Demystifying Technology with Rebecca Gorman

Ep 3 - Dear AI, We Don't Run on Algorithms

Breaking Free: We have the opportunity to decide how to live mindfully In the most recent episode of our Demystifying Technology podcast, Rebecca Gorman argues that despite technocapitalists' envisions of inevitable AGI dominance, we ultimately possess the power to shape our collective futures. Throughout the episode, Rebecca explores: * The myth of AI driven job cuts and the self fulfilling prophecy of AI’s role in the workplace * The growing reliance on private companies’ devices to access essential public services * A shift in technology’s purpose: a resource for adaptation to a force which we must adapt to * A reclamation of agency amidst the pervasion algorithmic influence Listen for an empowering discussion on the resiliency of the human spirit in a seemingly all-consuming digital age.  00:00 - Introduction: Taking Back Control from Technology 00:50 - Audience Questions: The Future of AI and Job Security 02:49 - Public Perception and Media Influence 04:05 - Tech Companies and Control: Public Response 08:34 - Choosing and Defining Technology 10:59 - Public Infrastructure and Privacy Concerns 18:04 - Youth and Legislative Change 18:42 - Adapting to the Technosphere 19:56 - Conclusion: Mindful Living in a Tech-Driven World

Do You Believe in m(AGI)c?

In this episode, Rebecca Gorman traces the history of magic and its parallels to modern technology, from its power to astonish to its susceptibility to deceive. She argues that technology companies intentionally obscure their large language models, fostering an aura of mystique and omniscience. Gorman also explores corporations’ growing state-like capacities, governments’ failure to enforce meaningful regulation, and our collective potential to unseat the supremacy of Big Tech—deploying technology that complements, rather than diminishes, the human experience. 01:01 - Training AI on Emotions 08:58 - The Wizard of Oz Effect in AI 17:10 - The History of Magic and Technology 20:57 - Historical Perspectives on Magic and Deception 21:50 - The Role of Academia and Industry in Public Trust 23:19 - Positive and Negative Aspects of Technology 24:16 - The Impact of Tech Industry Dynamics 28:49 - Regulation and Enforcement in Technology 37:18 - Democracy and Technological Infrastructure 45:06 - Public Awakening and Positive Shifts in Technology

Pilot - Oct 17 2025 - OpenAI Says Let's Talk About Sex(bots)

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Beginnings 00:24 - The Tweet That Sparked the Conversation 01:14 - Sam Altman's Controversial Tweet 03:06 - Mental Health Concerns with Chatbots 04:06 - The Human Line Project and Chatbot Abuse 09:32 - The Release of GPT-5 and Public Reaction 12:21 - OpenAI's Business Decisions and Public Perception 16:00 - Youth and Chatbot Interactions 20:05 - The Chatbot's Impact on Human Connections 21:43 - Legal and Ethical Concerns of Chatbots 23:36 - Government Actions and Enforcement 24:56 - The Role of Engineers and Companies 30:09 - Historical Context and Personal Anecdotes 37:02 - Scaling Laws and Future Implications https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/sam-altman-openai-economy-crash https://www.forbes.com/sites/hamiltonmann/2025/10/25/californias-first-step-toward-artificial-integrity-sb-243-moves-to-protect-human-agency-from-ai/