Will AI Ultimately Lead to Our Destruction?

Leah Feiger: I really appreciate the nostalgic element. I long for my Motorola Razr. I think about it daily. It may not have all the same features, but it serves its purpose.

Brian Barrett: It’s amusing, isn’t it? Picture your Motorola Razr, but it opens sideways instead of up and down, featuring one large screen without any buttons. T9 texting is out of the picture, but you can watch YouTube on it!

Leah Feiger: Honestly, I’m just waiting for the first news story to pop up from the quiet car of the Acela between DC and New York, where someone from the administration didn’t realize how large that screen is when it’s unfolded and all the messages visible.

Brian Barrett: Oh, that’s going to be fantastic.

Leah Feiger: This will be the new era for eavesdropping. Also, congratulations to Apple. That’s what I’m really excited about.

Brian Barrett: Leah, what would convince you to buy a foldable phone?

Leah Feiger: The price would need to drop significantly, definitely below $2,000.

Brian Barrett: Absolutely.

Leah Feiger: I can’t wait for Zoë to return next week and share her new purchase. To clarify, I don’t believe she’s bought one yet, but it would be hilarious if she did.

Brian Barrett: I have a hunch she will.

Leah Feiger: Our next topic revolves around the US Census Bureau, which may not be as glamorous or seemingly life-threatening as our earlier discussions, but it’s incredibly significant. Last month, the bureau released a report claiming to support President Donald Trump’s assertion that noncitizen voting cost him the 2020 election. He promoted the report on Truth Social, declaring, “I won the election.” As we’ve discussed before, this is among Trump’s preferred conspiracy theories; he just can’t let it go. WIRED reporters, Vittoria Elliott and David Gilbert, investigated how this particular report was created, who authored it, and found numerous inconsistencies. If you’re listening and wondering why a US Census Bureau report concerns you, since they primarily handle census data, detailing population counts and family sizes—you’re not entirely off base, but it’s crucial information. These reports provide insights into people’s lives, and while the average citizen shouldn’t have to know every detail, the current political climate makes understanding these nuances important for grasping the complete picture.

Brian Barrett: Just to clarify, I do care.

Leah Feiger: Yes, you do care! Great! Shall I give you a quick rundown of what the report contains, Brian?