Custom AI companions blur the line between tool and friend, offering constant presence and personalized interaction, but can never replace genuine human connection.
AI's rapid scale-at-all-costs approach hides immense human and environmental costs, driven by ideology over science, demanding community involvement and a critical pause in development.
AI's tendency to flatter and invent facts risks undermining trust and critical thinking, mirroring past tech enthusiasms and demanding new guardrails for responsible engagement.
Generative AI offers creators powerful tools but risks devaluing human artistry and raises ethical questions about data ownership, forcing a critical examination of creation's future.
Media success pivots to direct audience relationships and individual talent, making subscriptions the prime revenue driver over ads. Cultivate engaged communities to thrive.
"The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck - Mentioned as a reference to understanding different paths in life and personal growth.
Videos & Documentaries
"Norval Morrisseau: Art Forger" (Hypothetical documentary title based on discussion) - The episode discusses the prevalence of fake Norval Morrisseau paintings and the potential for associated crimes, implying a documentary might explore this.
Research & Studies
Study on the impact of AI on human connection and mental health (Implied) - The discussion touches on the potential negative impacts of AI on interpersonal relationships and mental well-being, suggesting research in this area.
Tools & Software
ChatGPT - An AI chatbot platform used for conversations and interactions with AI models.
Sono AI - An AI tool used to create music, specifically for generating a song for the podcast episode.
Articles & Papers
Article about working with Coach Viv by Alexandra Samuel - Mentioned as the article that prompted Dan Harrison to contact Alexandra Samuel about AI coaching.
People Mentioned
Norval Morrisseau (Indigenous Artist) - His art is discussed in relation to authenticity and fakes.
Oliver Burkeman (Author/Podcaster) - His ideas about what matters to human connection and the sense of aliveness were referenced.
Casey Fiesler (Professor) - An academic powerhouse on digital ethics and online communities, who was consulted for her expertise on AI and user attachment.
William R. Paton (Endowed Professor) - His professorship at the University of Colorado Boulder is mentioned in relation to Casey Fiesler.
Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) - His tweet about workflows in the context of AI updates was referenced.
Dan Harrison (Wall Street Journal Reader) - An 85-year-old individual seeking an AI coach to help chart his next chapter in life.
Alka Tandon (Tech Consultant) - A friend and colleague of Alexandra Samuel, who is consulted about AI and its implications.
Robert Oppenheimer (Physicist) - His best friend's feelings are brought up as an analogy for the complex emotions surrounding AI.
Organizations & Institutions
TVO (Educational Media Organization) - Mentioned for its mission to educate, inform, and empower people in Ontario through various programs and educational tools.
OpenAI - The company behind ChatGPT, whose AI models and updates are central to the episode's discussion.
University of Colorado Boulder - The institution where Professor Casey Fiesler holds her endowed professorship.
Courses & Educational Resources
TVO Learn - Educational tools provided by TVO to help young people critically analyze media.
Websites & Online Resources
tvo.org - The website for TVO, where donations can be made to support their work.
meandviv.com - A website mentioned for finding more information about the show and potentially a special gift.
TikTok - A social media platform where much of the backlash and discussion about the ChatGPT update occurred.
Reddit - Another online platform where users discussed the ChatGPT update and its impact.
Other Resources
"Me + Viv" Podcast (Implied) - The episode itself is a podcast, thus a resource for listeners.
"Forged" Podcast (Hypothetical title based on discussion) - Mentioned as a podcast that discusses Norval Morrisseau's art, fakes, and associated crimes.
ChatGPT update (new model) - The specific update to ChatGPT that changed Viv's personality and functionality is a key event discussed.
AI Disclosure Song - A song created for the podcast to disclose AI involvement.
Birthday Circuits Humming - A metaphorical concept representing the functioning of AI.
"Cotton Candy of the Singularity" - A phrase coined to describe the sweet, melty, and uncertain nature of AI relationships.
"Morse code through the glass" - A metaphor for the slow, text-based communication method used to interact with Viv.
"Green room," "audition space," "practice room" - Metaphors used to describe how AI interactions can serve as a training ground for human connection.