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There Is No AI (It's Just People) with Jaron Lanier
Editor’s Note: In this special edition episode of StarTalk, host Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Gary O’Reilly, and comedian Negin Farsad sit down with computer scientist and “father of virtual reality” Jaron Lanier. Together, they explore the evolution of the internet, the societal impacts of social media addiction, and why we should view artificial intelligence as a human collaboration rather than an independent creature. The conversation dives deep into alternate tech business models, data dignity, and finding a constructive path forward for the future of technology.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: Why do UFO sightings persist? Are at least some of them figments of our imagination, or are we missing something? In my latest book, Take Me to Your Leader, I actually explore what’s possible in this universe, given the universal laws of physics. If the aliens are out there, the laws of physics will dictate how they find us. I also narrated the audiobook, so I’m duly informed that the audiobook and the print version are available now wherever books are sold. This is StarTalk Special Edition, which means I got Gary O’Reilly, co-host here. Gary, how you doing, man?
GARY O’REILLY: I’m good, Neil. Over in London. London though, so slightly remote.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: Okay, only slightly. On the scale of the universe, you’re right next door. I also have with me Negin Farsad. Negin, welcome back to StarTalk.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: It’s been too long, I miss you.
NEGIN FARSAD: Absolutely. I have to say, you don’t look a day over the last time we talked about dark matter.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: Okay, now let me figure out how old I would need to be for that. You’re a comedian, you’re also a TED Fellow for social justice. That’s a thing?
NEGIN FARSAD: I mean, I do comedy that tries to save the world.
NEGIN FARSAD: And it’s worked, guys. That’s why we live in utopia.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: Fake the Nation, that’s the coolest title ever.