On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Emanuel Maiberg, journalist and co founder of 404 Media, to explore how AI companies are buying up old and rare books for training data.

They discuss reports of books being physically cut apart and scanned, why obscure manuals and textbooks are particularly valuable to AI companies, and what could be lost when printed material is destroyed.

Maiberg also explains how 404 Media tracked a shipment using an AirTag and uncovered evidence of books being scanned and destroyed at an Amazon warehouse.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by psychotherapist Colman Noctor to explore how social media, algorithms and AI are changing the way we communicate and connect.

They discuss the pressure on young people to chase likes, views and online recognition, and how algorithms can encourage risky behaviour.

Noctor explains why human relationships need real world interaction, disagreement and everyday connection, and what we risk losing when we outsource too much of our social lives to technology.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

Colman Noctor TEDxTalk

https://youtu.be/fHTHPYj2zl0?si=z0k5L1FQvYdY82m4

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On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Katie Byrne is joined by producer JJ Clarke to explore how algorithms shape what we watch, buy and believe, and the digital defences that can help us take back control.

They discuss the addictive pull of social media, why JJ keeps his phone out of the bedroom, and whether technology can help us switch off.

They also examine the growing role of AI as a confidant, the rise of AI jealousy in relationships, and whether computer companions could ever replace genuine human connection.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.