In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss a range of topics including the potential Hollywood actors’ strike, the success of social media app Threads, the rivalry between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the need for age gating and moderation on social media, and the future of nuclear power in combating climate change. They also touch on antitrust cases against big tech companies, the latest news from the FTC, and the state of CNN post Chris Lycht era. Join Kara and Scott as they provide insightful analysis and engaging discussions on these timely subjects.
The potential Hollywood actors’ strike is causing concerns in the entertainment industry. With 160,000 actors, game show hosts, stunt performers, and announcers involved, the strike could shut down most productions and promotional activities. This would be the first time in 60 years that the Emmys would be delayed, leading to economic problems and giving more leverage to the writers’ guild. The studios are using the strike as an opportunity to lower costs, but the rise of TikTok as a substitute for traditional TV and movie viewing could impact the outcome of the strike. It is suggested that the studios and actors should unite instead of seeing each other as enemies. Netflix, with its subscription model, benefits from the strike, while late night TV is expected to struggle. Overall, the winners and losers of the strike are yet to be determined.
Threads, a new social media service, has gained significant popularity with 100 million users in just five days. The app disrupts traditional social media platforms like Twitter, which has faced criticism for its strategy of elevating bad content and diminishing good content. Threads’ focus on people and sharp discussions of news has resonated with users, although there is room for improvement in areas like search and a chronological feed. The app’s high level of engagement and civil pushback on comments, along with its ease of use and pleasant design, contribute to its success. Despite comparisons to Google Plus and Facebook’s design, Threads is considered to be a better alternative with a less toxic culture.
The rivalry between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg has intensified, with Musk threatening to sue Zuckerberg and calling him a “cock”. Musk’s pursuit of understanding the true nature of the universe through X AI raises questions about the data set he uses and the potential implications of the technology. Meanwhile, Meta’s ad stack and technology position the company to potentially surpass Twitter in the next 30 days. The competition between Musk and Zuckerberg highlights the ongoing tensions and power dynamics within the tech industry.
The need for age gating and moderation on social media platforms is emphasized to address issues related to election and vaccine misinformation. Legislation allowing users to transfer their follower base to other platforms could provide a second chance for social media networks to prioritize user experience and combat misinformation. Elon Musk’s statement that existing AI platforms are “too woke” raises questions about the alignment between his pursuit of truth and the moderation practices of social media platforms. Balancing free speech and responsible content moderation remains a challenge in the digital age.
The role of nuclear power in combating climate change is a topic of discussion. While renewable energy sources are important, they may not be sufficient to meet global energy demands. New nuclear technologies are being explored as a potential solution. Nuclear power has a negative reputation, but it is considered a necessary component in the fight against climate change. To effectively address climate change, a comprehensive approach that includes renewables, nuclear power, and lifestyle changes is needed. Rethinking transportation systems and urban living is crucial in achieving sustainable energy practices.
In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway provide insightful analysis on various topics, including the potential Hollywood actors’ strike, the success of social media app Threads, the rivalry between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the need for age gating and moderation on social media, and the future of nuclear power in combating climate change. They offer thought-provoking perspectives and highlight the complexities and challenges within these areas. As always, Kara and Scott engage listeners with their dynamic discussions and thought leadership.