People vs Algorithms

Emily, Brian and Troy delve into the complex world of influencers and celebrities as they navigate public scrutiny and fame in the digital age. They explore the societal impact of extensive phone use and the rise of influencers creating their own brands.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 An Unforgettable Trip to the Grenadines: The Start of an Influencer's Journey
• 01:12 Introducing 'People vs. Algorithms': A Deep Dive into Media, Tech, and Culture
• 01:17 Emily Sundberg's Unique Blend of Business and Culture in 'Feed Me'
• 02:31 Exploring the Complex World of Influence and Celebrity
• 08:11 The Intricacies of Being an Influencer and the Impact on Personal Identity
• 16:01 The Huberman Controversy: A Case Study in Celebrity and Accountability
• 30:52 The Future of Celebrity: Microdramas and the New Age of Public Scrutiny
• 38:19 The Unpreparedness of Rising Influencers
• 41:57 The Personal Touch in Building a Brand
• 47:06 Exploring the Future of Work and Influence
• 53:27 Navigating the Complexities of a Digital Career
• 01:03:13 The Impact of Technology on Society and Personal Life
• 01:06:48 The Good Product Corner

In this episode of 'People vs. Algorithms,' hosts Brian Morrissey, Troy Young, and Alex Schleifer engage in a wide-ranging discussion on how algorithms shape our cultural landscape, the future of AI in content creation, and the consequences of a digitally dominated world. They share insights from the Game Developer Conference about the optimism among independent studios and discuss the ramifications of algorithmic sameness across media. The episode features a detailed conversation with Kyle Chayka, a writer at the New Yorker and author of 'Filterworld,' centering on how algorithms are flattening culture and what it means for creators and consumers alike.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 Kicking Off at the Game Developer Conference
• 06:42 The Future of AI in Gaming: Opportunities and Challenges
• 08:40 Navigating the Complexities of AI Ethics and Open Source Debates
• 19:49 The Middle Management Dilemma: Efficiency vs. Human Touch
• 27:33 Listener Questions: The Future of Learning and AI's Role
• 34:01 The Digital Dilemma: Navigating Education and Work in a Tech-Driven World
• 34:48 Rethinking Education: A Vision for the Future
• 35:08 Introducing Kyle: A Deep Dive into Algorithms and Culture
• 35:48 The Impact of Algorithms on Culture and Individuality
• 38:41 Exploring the Future: The Role of Algorithms in Shaping Our World
• 43:02 The Algorithmic Influence: From Consumption to Creation
• 47:29 Navigating the Algorithmic Landscape: Personal Experiences and Strategies
• 51:36 The Future of Culture in the Age of Algorithms
• 55:59 The Personal and Professional Impact of Living Online
• 59:01 Envisioning a Future Beyond Algorithmic Feeds
• 01:06:28 Exploring Good Products

As Alex says, the ground is shifting more and faster than it has in some time in the tech world, which usually means gaping craters are opened to swallow up media companies. We discuss the Reddit IPO, X apparently pivoting to video – we recorded this prior to Don Lemmon announcing he wouldn’t be launching his show on X after an apparently disastrous interview with Elon Musk pissed off Musk, go figure – and the effort to ban TikTok.

We also have a guest this week. Tony Stubblebine joined us to discuss where Medium fits in the information space. We talked to Tony about how Medium aims to be the place for expert content, why journalism is apparently expensive to produce because journalists have to learn about the stuff they cover, and the frequent misalignment of incentives in the media business, particularly ones reliant on advertising.

Submit a question or comment for the show here: https://memo.fm/pva/

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 Introducing the Voicemail Feature: A New Way to Engage
• 01:44 Welcome to People vs. Algorithms: Unpacking Media and Tech Shifts
• 02:06 Deep Dive into Reddit's IPO and the Future of Social Platforms
• 02:44 Exploring Medium's Journey and Its Place in the Digital World
• 04:29 Listener Engagement and the Future of Podcasting
• 05:18 Analyzing Reddit's Strategy and Its Impact on the Digital Landscape
• 16:17 X Pivoting to Video
• 19:46 The Controversial Debate: The Potential TikTok Ban
• 25:20 Apple's Strategy and the Shifting Tech Landscape
• 32:21 Medium's New Direction Under CEO Tony Stubblebine
• 40:44 Evaluating Medium's Pivot to Subscription and Target Author Strategy
• 41:26 The Power of Expert Content in the Digital Age
• 43:03 The Debate Over Text vs. Video Content
• 44:05 The Importance of Writing in an Evolving Internet
• 44:55 Addressing Changing Consumer Habits and Content Consumption
• 48:56 The Future of Twitter and Social Media Platforms
• 50:36 Exploring Federation and Content Distribution Strategies
• 51:37 Navigating Negotiations with AI Companies
• 55:17 The Potential and Challenges of Reddit's IPO
• 58:13 The Role of Medium in Independent Expert Content Creation
• 59:39 Reflecting on the State of Professional Media
• 01:08:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
• 01:11:12 The Impact of Advertising on Business and Culture

This week, we discuss how to turn the ship at two very different companies facing different challenges: CNN and Google. At CNN, former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson is looking to reinvent the still very profitable broadcaster into a more nimble, digitally focused operation as its viewership and cultural importance fade. Google is facing its biggest threat yet in the form of AI and signs with Gemini AI image search that there might just be something to those complaints about a “woke culture.” Plus: nostalgia for websites, invisible paywalls and Substack’s next chapter.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 Opening Banter and Homework Check
• 00:05 Diving Into Mark Thompson's Memo and Corporate Speak
• 01:20 Introducing People vs. Algorithms
• 01:49 The Challenges at CNN and Google
• 02:29 CNN's Transformation and Strategy Discussion
• 07:13 Exploring the Impact of AI and Invisible Paywalls
• 11:38 The Future of Publishing and Websites
• 17:08 Debating the Role of Websites in Media Today
• 27:52 Substack's Strategy and the Future of Content Creation
• 33:32 Reimagining CNN's Strategy in the AI Era
• 45:27 Exploring Perplexity's Innovations and Potential
• 46:57 The Future of News: AI and Media Evolution
• 47:14 Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Media in the Digital Age
• 49:01 The Blurred Lines of Modern Media Brands
• 57:17 The Dilemma of Independence in the Media Landscape
• 58:57 Google's Leadership and Innovation Challenges
• 01:00:14 The Cultural and Structural Issues at Google
• 01:14:53 Redefining Product Management in Tech
• 01:17:04 The Essence of Good Content: Vice and Beyond
• 01:22:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

This week, we're joined by Puck fashion correspondent Lauren Sherman, who gives her view on how to build a career in journalism during what's billed as an "extinction event." Hint: persistence plays a big part. Plus: Troy gets nostalgic about Vice. 

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
• 01:06 Welcome to People vs. Algorithms
• 01:36 Guest Introduction: Lauren Sherman
• 01:49 Discussion on Media Industry Changes
• 03:41 Reflections on Podcasting
• 16:30 Guest Arrival: Lauren Sherman
• 18:01 Discussion on Fashion Industry
• 30:48 Surviving in the Journalism Industry
• 33:35 The Drive and Luck Behind Success
• 34:16 The Journey to Becoming a Staff Writer
• 34:37 The Role of Persistence in Journalism
• 35:00 The Intersection of Business and Fashion
• 35:33 Navigating High-Risk Career Paths
• 35:52 The Decision Against Starting a Business
• 36:35 The Importance of Being Part of Something Bigger
• 37:01 The Value of Having an Editor
• 37:27 The Challenges of Managing Your Own Business
• 37:46 The Dilemma of Moving into Management
• 38:18 The Pitfalls of Pushing Passionate People into Management
• 38:34 The Appeal of Working at Puck
• 39:41 The Struggles of Being a Manager
• 40:23 The Importance of Staying Close to the Product
• 41:25 The Reality of Working in the Media Industry
• 53:02 The Impact of Puck on Access and Influence
• 54:50 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel joins the show to discuss how a publisher reliant on search traffic is back in growth mode, the future of the affiliate business, the impact of generative AI on traffic-dependent publishing businesses, why performance comes before premium in advertising strategies and that time Prince played the Webby Awards.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction and Subscription Banter
• 01:24 Introduction to the Show and Hosts
• 01:38 Discussion on Media Industry and Technology
• 02:10 Introduction to Dotdash Meredith and its CEO
• 02:59 Discussion on Media Business and Advertising
• 04:22 Feedback and Contact Information
• 04:47 Discussion on Upcoming Guest and Industry Challenges
• 05:31 Discussion on AI and Technology News
• 09:07 Introduction of Guest Neil Vogel
• 09:31 Discussion on Media Business and Future Predictions
• 11:33 Discussion on AI and Content Generation
• 13:22 Discussion on Brand Advertising and Content Budget Allocation
• 39:42 Content Strategy Across Different Verticals
• 40:32 The Importance of Local Decision Making
• 41:11 The Role of Innovation in Media Industry
• 41:32 Exploring the Potential of Technology in Media
• 44:21 The Power of AI in Content Creation
• 44:35 The Future of Recipe Content
• 45:14 The Impact of Personalities in Branding
• 45:45 Reflections on the Print Business
• 48:56 The Challenges and Opportunities in Media Industry
• 49:34 The Role of Brands in the Digital Age
• 52:19 The Importance of Innovation and Taking Risks
• 54:06 The Future of Media in the Age of AI
• 54:48 The Power of Optimism in Leadership
• 57:46 The Impact of Celebrity Appearances in Events
• 01:04:29 The Influence of Google on Publishers
• 01:09:05 The Future of Content Creation with AI
• 01:11:31 Closing Remarks and Future Predictions

The arrival of AI means the paradigm of searching for information and entertainment will give way to instant delivery. This week, we discuss the implications for the media ecosystem.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Skip to topic:

• 00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
• 00:08 The Power of Virtual Reality in Work
• 00:26 The Exhaustion of Video Calls
• 01:12 Introduction to the Show
• 01:57 Discussion on the Evolution of the Internet
• 02:50 The Rise of Tech Empires
• 03:07 Surviving in the Age of Tech Empires
• 03:57 Super Bowl Discussion
• 06:38 The Impact of the NFL
• 09:35 The Power of Super Bowl Commercials
• 10:56 The Rise of Temu
• 14:53 "Spulu": A New Sports Streaming Service
• 22:59 The Struggles of Microsoft's Gaming Division
• 27:48 The Art of Negotiation and Independent Game Development
• 28:18 The Struggles and Successes of Entrepreneurship
• 28:57 Venture Capital and the Challenges of Scaling a Business
• 30:09 The Impact of Social Media Platforms on Engagement
• 33:00 The Future of the Internet and Content Creation
• 38:19 The Role of AI in Shaping the Internet Economy
• 42:22 The Importance of Unique Content and Branding in the AI Era
• 44:58 The Challenges and Opportunities of Content Creation in the AI World
• 47:51 The Future of Media and the Internet Economy
• 50:06 Final Thoughts on the Future of the Internet

In this episode Alex, Brian, and Troy, with guest Rafat Ali, discuss the future of technology, focusing on the Apple Vision Pro's impact on work, personal life, and media consumption. They explore its potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital content and the broader implications for traditional media and AI in content creation.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Skip to topics:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Virtual World
• 00:16 Exploring the Avatar's Appearance
• 00:33 Discussing the Potential of Virtual Reality
• 00:54 Debating the Implications of Body Mapping
• 01:04 The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior
• 01:49 Embracing the New Virtual Reality
• 02:12 The Practicality of the Virtual World
• 03:19 The Future of Virtual Reality
• 03:46 Overcoming Buyer's Remorse
• 04:00 The Virtual Workspace
• 07:39 Addressing the Dork Factor
• 20:55 The Future of Mainstream Media
• 23:11 The Role of Media in Today's World
• 34:08 The Future of B2B Media
• 39:16 The Impact of AI on Web Traffic and Journalism
• 40:24 The Limitations of AI in Complex Analysis
• 41:07 Exploring the Role of AI Chatbots in Business
• 43:22 The Future of Web Browsing and Information Retrieval
• 47:32 The Role of Tech Giants in Shaping the Internet's Future
• 48:40 The Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Journalism
• 51:11 The Evolution of Media Consumption
• 53:45 The Future of Media: Predictions and Speculations
• 55:53 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
• 58:08 The Impact of Technology on Media Consumption
• 01:00:32 The Future of Journalism in the Digital Age
• 01:02:27 The Role of Media in Shaping the Future
• 01:05:31 The Challenges and Opportunities in the Media Industry
• 01:07:18 The Future of Media: A Look Ahead
• 01:08:46 Conclusion: The State of Media Today

With an era of digital media ending in chaos, we look ahead to the challenges media companies face in fixing a product that in most instances is far behind the times.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Layoffs at The Los Angeles Times, the end of the road for Pitchfork, and an uncertain future for Sports Illustrated illustrate how digital media is architected to collapse the middle of the media business, leaving a precious few scaled players and many scrappy outfits.

• Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletter
• Brian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletter
• Alex Schleifer's Universal Entities
• Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter