Podcast appearances and mentions of Jacob Ward

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current is hosting Tech News Weekly this week, joined by Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET as well! Samsung unveils its upcoming tri-folding phone. OpenAI declares a 'code red' to improve the quality of ChatGPT. How do you feel about the idea of ChatGPT being a dating coach for you? And Scott Weiner's work on shaping AI regulation. Abrar chats about Samsung's unveiling of its upcoming tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Jacob shares how, after Google and Anthropic have made considerable strides in their own AI models, Gemini 3 and Claude Opus 4.5, respectively, OpenAI has declared a 'code red' to divert all resources into improving its ChatGPT model. Journalist Rita Omokha joins the show to chat about her recent article talking about how slowly more women are utilizing AI in providing advice towards aspects of their lives, such as relationship advice. And reporter Adam Rogers stops by to chat with Jacob about California Senator Scott Weiner and the work the senator has done on AI regulation and what could be next down the road. Hosts: Jacob Ward and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Rita Omokha and Adam Rogers Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: hoxhunt.com/securitynow zapier.com/tnw veeam.com zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current is hosting Tech News Weekly this week, joined by Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET as well! Samsung unveils its upcoming tri-folding phone. OpenAI declares a 'code red' to improve the quality of ChatGPT. How do you feel about the idea of ChatGPT being a dating coach for you? And Scott Weiner's work on shaping AI regulation. Abrar chats about Samsung's unveiling of its upcoming tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Jacob shares how, after Google and Anthropic have made considerable strides in their own AI models, Gemini 3 and Claude Opus 4.5, respectively, OpenAI has declared a 'code red' to divert all resources into improving its ChatGPT model. Journalist Rita Omokha joins the show to chat about her recent article talking about how slowly more women are utilizing AI in providing advice towards aspects of their lives, such as relationship advice. And reporter Adam Rogers stops by to chat with Jacob about California Senator Scott Weiner and the work the senator has done on AI regulation and what could be next down the road. Hosts: Jacob Ward and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Rita Omokha and Adam Rogers Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: hoxhunt.com/securitynow zapier.com/tnw veeam.com zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current is hosting Tech News Weekly this week, joined by Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET as well! Samsung unveils its upcoming tri-folding phone. OpenAI declares a 'code red' to improve the quality of ChatGPT. How do you feel about the idea of ChatGPT being a dating coach for you? And Scott Weiner's work on shaping AI regulation. Abrar chats about Samsung's unveiling of its upcoming tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Jacob shares how, after Google and Anthropic have made considerable strides in their own AI models, Gemini 3 and Claude Opus 4.5, respectively, OpenAI has declared a 'code red' to divert all resources into improving its ChatGPT model. Journalist Rita Omokha joins the show to chat about her recent article talking about how slowly more women are utilizing AI in providing advice towards aspects of their lives, such as relationship advice. And reporter Adam Rogers stops by to chat with Jacob about California Senator Scott Weiner and the work the senator has done on AI regulation and what could be next down the road. Hosts: Jacob Ward and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Rita Omokha and Adam Rogers Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: hoxhunt.com/securitynow zapier.com/tnw veeam.com zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current is hosting Tech News Weekly this week, joined by Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET as well! Samsung unveils its upcoming tri-folding phone. OpenAI declares a 'code red' to improve the quality of ChatGPT. How do you feel about the idea of ChatGPT being a dating coach for you? And Scott Weiner's work on shaping AI regulation. Abrar chats about Samsung's unveiling of its upcoming tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Jacob shares how, after Google and Anthropic have made considerable strides in their own AI models, Gemini 3 and Claude Opus 4.5, respectively, OpenAI has declared a 'code red' to divert all resources into improving its ChatGPT model. Journalist Rita Omokha joins the show to chat about her recent article talking about how slowly more women are utilizing AI in providing advice towards aspects of their lives, such as relationship advice. And reporter Adam Rogers stops by to chat with Jacob about California Senator Scott Weiner and the work the senator has done on AI regulation and what could be next down the road. Hosts: Jacob Ward and Abrar Al-Heeti Guests: Rita Omokha and Adam Rogers Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: hoxhunt.com/securitynow zapier.com/tnw veeam.com zscaler.com/security

In this episode Bill speaks with Jacob Ward, a longtime technology journalist. He's worked for NBC News, CNN and PBS. They discuss the origins and development of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its capabilities and limitations. Jacob explains that AI's power lies in its pattern recognition but emphasizes that it does not truly understand the data it processes. He delves into the societal implications of AI, including job displacement, lack of regulation, and potential psychological impacts. Despite these risks, Ward highlights positive uses of AI in fields like healthcare and astronomy. Finally, he discusses the pressing need for regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of AI and advocates for a balanced approach to AI utilization. You can follow Jacob Ward's Podcast and Newsletter, The Rip Current, here TheRipCurrent.com and here TheRipCurrent.substack.com. And his book, The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back here. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Redefining AI Spotlight, we introduce JacobWard and the conversation that Lauren Hawker Zafer had with him on AI, Agency and the Architecture of Choice.Jacob Ward is a journalist and correspondent with two decades of experience uncovering how innovation shapes society — and how it quietly shapes us.Jacob has served as technology correspondent for NBC News, covered the consequences of emerging technologies across major broadcast platforms, and led one of the world's most influential science publications as editor-in-chief of Popular Science. He is the author of The Loop: How Technology/AI Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back, a revelatory book examining how algorithmic systems influence human agency. He also founded The Rip Current, a media platform that investigates the hidden forces driving modern life.The upcoming conversation explores AI not only as a technical phenomenon but as a profound human one, reshaping choice, perception, culture, and leadership. Together, Lauren and Jacob unpack what it means for executives and operators to scale AI in a way that protects human judgment, respects cognitive limits, and strengthens organisational decision-making.Expect a dialogue that challenges assumptions, reframes risk, and pushes leaders to consider not just what AI can do, but who we become when we use it.#techpodcast #squirro #ai

Journalist Jacob Ward joins us as we use Tony Stark and Ozymandias to explore the psychological dangers of when technology is created and distributed without limits. Bonus: stick around until the end to find out Jake's perspective on how journalists are portrayed in comics!Jacob Ward has a background in technology journalism and behavioral science with experiences that include 6 years as technology correspondent for NBC News and hosting "Hacking Your Mind" (NSF-funded PBS documentary series). He wrote the book "The Loop: How A.I is Creating a World without Choices and How to Fight Back” and hosts his weekly podcast, The Rip Current, about the invisible forces driving tech, money, and politics.https://www.jacobward.com/Psychology sources: Protecting Our Children Online and Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots

See the full interview here: https://youtu.be/OUdsZYYd3bo~~~~~~~~~Conversation about the advances in AI and their political and social consequences. Jacob Ward is an American journalist and author who has spent over 20 years covering science, technology, and their social consequences. He's been technology or science correspondent for Al Jazeera, NBC News, PBS, CNN and others, and former editor-in-chief of Popular Science magazine. Jacob Ward was a Berggruen Fellow at Stanford's Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) in 2018–19, where he began writing The Loop: How AI Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back (Hachette, 2022). He also lectures at the Stanford school. He's now reporter-in-residence at the Omidyar Network, running long-form investigations into “unforeseen effects of breakthrough innovations” and writing about a “philosophy of restraint.” He also hosts the newsletter and podcast The Rip Current, on technology, politics, and “big hidden forces” such as Big Tech and venture capital. Ward co-wrote and hosted PBS's four-hour series “Hacking Your Mind” on decision science, bias, and political manipulation, and has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Wired, etc.~~~~~~~~~Links:https://substack.com/@byjacobwardhttps://theripcurrent.substack.com/https://www.jacobward.com/abouthttps://x.com/byjacobwardhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Loop-Technology-Creating-Without-Choices/dp/0316487201~~~~~~~~~The Impact and Risks of AI: A Conversation with Jacob WardIn this engaging conversation, American journalist and author Jacob Ward discusses the profound effects of artificial intelligence on society, the risks of AI-driven decision making, and the dangers of losing human agency. As a science and technology correspondent with 20 years of experience and former editor-in-chief of Popular Science Magazine, Ward brings deep insights into how AI has the potential to both benefit and harm society. The discussion explores the philosophical and practical implications of AI, its role in digital propaganda, and the ethical responsibilities of AI developers.~~~~~~~~~Welcome to Future Perfect, a new Podcast that spans topics as diverse as history, architecture, archaeology, and culture, arts and sciences, technology, and futurology – and seeks to find connections between the past and present as well as all the potential futures. Please like, subscribe, and share links to the channel, and ‘Buy me a Coffee', if you like these videos and want to see more. ~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to Grow Therapy ( @growtherapy__ ) for sponsoring this video! Head to https://growtherapy.yt.link/708THHv to find your estimate and get started today!AI therapy might seem like the future—but what happens when algorithms try to replace empathy? I'm talking with tech journalist Jacob Ward ( @byjacobward ) to unpack the growing overlap between artificial intelligence and mental health, exploring both the potential and the danger.W're talking about why AI chatbots can't yet replace human therapists, what emotional reliance on machines could mean for society, and how unchecked tech incentives risk creating a generation that feels connected but never known.If you care about psychology, ethics, or the future of therapy, this one's essential.If my videos have helped, my new book, The Light Between the Leaves, goes even deeperhttps://bit.ly/DrScottLightBetweentheLeavesYTNext Steps:

The Trump White House is reportedly drafting an executive order that would override state regulations on artificial intelligence. The order would establish a task force inside the Justice Department to sue, and potentially withhold federal funding from, states that pass their own AI laws. Geoff Bennett discussed more with tech journalist Jacob Ward of The Rip Current. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Orpheus is joined by a very special guest who reached out to be on the show; Jacob Ward, who is a science and technology journalist. They discuss an overview of the difficulties of AI and how it affects us with an insight to his views on the matter as the last episode to this series covering artificial intelligence. 

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! Tech titans are investing millions into genetically engineered babies. A lot of those who worry about data privacy feel like their actions make no difference. Comments from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows received a lot of blowback online. And Valve announced a trio of new hardware for. Jacob discusses tech billionaires funding companies that are pursuing genetically engineered babies, raising concerns about the commercialization of polygenic screening. Mikah talks about how a lot of Americans do worry about data privacy, but feel helpless in that any actions they may take make no real difference. Zac Bowden from Windows Central joins the show to talk about comments made recently online from Windows lead Pavan Davuluri on the future of Windows "evolving into an agentic OS," which received plenty of pushback. And Scott Stein of CNET stops by to share his hands-on experience with Valve's recently announced new Steam hardware, set to launch in 2026. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Zac Bowden and Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: pantheon.io veeam.com threatlocker.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Kerry Lutz and Jacob Ward explore the profound ways AI is shaping our decisions, behaviors, and work. From the influence of social media trends on children to the automation of jobs across the economy, they examine how algorithms subtly steer both personal choices and societal outcomes. The conversation delves into cognitive liberty, the challenges of regulating AI, and the ethical questions surrounding its growing power — offering listeners a clear, credible look at the forces quietly reshaping our world. Find Jacob here: https://www.jacobward.com Find Kerry here :https://khlfsn.substack.com and here: https://inflation.cafe    Kerry's New Book "The World According to Martin Armstrong – Conversations with the Master Forecaster" is now a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. . Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4kuC5p5

OpenAI may appear to be building the future, but are they leading the tech industry towards collapse?In this episode, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Jacob Ward (journalist, author of The Loop and NBC Technology Correspondent) to break down OpenAI's latest livestream and what it signals about the next era of AI. Sam Altman may talk the good talk, but his actions, and the priorities of OpenAI at large, may not align with those claims. Chris, Yaniv, and Jacob unpack these differences between words and actions, the emerging social consequences, and what it all means for the tech industry.In this episode, you will:Understand OpenAI's roadmap for AI-powered research and why "AI research interns" might be closer than you thinkLearn why the promise of autonomous five-year research cycles raised eyebrowsExplore the shift from ChatGPT as a product to ChatGPT as a platform, and what that means for app ecosystemsConsider the emotional and psychological dimensions of AI companionship and relianceEvaluate the trillion-dollar infrastructure buildup underway across data centers, GPUs, and nuclear-scale power demandsExamine how OpenAI's nonprofit arm plans to invest in disease research and AI resilienceThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report, Professor Nick Giordano sits down with journalist and author Jacob Ward to expose how Big Tech, AI, and persuasive technology are quietly reprogramming the way Americans think and act. Drawing from his book The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back, Ward reveals how algorithms exploit human psychology, manipulate information flow, and threaten the foundation of democracy. This powerful discussion breaks down how elites use digital tools to control perception, limit free thought, and shape the political narrative in ways most people never realize. Episode Highlights: How Big Tech and AI manipulate behavior and influence public opinion The hidden alliance between government, media, and tech that controls the flow of information What every American can do to reclaim free thought and resist digital manipulation

Join us as we welcome Jacob Ward, a veteran journalist and thought leader, to explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our lives. In this episode, we delve into how AI interacts with human behavior, the societal implications of predictive policing and surveillance, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. We also discuss the concept of a technocracy, the Fermi Paradox, and the importance of purpose in human satisfaction. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that navigates the cultural and economic shifts shaping our future. Welcome back to Infinite Rabbit Hole!Check out more of Jacob's work at https://www.jacobward.com/For everything IRH, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠InfiniteRabbitHole.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join us live every Sunday on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitch.tv/InfiniteRabbitHole⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at 8PM CST! *Make sure to check out the updated MERCH SHOP by clicking the "Merch" tab in the website!!!* Its a great way to help support the show!

Making a Grade: Victorian Examinations and the Rise of Standardized Testing (U Toronto Press, 2025) takes historiographic and sociological perspectives developed to understand large-scale scientific and technical systems and uses them to highlight the standardization that went into "standardized testing." Starting in the 1850s achievement tests became standardized in the British Isles, and were administered on an industrial scale. By the end of the century more than two million people had written mass exams, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics. Some candidates responded to this standardization by cramming or cheating; others embraced the hope that such tests rewarded not only knowledge but also merit. Written with humour, Making a Grade looks at how standardized testing practices quietly appeared, and then spread worldwide. This book situates mass exams, marks, and credentials in an emerging paper-based meritocracy, arguing that such exams often first appeared as "cameras" to neutrally record achievement, and then became "engines" to change education as people tailored their behaviour to fit these tests. Taking the perspectives of both examiners and examinees, Making a Grade claims that our own culture's desire for accountability through objective testing has a long history. James Elwick is Associate Professor at the Department of Science, Technology and Society, for which he is also Chair. He has written on the history of the life sciences and scientists including John Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, and T.H. Huxley, and is currently writing a history of academic integrity, viewed through the lens of students who cheat on their tests and other school assessments. Jacob Ward is a historian at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. He has written in the history of science and technology, environmental history, business and financial history, and political history. He recently published Visions of a Digital Nation: Market and Monopoly in British Telecommunications (MIT Press, 2024) and he's currently working on a history of futurology in the United Kingdom and Europe from 1945 to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Making a Grade: Victorian Examinations and the Rise of Standardized Testing (U Toronto Press, 2025) takes historiographic and sociological perspectives developed to understand large-scale scientific and technical systems and uses them to highlight the standardization that went into "standardized testing." Starting in the 1850s achievement tests became standardized in the British Isles, and were administered on an industrial scale. By the end of the century more than two million people had written mass exams, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics. Some candidates responded to this standardization by cramming or cheating; others embraced the hope that such tests rewarded not only knowledge but also merit. Written with humour, Making a Grade looks at how standardized testing practices quietly appeared, and then spread worldwide. This book situates mass exams, marks, and credentials in an emerging paper-based meritocracy, arguing that such exams often first appeared as "cameras" to neutrally record achievement, and then became "engines" to change education as people tailored their behaviour to fit these tests. Taking the perspectives of both examiners and examinees, Making a Grade claims that our own culture's desire for accountability through objective testing has a long history. James Elwick is Associate Professor at the Department of Science, Technology and Society, for which he is also Chair. He has written on the history of the life sciences and scientists including John Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, and T.H. Huxley, and is currently writing a history of academic integrity, viewed through the lens of students who cheat on their tests and other school assessments. Jacob Ward is a historian at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. He has written in the history of science and technology, environmental history, business and financial history, and political history. He recently published Visions of a Digital Nation: Market and Monopoly in British Telecommunications (MIT Press, 2024) and he's currently working on a history of futurology in the United Kingdom and Europe from 1945 to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/education

Making a Grade: Victorian Examinations and the Rise of Standardized Testing (U Toronto Press, 2025) takes historiographic and sociological perspectives developed to understand large-scale scientific and technical systems and uses them to highlight the standardization that went into "standardized testing." Starting in the 1850s achievement tests became standardized in the British Isles, and were administered on an industrial scale. By the end of the century more than two million people had written mass exams, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics. Some candidates responded to this standardization by cramming or cheating; others embraced the hope that such tests rewarded not only knowledge but also merit. Written with humour, Making a Grade looks at how standardized testing practices quietly appeared, and then spread worldwide. This book situates mass exams, marks, and credentials in an emerging paper-based meritocracy, arguing that such exams often first appeared as "cameras" to neutrally record achievement, and then became "engines" to change education as people tailored their behaviour to fit these tests. Taking the perspectives of both examiners and examinees, Making a Grade claims that our own culture's desire for accountability through objective testing has a long history. James Elwick is Associate Professor at the Department of Science, Technology and Society, for which he is also Chair. He has written on the history of the life sciences and scientists including John Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, and T.H. Huxley, and is currently writing a history of academic integrity, viewed through the lens of students who cheat on their tests and other school assessments. Jacob Ward is a historian at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. He has written in the history of science and technology, environmental history, business and financial history, and political history. He recently published Visions of a Digital Nation: Market and Monopoly in British Telecommunications (MIT Press, 2024) and he's currently working on a history of futurology in the United Kingdom and Europe from 1945 to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Making a Grade: Victorian Examinations and the Rise of Standardized Testing (U Toronto Press, 2025) takes historiographic and sociological perspectives developed to understand large-scale scientific and technical systems and uses them to highlight the standardization that went into "standardized testing." Starting in the 1850s achievement tests became standardized in the British Isles, and were administered on an industrial scale. By the end of the century more than two million people had written mass exams, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics. Some candidates responded to this standardization by cramming or cheating; others embraced the hope that such tests rewarded not only knowledge but also merit. Written with humour, Making a Grade looks at how standardized testing practices quietly appeared, and then spread worldwide. This book situates mass exams, marks, and credentials in an emerging paper-based meritocracy, arguing that such exams often first appeared as "cameras" to neutrally record achievement, and then became "engines" to change education as people tailored their behaviour to fit these tests. Taking the perspectives of both examiners and examinees, Making a Grade claims that our own culture's desire for accountability through objective testing has a long history. James Elwick is Associate Professor at the Department of Science, Technology and Society, for which he is also Chair. He has written on the history of the life sciences and scientists including John Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, and T.H. Huxley, and is currently writing a history of academic integrity, viewed through the lens of students who cheat on their tests and other school assessments. Jacob Ward is a historian at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. He has written in the history of science and technology, environmental history, business and financial history, and political history. He recently published Visions of a Digital Nation: Market and Monopoly in British Telecommunications (MIT Press, 2024) and he's currently working on a history of futurology in the United Kingdom and Europe from 1945 to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making a Grade: Victorian Examinations and the Rise of Standardized Testing (U Toronto Press, 2025) takes historiographic and sociological perspectives developed to understand large-scale scientific and technical systems and uses them to highlight the standardization that went into "standardized testing." Starting in the 1850s achievement tests became standardized in the British Isles, and were administered on an industrial scale. By the end of the century more than two million people had written mass exams, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics. Some candidates responded to this standardization by cramming or cheating; others embraced the hope that such tests rewarded not only knowledge but also merit. Written with humour, Making a Grade looks at how standardized testing practices quietly appeared, and then spread worldwide. This book situates mass exams, marks, and credentials in an emerging paper-based meritocracy, arguing that such exams often first appeared as "cameras" to neutrally record achievement, and then became "engines" to change education as people tailored their behaviour to fit these tests. Taking the perspectives of both examiners and examinees, Making a Grade claims that our own culture's desire for accountability through objective testing has a long history. James Elwick is Associate Professor at the Department of Science, Technology and Society, for which he is also Chair. He has written on the history of the life sciences and scientists including John Tyndall, Herbert Spencer, and T.H. Huxley, and is currently writing a history of academic integrity, viewed through the lens of students who cheat on their tests and other school assessments. Jacob Ward is a historian at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. He has written in the history of science and technology, environmental history, business and financial history, and political history. He recently published Visions of a Digital Nation: Market and Monopoly in British Telecommunications (MIT Press, 2024) and he's currently working on a history of futurology in the United Kingdom and Europe from 1945 to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent this week! OpenAI disclosed stats on mental health from its users' chats within ChatGPT. How deepfake videos are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate. Cybersecurity concerns over AI-powered browsers. And the latest from Adobe Max! Jacob talks about OpenAI's release of stats surrounding mental health, warning signs, and how its model is doing to recognize and support people in moments of distress. Mikah chats about how it's starting to become harder to recognize videos that are AI-generated. Mikah also talks about AI browsers and how slowly these browsers are becoming a ticking cybersecurity time bomb. And artist Joe Esposito joins us from Adobe Max to share everything that was announced at Adobe's annual creativity conference. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Joe Esposito Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit auraframes.com/ink ventionteams.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Shocking new research reveals how anyone with $750 can intercept unencrypted satellite data, exposing everything from government secrets to in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. Find out why decades-old vulnerabilities are still open and who actually wants it that way. Study: The World's Satellite Data Is Massively Vulnerable To Snooping You Only Need $750 of Equipment to Pilfer Data From Satellites, Researchers Say Hackers Dox Hundreds of DHS, ICE, FBI, and DOJ Officials DHS says Chinese criminal gangs made $1B from US text scams cr.yp.to: 2025.10.04: NSA and IETF Why Signal's post-quantum makeover is an amazing engineering achievement Court reduces damages Meta will get from spyware maker NSO Group but bans it from WhatsApp How I Almost Got Hacked By A 'Job Interview' New California law requires AI to tell you it's AI The European Union issued its first fines under the AI Act, penalizing a French facial recognition startup €12 million for deploying unverified algorithms in public security contracts Wikipedia Says AI Is Causing a Dangerous Decline in Human Visitors Texas hit with a pair of lawsuits for its app store age verification requirements Australia shares tips to wean teens off social media ahead of ban. Will it work? California enacts age-gate law for app stores Meta is asking Facebook users to give its AI access to their entire camera roll Meta poached Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, with a compensation package rumored to reach $1.5 billion over six years Even top generals are looking to AI chatbots for answers Roku's AI-upgraded voice assistant can answer questions about what you're watching Tesla debuts a steering wheel-less taxi for two Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Jacob Ward, Harper Reed, and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit ZipRecruiter.com/twit deel.com/twit zscaler.com/security zapier.com/twit

Jacob Ward, a technology journalist and author, delves into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), human behavior, and social change. He shares insights from his extensive experience in technology journalism, including his time as editor-in-chief of Popular Science and a correspondent for NBC News. Ward emphasizes the concerning trend of AI eroding our sense of agency, as companies increasingly deploy AI systems that exploit our cognitive shortcuts. He argues that while these technologies can enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks, they also risk diminishing our ability to engage in critical thinking and moral reasoning.Ward highlights the blind spots in how big tech companies market AI as productivity tools without addressing the psychological implications of their use. He warns that the commercial interests of these companies often align with amplifying our primitive decision-making instincts rather than fostering our rational and creative capacities. This dynamic can lead to a reliance on AI systems that ultimately detracts from our ability to make thoughtful decisions, similar to how over-reliance on navigation apps has impaired our sense of direction.The conversation also touches on the importance of intentionality when using AI tools in business contexts. Ward suggests that while it is beneficial to use AI for mundane tasks, users should be cautious not to let these systems dictate their work pace or decision-making processes. He advocates for using AI to free up time for more significant, creative thinking rather than allowing it to consume time with trivial tasks. This approach can help maintain a balance between leveraging technology and preserving our cognitive abilities.Finally, Ward discusses the regulatory landscape surrounding AI, noting that while innovation often outpaces policy, regulations are inevitable. He draws parallels between the current state of AI and historical industries like airlines and shipping, suggesting that the future of AI may resemble these heavily regulated sectors. As AI continues to evolve, Ward emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to its implementation, ensuring that it serves to enhance human capabilities rather than diminish them.

Jacob Ward warned us. Back in January 2022, the Oakland-based tech journalist published The Loop, a warning about how AI is creating a world without choices. He even came on this show to warn about AI's threat to humanity. Three years later, we've all caught up with Ward. So where is he now on AI? Moderately vindicated but more pessimistic. His original thesis has proven disturbingly accurate - we're outsourcing decisions to AI at an accelerating pace. But he admits his book's weakest section was “how to fight back,” and he still lacks concrete solutions. His fear has evolved: less worried about robot overlords, he is now more concerned about an “Idiocracy” of AI human serfs. It's a dystopian scenario where humans become so stupid that they won't even be able to appreciate Gore Vidal's quip that “I told you so” are the four most beautiful words in the English language. I couldn't resist asking Anthropic's Claude about Ward's conclusions (not, of course, that I rely on it for anything). “Anecdotal” is how it countered with characteristic coolness. Well Claude wouldn't say that, wouldn't it?1. The “Idiocracy” threat is more immediate than AGI concerns Ward argues we should fear humans becoming cognitively dependent rather than superintelligent machines taking over. He's seeing this now - Berkeley students can't distinguish between reading books and AI summaries.2. AI follows market incentives, not ethical principles Despite early rhetoric about responsible development, Ward observes the industry prioritizing profit over principles. Companies are openly betting on when single-person billion-dollar businesses will emerge, signaling massive job displacement.3. The resistance strategy remains unclear Ward admits his book's weakness was the “how to fight back” section, and he still lacks concrete solutions. The few examples of resistance he cites - like Signal's president protecting user data from training algorithms - require significant financial sacrifice.4. Economic concentration creates systemic risk The massive capital investments (Nvidia's $100 billion into OpenAI) create dangerous loops where AI companies essentially invest in themselves. Ward warns this resembles classic bubble dynamics that could crash the broader economy.5. “Weak perfection” is necessary for human development Ward argues we need friction and inefficiency in our systems to maintain critical thinking skills. AI's promise to eliminate all cognitive work may eliminate the mental exercise that keeps humans intellectually capable.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate. Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself. And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Zac Hall Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly pantheon.io uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate. Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself. And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Zac Hall Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly pantheon.io uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate. Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself. And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Zac Hall Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly pantheon.io uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate. Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself. And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Zac Hall Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly pantheon.io uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate. Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself. And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Zac Hall Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly pantheon.io uscloud.com cachefly.com/twit

OpenAI prepares to launch GPT-5 in August Trump's AI Action Plan Is a Crusade Against 'Bias'—and Regulation UN tech chief pleads for global AI regulatory cooperation Trump, who promised to save TikTok, threatens to shut down TikTok Google AI Mode has 100M users, 2.5 Pro & Deep Search rolls out FDA's New Drug Approval AI Is Generating Fake Studies: Report Tesla is set to face off with the California DMV over claims it exaggerated Autopilot's and FSD's capabilities and misled consumers, in a five-day Oakland trial Google, Microsoft say Chinese hackers are exploiting SharePoint zero-day A look at Tea, a woman-only safety app with 4M users that lets users anonymously assign red or green flags to local men, as it goes viral with 900K new signups People in the UK now have to take an age verification selfie to watch porn online Intel is laying off tens of thousands and cancelling factories AMD CEO Sees Chips From TSMC's US Plant Costing 5%-20% More Spotify Publishes AI-Generated Songs From Dead Artists Without Permission DJI couldn't confirm or deny it disguised this drone to evade a US ban FCC approves Skydance-Paramount merger Gwyneth Paltrow is the new face of a kiss-cam tech scandal Julian LeFay, 'Father of The Elder Scrolls,' Has Died Aged 59 Tom Lehrer, Musical Satirist With a Dark Streak, Dies at 97 Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Molly White, Janko Roettgers, and Jacob Ward Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: smarty.com/twit zscaler.com/security expressvpn.com/twit uscloud.com spaceship.com/twit