What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the...
Every Friday and Sunday, Slate’s popular daily news podcast What Next brings you TBD, a clear-eyed look into the future. From fake news to fake meat, algorithms to augmented reality, Lizzie O’Leary is your guide to the tech industry and the world it’s creating for us to live in.
451
Should You Get an Antibody Test?
A layperson and a scientist talk us through what they’re good for.
22 min
452
How the Crisis Could Embolden Big Tech
While much of the economy suffers fallout from the coronavirus, the tech giants see an opportunity.
16 min
453
Can We Really Make a Safe Vaccine in 18 Months?
How fast is too fast when it comes to finding the fix for COVID-19?
20 min
454
Can the U.S. Really Track the Coronavirus?
Widespread contact tracing will be critical for preventing a resurgence of the coronavirus.
20 min
455
The Limits of Coronavirus Predictions
Can mathematical models chart the course of this pandemic?
16 min
456
Risking Your Life for $8.71
While much of the country shelters indoors, Instacart workers have found themselves on the front lines of COVID-19. Who’s keeping them safe?
18 min
457
Where Are All the Tests?
Here’s why America isn’t ready for widespread testing.
22 min
458
Big Tech Eyes the Pandemic
Silicon Valley’s biggest players have been trying to break into health care for years. The coronavirus may provide an opportunity.
20 min
459
What If They Close All the Schools?
As the coronavirus spreads across the country, many schools are considering moving their classes online. For many, that’s not a realistic option.
15 min
460
Did the Internet Doom a Pregnancy?
The real-life cost of online misinformation.
19 min
461
Did Money Corrupt an A.I. Utopia?
OpenAI was supposed to democratize the race to build artificial intelligence. Then profits got in the way.
17 min
462
Inside Facebook’s Supreme Court
The social network spent a year building its own version of an independent judiciary. Can it succeed?
19 min
463
Coronavirus Tests China's Surveillance State
As the virus spreads across China, Xi Jinping’s censorship and surveillance network is being strained to its limit.
15 min
464
Iowa’s App-ocalypse
The debacle in Iowa doesn’t bode well for Democrats’ effort to restore digital dominance.
15 min
465
Why Is the U.S. Scared of Huawei?
Britain’s defiance of the U.S over 5G may set a precedent for the rest of the West.
16 min
466
Which Tech Companies Are Doing the Most Harm?
As “techlash” reaches a fever pitch, which companies actually deserve the heat?
19 min
467
The Silicon Valley Dream Was Always a Fantasy
Anna Wiener details her journey through tech’s uncanny valley.
20 min
468
How Targeted Ads Started Watching Us All
Two companies changed the advertising industry forever. We’re just beginning to see the consequences.
17 min
469
Do Algorithms Make Sentencing Fairer?
Thirty-five states are using algorithms to help judges make better decisions. Are they working?
17 min
470
A Landmark Privacy Law Takes Effect. Now What?
California’s Consumer Privacy Act could have a national impact.
16 min
471
Ring: Your Doorbell Is Watching
The Shark Tank reject now partners with more than 600 police departments around the country.
17 min
472
Inside The Influence Economy
What we get wrong about the world of influencers, and why we should be paying attention.
16 min
473
What Is Google After Larry and Sergey?
With the founders stepping down, the tech giant enters uncharted territory.
16 min
474
Is TikTok Really a National Security Threat?
The app’s growing popularity in the U.S. has lawmakers worried about Beijing’s influence.
20 min
475
How WhatsApp Got Hacked
Private spyware companies help governments get around encryption, and business is booming.
19 min