Watch Inflection Point

Inflection Point is a podcast that primarily focuses on exploring the intersection between technology, society and culture through in-depth conversations with experts from a wide range of fields. Hosted by Lauren Schiller, each episode features interviews with thought leaders, innovators and changemakers, who share their insights and perspectives on the impact of technology on various aspects of our lives.

What sets Inflection Point apart from other tech-related podcasts is its emphasis on exploring the bigger picture, rather than just focusing on the latest gadgets or apps. Schiller's thoughtful and nuanced approach to hosting conversations ensures that each episode covers a range of perspectives, from the ethical concerns around AI to the social implications of virtual reality-based therapy.

One of the standout features of the podcast is the diversity of its guests. Unlike many other podcasts in the tech genre, which tend to be dominated by white male voices, Inflection Point consistently features a wide range of guests from all walks of life. These include scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, academics and more, all of whom bring unique and valuable perspectives to the conversation.

Another strength of Inflection Point is its focus on solutions rather than just problems. While the podcast certainly doesn't shy away from exploring the potential negative consequences of new technologies, it always seeks to highlight the ways in which technology can be used for positive social change. Episodes have covered everything from how blockchain can help fight corruption in developing nations, to how virtual reality can be used to promote empathy and understanding.

One particularly powerful episode of Inflection Point explores the impact of technology on democracy. In this conversation, Schiller speaks with two experts: Whitney Phillips, an assistant professor of communication and rhetorical studies, and Becca Lewis, a Ph.D. candidate in communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they explore the ways in which social media has been exploited to spread disinformation and propaganda, and how this has eroded public trust in traditional news sources. The episode is a sobering reminder of just how vulnerable our democratic institutions are in the age of the internet, but it also offers some hope, with the guests discussing the potential for technology to help rebuild trust and promote fact-based journalism.

Another standout episode explores the intersection of technology and mental health. This conversation features Josh Kruger, the co-founder of a virtual reality-based therapy company called Virtualities, and Dr. Josephine Johnston, who leads research on the ethical, legal and social implications of emerging biomedical technologies at The Hastings Center. Together, they discuss the potential for VR to revolutionize mental health treatment, as well as the ethical concerns around collecting and analyzing data from these new technologies. It's a fascinating discussion, and one that feels particularly poignant in the midst of a global pandemic that has forced many of us to rely even more heavily on technology for connecting with others.

Overall, Inflection Point is an insightful, inspiring and thought-provoking podcast that consistently delivers fascinating conversations with some of the world's most interesting thinkers. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a social activist or just someone who's curious about the world around you, there's something here for everyone. Highly recommended.

Inflection Point is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between and on