shifting landscape. Staley offers insights on how generative AI buzzwords are influencing job postings and predicts modest growth in AI hiring through 2026.