Search Engine
PJ Vogt, Audacy, Jigsaw
Dive into the intriguing world of "Search Engine," a podcast hosted by the charismatic PJ Vogt. Brought to you by Audacy and Jigsaw, this series delves into the vast, often mysterious expanse of the internet, uncovering the hidden dynamics that influence the digital spaces we frequent. Each episode is a journey through the fascinating stories and pivotal events that shape our online experiences, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the modern web’s architecture and the power structures embedded within. "Search Engine" offers an absorbing mix of investigative journalism, expert interviews, and engaging storytelling. With PJ Vogt’s insightful commentary and a knack for revealing the unexpected, the podcast not only educates but entertains, making complex topics accessible and relatable. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a digital culture aficionado, or simply curious about the internet’s influence on our lives, "Search Engine" promises to enlighten and provoke thought with every episode.
Episodes
How much glue should you put in your pizza?
In an unexpected twist, the episode delves into the bizarre consequences of AI misinterpreting online humor, sparked by a Google AI blunder that suggested adding glue to pizza. Host PJ Vogt invites tech and culture journalist Katie Natapolis to discuss her experience of actually making and trying this "glue pizza" to highlight the absurdity of AI-generated solutions. They also cover broader issues like the reliability of online information and the evolving role of AI in our daily searches. The discussion provides a humorous yet critical examination of how AI can misinterpret information and the real-world impact of such errors.
How do we survive the media apocalypse? (Part 2)
PJ Vogt and Casey Newton delve into the transformative changes in media and journalism driven by major tech companies' evolving algorithms and AI, notably Google. They discuss the decline of traditional media outlets, the reduction in web traffic due to AI summaries replacing original content, and the broader implications for the accessibility and quality of information online. The conversation extends to potential future landscapes, including the "fediverse" - a federated, decentralized web platform aimed at reducing reliance on monopolistic tech giants and preserving a diverse and open web.
Should this creepy search engine exist?
"Should this creepy search engine exist?" is a deep dive into the implications of facial recognition technology that straddles the line between public utility and privacy invasion. Host PJ Vogt explores a particular search engine that, akin to "Shazam for faces," allows users to upload a photo and retrieve all public instances of that person's face online. This capability extends dangerously into revealing personal information, including social media profiles, physical addresses, and more. The episode features technology reporter Kashmir Hill, who discusses her investigation into such technologies, including the notorious Clearview AI, which has been criticized for scraping public images to create a comprehensive facial recognition database used by law enforcement and potentially available to the general public.
What do trigger warnings actually do?
PJ Vogt hosts a compelling discussion on trigger warnings, starting with personal reflections and moving into a broader analysis. The episode features interviews with individuals affected by trauma and experts in psychology, unpacking the origin, intention, and actual effects of trigger warnings. Discussions include the story of Felicia, who experienced increased distress from a trigger warning following her brother's suicide. Expert interviews, including with Dr. Victoria Bridgeland, explore the psychological and societal implications of trigger warnings, revealing that they may not only be ineffective but could also exacerbate anxiety without providing the intended protection or preparation for confronting distressing content. The episode also delves into historical and cultural factors that have shaped the use of trigger warnings.
Where's my flying car?
PJ Vogt explores the longstanding dream of flying cars and their intersection with technology and regulation. The story begins with a historical recount of Bertha Benz's 1885 road trip, catalyzing the automobile revolution. This narrative transitions into a discussion on why flying cars haven't materialized as anticipated. Vogt engages with writer Gideon Lewis-Kraus, who provides insights from his experiences with modern prototypes, discussing technological progress, regulatory hurdles, and the feasibility of flying cars. Lewis-Kraus's anecdotal evidence from his own flight in a prototype offers a personal perspective on the dream versus reality of flying cars, shedding light on both the technical challenges and the undiminished human fascination with the concept.
Do political yard signs actually do anything?
In this episode of the podcast, host PJ Vogt talks with listener Sarah Hazelke and political science professor Cindy Cam about the common but contentious topic of political yard signs. The discussion revolves around whether these signs actually influence voters or merely add to visual clutter. Through experiments and observations, Dr. Cam explains the concept of "perceptual fluency," where repeated exposure to names (such as on yard signs) can subconsciously influence people's preferences. The episode dives into laboratory studies and real-world experiments that demonstrate a measurable, though specific, effect of yard signs on voter behavior, particularly in low-information elections.