How influencer culture has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry  and shaped the way we present ourselves online.

The influencer industry, 15 years on

Spark on CBC Radio One Nora Young helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To

The Olympics are just around the corner, and this summer in Paris, officials are planning a suite of security tools bolstered by AI — from spotting abandoned packages to predicting the movement of crowds. But as AI security rolls out for major public events, and at our borders, how do we balance safety, security, and privacy and guard against this becoming the new normal? 

AI surveillance at the Olympics and on our borders

From coveting Walkmans to using point-and-shoot cameras, there's been a growing trend over the past few years of teens wanting multiple, single-purpose, un-connected devices. It's not all about the past, though. Captivating new AI character bots are helping teens practice socializing, and giving them novel ways of learning in the classroom too.

For teens, everything old is cool again

Nora Young and Michelle Parise chat about 17 years of making Spark and listen to some messages from very special guests. 

BONUS - A Farewell

AI, social media, and virtual work pretty much dominate the cultural conversation around technology and our lives. Is it 2007 or 2024? Join host Nora Young as she revisits and reflects on the first time we covered those topics starting 17 years ago!

The First Time We Covered ...

There's been an explosion of mental health content on social media, both by licensed professionals and influencers. Is that a welcome step in destigmatizing mental illness, or is it fostering a culture of misinformed self-diagnosis?

The influencer industry, 15 years on

Download our free app to listen on your phone