The Talking Heads

Episode 4: The Talking Heads in conversation with Professor David Stillwell


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Curious about how much your digital life reveals about your inner world—and where the line between helpful personalisation and outright manipulation lies? David Stillwell, Professor of Computational Science at the University of Cambridge, joined me for an open, thought-provoking dive into the nexus of big data, psychology, and the fast-evolving landscape of generative and Agentic AI. From creating the iconic MyPersonality Facebook app, which not only changed privacy laws but also helped millions uncover insights about themselves, to decoding how companies leverage our digital footprints, Professor Stillwell thoughtfully speaks through fascinating insights and challenging questions alongside challenging how we approach and engage in these conversations:

  • Do you truly have the right to opt out of profiling—and what are today’s tech giants really doing behind closed doors?
  • Where’s the line between tailored recommendations and psychological manipulation? Is it ever as clear-cut as it seems?
  • How close are we to working alongside AI “colleagues”—and what does that mean for your job, your attention span, and your sense of control?
  • What should society and policymakers do when technology moves faster than regulation ever could?

Expect candid chat, big ideas, and actionable takeaways—whether you’re an industry leader, a tech sceptic, or just want to understand what your “likes” are saying about you.

Don’t miss this timely episode that will leave you rethinking the digital breadcrumbs you scatter—and priming all of us to be part of the conversation shaping our technological future.

🚀 Tune in now and join The Talking Heads for insights that could change the way you live and work—today and tomorrow!

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The Talking HeadsBy Ghazaleh Youshani