The Internet is Crack

Tech, and Music’s Future: A Conversation With Vanessa Briscoe Hay (Encore)

Vanessa Briscoe Hay, lead vocalist of "Pylon Reenactment Society" and formerly of the legendary Athens, Georgia band "Pylon" joins "The Internet is Crack" to talk about the intersection of technology and music. From the evolution of music to the rise of AI, we discuss how artists adapt to technology, and we even create an AI-generated song together.

Data and AI: A Conversation with Professor Taha Yasseri

This week, we sit down with Professor Taha Yasseri to discuss how AI shapes the data we see and the ways we interpret it. We explore how small changes in data and design can create major real-world outcomes, from chatbot gender to data privacy.

Power Play: A Conversation with Dr. Aram Sinnreich

This week, we sit down with Dr. Aram Sinnreich to talk about AI’s viability in a world increasingly dominated by corporate interests. Our conversation examines how powerful institutions influence and control this transformative resource, and how ordinary people can challenge and push back against overwhelming systems.

The Whole Story: A Discussion with Anita Say Chan

This week, we sit down with Anita Say Chan and discuss the past, present, and future of the use and misuse of data, along with the ethical lapses that have happened, are happening now, and will continue to emerge. We also talk about the sense of superiority this misuse fosters and the marginalization of groups who are most harmed by it.

Your Data Their Data: A Discussion with Dr. Michael Zimmer

This week, we sit down with Dr. Michael Zimmer to discuss data ethics: who has your data, and what they’re doing with it. We also dive into the Zuckerberg Files and the ethical challenges of studying digital data.

Free Expression: A Conversation with Jillian York

This week, we sit down with Jillian York, Director for International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). We discuss her work defending digital rights and the EFF’s broader mission to keep the internet free, open, and accessible for people around the world.

Stepping Back from the Screen: A Discussion with Professor Luke Stark

This week we sit down with Professor Luke Stark and discuss how humans interpret and make sense of digital technology, the ways we calculate and often miscalculate what these systems can actually do. Our conversation explores the messy, human side of digital life.

The Web We Deserve: A Discussion with Professor Sarah T. Roberts

This week, we sit down with Professor Sarah T. Roberts of UCLA and discuss how Big Tech has twisted the internet into a tool for profit and control.  Our conversation asks what it means to push back and reclaim a web that serves people, not just powerful corporations.

AI, the Internet, and the Future of Hollywood

This week, we sit down with Glen Reynolds, a veteran producer’s rep who has helped countless independent films find their way to audiences. With experience spanning production, sales, and distribution, Glen shares insights from every corner of the indie film business.

AI 101: A Conversation with Professor Michael Littman

This week, we sit down with Professor Michael Littman of Brown University to break down the basics of AI and reinforcement learning. He does a brilliant job of explaining how it works, why it works, and whether AI is actually intelligent or just really good at faking it.