#005: Can AI Companion Bots Replace Real Friends? Danielle Bayard Jackson, The Friendship Expert, Weighs In

#007: Is It Too Late to Opt Out? - Dr. Avriel Epps on Algorithmic Bias, Ai Harms, and Parenting Through Surveillance

What do bail decisions, Spotify playlists, and your child's future have in common? They're all shaped by algorithms, often without your knowledge or consent. Dr. Avriel Epps, founder of AI4Abolition, joins Siara to reveal the real-world consequences of algorithmic bias in areas like criminal justice, healthcare, and childhood development. They also discuss what it means to practice digital consent as a parent—from opting out of facial recognition at airports to refusing to post photos of their child online. Key Takeaways: * Algorithms are not neutral, they reflect the values, power structures, and historical biases embedded in their training data. * Algorithmic bias affects life-altering decisions, from bail and parole to medical diagnoses and mortgage approvals. * Surveillance technologies like facial recognition disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, especially in the criminal legal system. * Opting out is a form of resistance. Dr. Epps refuses airport facial recognition scans and doesn’t post photos of their child to practice digital consent. * AI already shapes childhood development, especially through platforms like TikTok and Character AI, often without safeguards. * Parents can protect privacy by delaying smartphone use and modeling critical digital habits. * The AI4Abolition initiative uses technology to build community-led alternatives to carceral systems and promotes collective data rights. * Spotify recommendation systems demonstrated algorithmic gender bias, highlighting how music platforms reinforce industry inequities. Chapters: 00:00 Intro/Teasers01:19 Predictive AI in the Criminal Legal System33:04 The Ethics of Opting Into Technology36:36 The Importance of Opting Out of Facial Recognition38:54 Technology as the Amazon Rainforest42:22 Teaching Kids About AI and Its Implications45:26 AI's Impact on Childhood Development49:45 The Dilemma of Sharing Children's Images Online55:38 Informed Consent and Children's Data58:52 Parenting in the Digital Age01:03:20 AI for Abolition: Building Collective Power

#006: Tyler Rice on Why Work Feels Like a Group Chat You Can’t Leave

In this episode, Siara sits down with Tyler Rice, founder of the Digital Wellness Institute and author of Tactical Disconnection, to explore how techno stress, doomscrolling, and always-on workplace culture are eroding our focus—and what we can do about it. They break down the concept of digital flourishing, why Gen Z might actually be leading the charge on digital wellbeing, and how companies are finally rethinking screentime and productivity. Whether you're feeling burned out, overloaded, or just ready for better boundaries with your devices, this conversation offers tactical ways to disconnect without falling behind. 00:00 Intro: Doomscrolling and Digital Wellness Wake-Up 03:02 Tyler Rice on Tech Boundaries & Workplace Culture 06:41 Techno Stress: The Hidden Cost of Screentime 11:06 Digital Wellbeing by Generation: Who’s Thriving? 13:04 Burnout & Office Culture: Why Digital Wellness Matters 18:49 What Is Digital Flourishing? A Healthier Framework 22:45 Balance, Boundaries & Belonging in the Digital Age 28:12 Digital Culture Change: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up 34:27 Rethinking Breaks, Burnout, and Always-On Norms 53:59 Is Digital Flourishing a Destination—or Daily Practice? * “Techno stress” is the cognitive overload caused by our constant interaction with digital devices—and most people experience it without knowing the term. * Digital flourishing is a positive, empowering framework focused on using technology mindfully rather than detoxing from it entirely. * Gen Z workers are surprisingly among the most digitally balanced in the workforce, often more aware of digital wellness than older generations. * Companies are increasingly recognizing that burnout and attrition are deeply tied to poor digital culture—and that fixing this improves retention, productivity, and employee morale. * Initiatives like communication charters, “You Do You” days, and digital wellness onboarding are changing how companies define work-life balance. * A fear-based approach to tech use (i.e. only focusing on the harms) is less effective than strategies that emphasize intentional, positive habits. * Employees can still take control of their digital lives, even in unsupportive workplaces—through anonymous feedback tools, screen-limiting apps, and clearer boundaries. * Writing down daily intentions and setting tech boundaries—even with friends and family—can help individuals avoid digital burnout and reclaim focus. Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvlsTvFKxh1u0gTmkZTj-OiWH3pTJdYDn] Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Log Out Report: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report] Find Tyler Rice Online: * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/tylerriceauthor/] * ⁠⁠Tyler's Personal Website⁠ [https://tylerriceauthor.com/] * Digital Wellness Institute [https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop8E_BBFBvz_CO-1rfMtLomTypjcw7ZDP8LAcqmdVQ6E1Oljdsf] * ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerrice12] Find Siara on social: * LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton] * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara] Follow Log Out: * LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/] * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/] * TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/logoutpod⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/logoutpod] * Threads: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod] * Mastodon: Logoutpod Other ways to Listen: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796] Amazon Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out] Watch the trailer: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Link⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRhGYv5FY4] Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠logoutpod.com⁠ [http://logoutpod.com/]

#005: Can AI Companion Bots Replace Real Friends? Danielle Bayard Jackson, The Friendship Expert, Weighs In

In this episode, Siara sits down with Danielle Bayard Jackson, the Internet’s go-to Friendship Expert, to explore how social media and AI are reshaping the way we connect with others. From TikTok’s friendship trends to the rise of AI companion bots, they unpack how digital platforms are complicating our closest connections — and what we might be losing in the process. Danielle shares insights on how to navigate digital etiquette, why loneliness is as harmful as smoking, and how to build more meaningful friendships in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.Key Topics:- Why AI companions can’t replicate real friendships- How TikTok is reshaping friendship culture- The hidden costs of digital body language- Loneliness as the new smoking- Why social media fosters comparison culture- Bumble BFF and the search for real-life connections- Why we’re tricked into feeling connected online- Emotional regulation in a world of public conflict Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lna2C8Qj1Fo Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Log Out Report: ⁠⁠https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report⁠⁠ [https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report] Find Cybersecurity Girl Online: * ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson/?hl=en] * ⁠Danielle's Personal Website [https://www.daniellebayardjackson.com/] * BetterFemaleFrienships.com [https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/] * ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefriendshipexpert?lang=en] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebayardjackson/] Find Siara on social: * LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton] * Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara] Follow Log Out: * LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/] * Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/] * TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Twitter: ⁠⁠https://x.com/logoutpod⁠⁠ [https://x.com/logoutpod] * Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod] * Mastodon: Logoutpod Other ways to Listen: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796] Amazon Music: ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out] Watch the trailer: ⁠⁠YouTube Link⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRhGYv5FY4] Visit our website: ⁠⁠logoutpod.com⁠ [http://logoutpod.com/]

#004: Cybersecurity Girl on Digital Hygiene, Safe Online Dating, Sextortion, and Apps That Spy

What if the biggest threat to your online security isn’t a hacker… but your own habits? In this episode, Siara sits down with Caitlin Sarian, better known as Cybersecurity Girl, to explore the digital risks most of us ignore. They unpack everything from personal cybersecurity tips and password security to employee surveillance, sextortion, and how apps might be spying on you. Caitlin shares the everyday decisions that make or break your online safety, the truth about Bluetooth and incognito mode, and why protecting your digital footprint has never been more important. Whether you’re worried about online scams, Apple Intelligence privacy concerns, or keeping kids safe online, this conversation offers a practical guide to protecting yourself in the age of convenience. It’s not about paranoia— it’s about control. Chapters 00:00 – Teasers 00:41 – Welcome: Why digital hygiene matters 05:11 – How Caitlin became Cybersecurity Girl 08:46 – Why personal cybersecurity is still an afterthought 13:39 – The simple habits that protect 99% of people 16:51 – Convenience vs. privacy: Do you really have to choose? 24:08 – Apple Intelligence and the future of online privacy 28:14 – Are your apps spying on you? 35:38 – Is your phone actually listening to you? 37:26 – The truth about Bluetooth and data exposure 39:05 – How to stay safe while dating online 51:03 – Tips for keeping kids safe online and avoiding sextortion 53:40 – When cybersecurity crosses into employee surveillance 58:23 – Caitlin’s daily digital safety habits 1:02:17 –Logging Out of Imposter Syndrome/ Logging into Potential Key Takeaways * Cybersecurity is a critical conversation that needs to be more mainstream. * Consumers must take responsibility for their own data privacy. * Businesses invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect their interests. * Basic cybersecurity practices can significantly enhance personal safety. * Dating safety requires caution and limiting personal information shared. * Family safety online is essential, and open communication is key. * Employees should be aware of workplace monitoring and their rights. * Personal habits, like avoiding suspicious links, are crucial for cybersecurity. * Imposter syndrome can hinder personal growth and confidence. * Community engagement and education are vital for improving cybersecurity awareness. Watch this episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edsJhsKVDzk&list=PLvlsTvFKxh1u0gTmkZTj-OiWH3pTJdYDn&index=5 [https://www.youtube.com/@LogoutPod] Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Log Out Report: ⁠https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report⁠ [https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report] Find Cybersecurity Girl Online: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cybersecuritygirl] * Cybersecurity Girl's Website [⁠https://www.cybersecuritygirl.com/⁠] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@cybersecuritygirl] * X: @cybersecgirl1 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-sarian/] Find Siara on social: * LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton] * Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara] Follow Log Out: * LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/] * Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/] * TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Bluesky: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/logoutpod⁠ [https://x.com/logoutpod] * Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod] * Mastodon: Logoutpod Other ways to Listen: Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796] Amazon Music: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out] Watch the trailer: ⁠YouTube Link⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRhGYv5FY4] Visit our website: ⁠logoutpod.com⁠ [http://logoutpod.com/]

#003: Going Light with Joe Hollier – Why the Light Phone Founder Ditched His Smartphone for Privacy & Peace of Mind

What if the solution to tech burnout… is using your phone less? In this episode, Siara sits down with Joe Hollier, co-founder of the Light Phone — a minimalist phone designed to be used as little as possible. They unpack the addictive nature of smartphones, the dark reality of the data economy, and why stepping away from the internet might actually bring us closer to ourselves. Joe shares what it’s like to live without a smartphone for over six years, how his design roots led him to rethink tech from the ground up, and why digital disconnection doesn’t mean opting out of modern life — it means reclaiming it. The conversation moves from AI and Big Tech ethics to the quiet rebellion of turning your phone into a tool, not a trap. Key topics include: * Why “dumb phones” are smarter than you think * What it's really like to give up your smartphone (and how it changed Joe’s life) * The business model behind smartphone addiction — and who profits from your attention * How the Light Phone is quietly building a counterculture of intentional living * Why your data is the real currency of free apps — and how Light Phone avoids third-party surveillance * The rise of minimalist tech and its growing appeal among kids, creatives, and schools * Why Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang partnered with Light Phone — and what it says about culture’s shift away from always-on living Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LogoutPod [https://www.youtube.com/@LogoutPod] Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Log Out Report: https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report [https://www.logoutpod.com/subscribe-log-out-report] Find Joe online: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hollier * Joe's Website: http://www.joehollier.com/ [https://x.com/random_walker] * Light Phone: https://www.thelightphone.com/ * Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Oil-Artificial-Intelligence-Difference/dp/069124913X?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2 [https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Oil-Artificial-Intelligence-Difference/dp/069124913X?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2] Find Siara on social: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/siara-singleton] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara [https://www.instagram.com/logoutwithsiara] Follow Log Out: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/log-out-report/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/logoutpod/] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Bluesky: https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc [https://www.tiktok.com/@logoutpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Twitter: https://x.com/logoutpod [https://x.com/logoutpod] * Threads: https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod [https://www.threads.net/@logoutpod] * Mastodon: Logoutpod Other ways to Listen: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/log-out/id1768630796] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3c258c5-cd4d-4ac3-92cd-de98c9fb359a/log-out] Watch the trailer: YouTube Link [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRhGYv5FY4] Visit our website: logoutpod.com [http://logoutpod.com/]