podcast
Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
New technologies like artificial intelligence, facial recognition and social media algorithms are changing our world so fast that it can be hard to keep up. This cutting-edge tech often inspires overblown hype — and fear. That’s where we come in. Each week, CNN Tech Writer Clare Duffy will break down how these technologies work and what they’ll mean for your life in terms that don’t require an engineering degree to understand. And we’ll empower you to start experimenting with these tools, without getting played by them.

For doctors, diagnosing diseases early is a huge priority. New AI systems can analyze medical tests and images to help diagnose patients faster and more accurately, potentially picking up on patterns or issues that doctors can’t. Dr. Pierre Elias, a cardiologist and the Medical Director for Artificial Intelligence at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, explains why he’s hopeful about the lifesaving potential of this technology.
Jul 1, 2025
AI-generated art is sweeping the internet. With programs like Midjourney or DALL-E, users can generate images from text prompts in seconds. Should working artists be alarmed by these tools? Sheena Iyengar, a professor at Columbia Business School, says not quite. In a recent study, she had participants rate AI-generated art versus human-made art — and found that people still like human-made art more.
Jun 24, 2025
Tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose is relaunching Digg, the Reddit-like platform he founded in 2004. He’s doing it with an unlikely partner: Reddit co-founder and former rival Alexis Ohanian. In a moment when bots and AI-generated content are flooding the internet, leading to more division and confusion, they say their goal is to make social media human again. Kevin explains what exactly that means, and why now.
Jun 17, 2025
From smartwatches to rings, the market for wearable health trackers has exploded in recent years. There are also apps to track your sleep, your exercise, your food intake and more. Can this tracking technology really lead us to make healthier choices? Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and CNN's health and wellness expert, weighs in.
Jun 10, 2025
Children and teens are spending more time than ever in online gaming spaces. But how safe are these platforms for kids? David Baszucki has thought about this question a lot. He’s the co-founder and CEO of Roblox, an online game platform that millions of young people use every day. Clare spoke with him while he was in Washington, DC, talking to members of Congress about how to protect kids online.
Jun 3, 2025
Self-driving cars have hit the streets of several US cities. And even in human-driven cars, giant tablet screens and automated driver assistance features can make it feel like a computer is your co-pilot. What does this all mean for the future of driving? Aarian Marshall, staff writer at WIRED, has tips for drivers and passengers alike.
The Mozilla report Aarian mentioned about the data different car companies collect is here.
Have you ridden in a self-driving car? Let us know what it was like! Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com.
May 27, 2025
As US travelers gear up for Memorial Day, one question is on many people’s minds: Is it safe to fly right now? In the wake of frightening headlines about plane crashes and communication issues, Pete Muntean shares some insights. He’s CNN’s aviation and transportation correspondent – and a pilot himself.
May 20, 2025
From “looksmaxxing” to “glass skin,” algorithms are changing how we define beauty — online and in real life. In a world of ever-evolving beauty trends and hyper-realistic AI filters, journalist Elise Hu has some tips for navigating it all.
Elise’s book is called Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital. You can also hear her on Ted Talks Daily and NPR.
What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com
May 13, 2025
After 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March, VC-backed genetic testing company Nucleus Genomics put up its hand to acquire the platform. Nucleus uses whole-genome testing to give users a fuller picture of their DNA. The company also recently released a new feature that raised eyebrows among some ethicists. Kian Sadeghi, Nucleus’ founder and CEO, lays out his vision for a future where genetic testing tells you a whole lot more than who your ancestors are.
May 6, 2025
Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out.
Listen to Persuadable here.
May 2, 2025