Never have I ever | Planet Money

Intro

In this episode of the “Planet Money” podcast titled “Never have I ever,” the hosts explore the concept of economic diversity and the impact of new technologies on different industries. They visit an Outback Steakhouse to investigate the findings of a research study on socioeconomic mingling and challenge experts to experience things they have written about but never done before. The episode also delves into the history and misrepresentation of the Luddites, as well as the potential effects of self-driving trucks on the labor force.

Main Takeaways

Economic Diversity at Outback Steakhouse

• Researchers used cell phone tracking data to map out socioeconomic diversity in America and found that rich, poor, and middle-class people are most likely to mingle at moderately expensive chain restaurants like Applebee’s, Olive Garden, or Outback Steakhouse.
• Visiting an Outback Steakhouse in Queens, the hosts gather anecdotes about people of different income levels hanging out there and find that it serves as an economic melting pot.
• Cross-class friendships formed at places like Outback Steakhouse can be beneficial for economic mobility.

The Luddites and Misconceptions

• The term “Luddite” has been misunderstood and misrepresented in popular consciousness.
• The Luddites initially petitioned Parliament for help and proposed policies to protect their livelihoods, but when their pleas were ignored, they resorted to targeting the machines automating their work.
• Public sentiment turned against the Luddites after a violent attack, portraying them as ignorant reactionaries fighting against progress.
• The Luddites recognized the human cost of new technologies, such as the replacement of workers and the exploitation of labor.
• Author Brian Merchant challenges the idea that new technology is always good and argues for the rehabilitation of the Luddites.

The Impact of Self-Driving Trucks

• Self-driving trucks are expected to disrupt the trucking industry and potentially lead to the loss of millions of jobs.
• Factors like age and the potential obsolescence of skills influence the decision to enter the trucking industry.
• Researchers predict rising wages, falling employment, and an aging workforce in anticipation of self-driving trucks.
• Historical data on the transition from horse-drawn to motorized trucks validates the theory of labor market response to disruptive technology.
• Occupations in various industries may face displacement due to automation and new technologies.

Summary

Economic Diversity at Outback Steakhouse

Using cell phone tracking data, researchers have identified that moderately expensive chain restaurants like Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and Outback Steakhouse attract a mix of rich, poor, and middle-class individuals. The hosts of the podcast visit an Outback Steakhouse in Queens to validate these findings. They engage with the staff and customers, trying the signature dish, the Bloomin’ Onion, and speaking to a paralegal named Julia. Julia confirms that people from different socioeconomic backgrounds come to the Outback Steakhouse and even form friendships there. This reinforces the notion that the restaurant serves as an economic melting pot, where individuals from various income levels can connect and mingle.

The Luddites and Misconceptions

The podcast explores the history of the Luddites, who were initially peaceful and sought help from Parliament to protect their livelihoods. When their pleas were ignored, they resorted to targeting the machines that threatened their work. However, public sentiment turned against them after a violent attack, perpetuating the idea that they were anti-technology and stuck in the past. The episode challenges this misconception and highlights the Luddites’ recognition of the human cost associated with new technologies. Author Brian Merchant argues for the rehabilitation of the Luddites, challenging the notion that opposing new technology is always foolish.

The Impact of Self-Driving Trucks

The podcast discusses the potential impact of self-driving trucks on the trucking industry and the labor force. Self-driving trucks are expected to disrupt the industry, potentially leading to job losses. Factors such as age and the anticipation of obsolescence influence the decision to enter the trucking profession. Researchers predict rising wages, falling employment, and an aging workforce as a result of self-driving trucks. They analyze historical data on the transition from horse-drawn to motorized trucks to validate their theory. The changing vocational landscape due to automation and new technologies may lead to the displacement of certain occupations in various industries.

Conclusion

This episode of the “Planet Money” podcast explores the economic diversity found at moderately expensive chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse, challenges misconceptions about the Luddites, and examines the potential impact of self-driving trucks on the labor force. It highlights the importance of cross-class friendships for economic mobility and the need to consider the human cost of new technologies. The episode encourages a nuanced understanding of these complex topics and the recognition that progress does not always come without consequences.