Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, discusses the future of creators in an AI-driven world. He believes that technology can enable fair compensation for artists, challenging platforms that undervalue their work. Conte envisions a 'surrealist' collaboration between human creators and AI, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in AI development. He shares insights on transitioning from musician to CEO, the importance of authenticity in creativity, and why remaining a private company is vital for Patreon's mission.

Manisha Krishnan, Senior Culture Editor at WIRED, dives into this week’s hot topics alongside her host. They discuss a controversial email instructing federal workers to blame Democrats for the government shutdown and Peter Thiel's bizarre fascinations with the Antichrist. The launch of OpenAI’s new social app for AI-generated videos is scrutinized, exploring its potential to rival TikTok and the ethical dilemmas of using AI-generated likenesses. They also touch on Tesla’s push for drowsy drivers to utilize full self-driving technology.

Aarian Marshall, a talented staff writer focused on cities and transportation, dives into the world of delivery robots with the unveiling of DoorDash's new autonomous robot, Dot. She discusses design features like sensors and size, as well as how humans interact with these machines. Aarian highlights the industry's ups and downs, emphasizing new partnerships and hybrid delivery models amid labor impacts. She also explores the challenges delivery robots face on sidewalks and the potential conflicts with bike lanes, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Lareina Yee, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, shares her extensive expertise in technology and AI-driven transformation. She discusses the profound impact of touchscreens and autonomous vehicles on society, and the concept of consumer-level digital twins for personalized design. Lareina emphasizes the importance of investing in people over technology to ensure effective implementation. With a focus on overcoming executive hesitation regarding AI adoption, she highlights the need for immersive experiences to inspire leaders and suggests prioritizing impactful technological initiatives.

Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer for WIRED, dives into the shifting tides of American politics. He discusses the chilling implications of Customs & Border Protection collecting DNA from citizens. Lahut explores tech titan Larry Ellison’s secretive clout in the White House and his connections to OpenAI. Most strikingly, he unpacks the rise of Nick Fuentes, detailing how the influencer has surged into the mainstream, exploiting gaps left by others in the political landscape. This discussion offers a profound insight into the merging of tech and political power.

The hosts dive into the question of Silicon Valley's status as the tech capital, debating its ongoing relevance in the wake of remote work and AI developments. They discuss Wired's transformation from tech jubilation to critical journalism, highlighting the need for nuanced reporting on AI. A fun segment explores what tech they’d control or delete. Audience questions bring up vital issues like the gender gap in AI usage, shedding light on design biases. The episode closes with reflections on hopeful tech-government collaborations.

Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation and a notable tech policy expert, shares her journey from Google to advocating for AI ethics. She reflects on crucial moments, like the Trump cabinet's controversial use of private chats. Whittaker critiques the branding frenzy surrounding AI, warning of its risks to privacy and encryption, especially for apps like Signal. She emphasizes the challenges women face in a hype-driven tech culture, while pushing for transparency and accountability in AI governance.

Manisha Krishnan, Senior Culture Editor at WIRED, lends her sharp insights on culture and tech. She and Zöe tackle this week's hottest topics, such as OpenAI's new teen safety measures and the cultural craze around Human Design. They dive into the fallout from Charlie Kirk's death, exploring how artists and creators are facing cancellations and repercussions. The conversation touches on corporate compliance and the implications of cancel culture, revealing a landscape where tech and politics collide.

Will Knight, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics, joins to discuss the rise of humanoid robots. He explains how these robots are evolving from clumsy machines to sophisticated assistants capable of performing daily tasks. The conversation dives into OpenAI’s renewed focus on robotics, the competitive landscape, and the potential applications in warehouses and factories. Knight also addresses the technical challenges and safety concerns that come with deploying these advanced machines in everyday environments.

Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare, discusses the need for AI companies to compensate creators while addressing content scraping issues. He shares insights on internet security and the transformative impact of AI on business models. The conversation also touches on the evolution of media in the digital age, including the challenges faced by content creators and innovative tools designed to ensure fair compensation. Additionally, Prince reflects on how internet policies evolve and the ramifications of tech-driven changes on society.