Episodes

  • Why We're So Hooked on Scrolling

    Why We're So Hooked on Scrolling
    Jan 28 2025
    In an age of personalized algorithms and constant notifications, it can be hard to resist the pull of our devices. Why is it so hard to stop mindlessly scrolling? Cultural anthropologist Natasha Schüll some of her research on why we’re so hooked to our phones – and some thoughts on how to pull away from the infinite scroll.  What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • How Do You Fact-Check Social Media?

    How Do You Fact-Check Social Media?
    Jan 21 2025
    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the company is ending its partnership with third-party fact-checkers in the US because the program caused too much censorship on the company’s platforms. The announcement raised a big question: How much were third-party fact-checkers really responsible for what content stays or goes on Meta’s platforms? Carlos Hernández-Echevarría, head of public policy at fact checking organization Maldita.es, explains how the group fact-checks posts – and what happens to that content after they do. What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How You Stay Safe.

    AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How You Stay Safe.
    Jan 14 2025
    Gary Schildhorn sprang into action to help when he got a call in his son’s voice saying he’d landed in jail after getting into a car accident. That is, until he got a FaceTime call from his son, who was not actually in jail. Gary was the target of an AI voice cloning scam, one that nearly cost him $9,000. As AI technology advances, these scams are becoming more common and more effective. Digital forensics expert Hany Farid explains how the technology works and how people can protect themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • If TikTok is Banned, What Happens to Creators and Fans?

    If TikTok is Banned, What Happens to Creators and Fans?
    Jan 7 2025
    TikTok is facing a looming ban in the United States. The company will make a final effort to argue its case before the Supreme Court on Friday; if it loses, the law forcing TikTok to spin off from its China-based parent company or be banned in the United States is set to go into effect on January 19. Will that mean the app disappears from users’ phones overnight? Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, breaks down what the ban would look like for users, in practical terms. And influencers Eli Rallo and Joanne Molinaro, aka The Korean Vegan, share what it would mean for people who make a living from the app. What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • What You Should Buy Before Trump’s Tariffs

    What You Should Buy Before Trump’s Tariffs
    Dec 17 2024
    Many people voted for President-elect Donald Trump with the hope that he’d lower the cost of groceries and other essentials. But Trump’s promised tariffs on imported goods could raise the cost of products ranging from computers to cars to refrigerators. So, is there anything you should consider buying now, before that happens? CNN Business economics writer Elisabeth Buchwald has the lowdown. Read Elisabeth’s full article here. What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Should You Say Yes to a TSA Face Scan?

    Should You Say Yes to a TSA Face Scan?
    Dec 10 2024
    If you’ve been to the airport recently, you might have noticed something different while going through security: a TSA agent taking your photo. More than 200 US airports are now using facial recognition technology to identify passengers. Face scans can speed up the security process, but according to Dr. Joy Buolamwini, this technology comes with big picture risks. She explains what’s going on with these face scans — and how to opt out. Read more about Dr. Joy’s nonprofit, the Algorithmic Justice League, here. What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Remembering All Your Passwords is Hard. Let's Make It Easier

    Remembering All Your Passwords is Hard. Let's Make It Easier
    Dec 3 2024
    CNN Audio’s senior producer Haley has a confession: she uses the same password for everything. Research shows she’s not alone. Why is this a problem? And what’s the safest way to create and manage your passwords? Rachel Tobac, an ethical hacker and CEO of SocialProof Security, has some answers that won’t make your head spin. The password managers Rachel mentions include: Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, and KeePass What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Debunking Conspiracies This Thanksgiving? Let AI Help.

    Debunking Conspiracies This Thanksgiving? Let AI Help.
    Nov 26 2024
    Conspiracy theories can take many forms, from misgivings about the first moon landing to false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. These kinds of beliefs are nothing new, but social media has helped make many of them more mainstream. As anyone who’s tried to reason with a conspiracy theorist knows, it’s hard to debunk such deeply held beliefs – and arguing with a loved one about them can be emotionally taxing. What if an AI chatbot could help? A recent study, published in Science, asked that very question — and the results were surprising. Thomas Costello, an assistant professor of psychology at American University and co-author of the study, breaks down the findings. Try chatting with the bot yourself at debunkbot.com. What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins