Researchers in Korea claim they’ve identified a material that could unlock a technological revolution: the room temperature superconductor. Material scientists are skeptical, but enthusiasts on Twitter are enthusiastic. Why is the internet so excited about superconductors?

Then, the Kids Online Safety Act is headed to the Senate floor. Would it actually keep children safe? And how would it change the internet?

Plus: Kevin and Casey play HatGPT.

Superconductor Superconfusion, KOSA’s Hidden Costs and HatGPT

“Hard Fork” is a show about the future that’s already here. Each week, journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore and make sense of the latest in the rapidly changing world of tech. 

Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To

“A clock is ticking on one of America’s most famous apps.”

TikTok on the Clock + Tesla’s Flop Era  + How NASA Fixed a ’70s-Era Space Computer

"I feel like we've been at the club. I need some water and some electrolytes."

The Music Episode

I’d rather not tell you what’s in this episode. It’s private.

A.I.’s Data Wall + a Surprise Privacy Bill + What Happened to the TikTok Ban?

"I've always said if you have a ChatGPT subscription and a hose, you can get very far in this life.”

Is AI Already Taking Jobs? + A Filmmaker Tries Sora + The XZ Backdoor Caper

“Being a CEO sucks. Elon was right. It is like looking into the abyss and chewing glass.”

Superconductor Superconfusion, KOSA’s Hidden Costs and HatGPT

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