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.
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
With tariffs kicking in and stock prices taking wild swings, uncertainty has racked the US economy in recent weeks. What’s the best way to navigate your personal finances in a moment like this? Jeanne Sahadi, a senior writer for CNN Business, has some tips for weathering the storm.
Apr 29, 2025
If you’ve been to the airport recently, you might have noticed something different while going through security: a TSA agent taking your photo. Face scans can speed up the security process, but according to Dr. Joy Buolamwini, this technology comes with big picture risks. She explains what’s going on with these face scans — and how to opt out.
Read more about Dr. Joy’s nonprofit, the Algorithmic Justice League, here.
What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com.
Apr 22, 2025
Conspiracy theories can take many forms, from misgivings about the first moon landing to false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. As anyone who’s tried to reason with a conspiracy theorist knows, it’s hard to debunk such deeply held beliefs – and arguing with a loved one about them can be emotionally taxing. What if an AI chatbot could help? A recent study, published in Science, asked that very question — and the results were surprising. Thomas Costello, an assistant professor of psycholo...Show moregy at American University and co-author of the study, breaks down the findings.
Try chatting with the bot yourself at debunkbot.com.
What questions do you have about the technology in your life? Email us at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com.
Apr 15, 2025
