WIRED’s new podcast, Uncanny Valley, takes a deep dive into Silicon Valley, from the rise of AI to the shifting tech culture that’s reshaping our world.
Recently, the show’s hosts Lauren Goode, Michael Calore, and Zoë Schiffer held an AMA on Reddit, answering burning questions from fans. Here’s what we learned.
1. The Growing Issue of AI “Slop” Online
What’s “AI Slop”? The hosts talk about “AI slop”—content made by AI that’s often inaccurate or repetitive. Think of spammy online articles, fake product reviews, and misleading ads.
Why It’s a Problem This low-quality AI-generated content can clutter the internet, making it harder for users to find trustworthy information. Platforms like Google and Meta rely on users to report these issues, but the hosts feel companies need to take more responsibility in filtering out AI-generated “slop.”
2. How They Pick Topics for the Podcast
Sources of Inspiration The stories discussed on Uncanny Valley aren’t driven by PR pitches. Instead, the hosts choose topics they’re curious about or issues they’ve heard about from trusted sources.
Why Curiosity Matters By focusing on topics that spark genuine interest, the hosts create episodes that are engaging and relevant. Curiosity helps them go beyond surface-level news and dig deeper into important tech trends.
3. The Role of Curiosity in Good Reporting
Staying Engaged and Inquisitive The hosts say that curiosity drives the best stories. Asking “why” something happened, rather than just reporting on events, leads to more meaningful stories.
Connecting with Audiences This approach helps them connect with listeners who are also curious and looking for tech insights beyond the headlines.
4. Michael’s Love for Budget-Friendly Phones
Affordable Tech Can Still Be Great Michael Calore, one of the hosts, is a fan of affordable smartphones, especially Google’s A-series Pixel phones. He believes people don’t need to spend a lot to get a good-quality phone.
Best Bang for Your Buck According to Michael, budget-friendly devices can provide great performance for everyday needs without the hefty price tag, making tech accessible to more people.
5. The Fediverse: An Alternative to Big Social Media Platforms
What Is the Fediverse? The Fediverse is a collection of decentralized social networks that allow people to communicate without relying on big companies like Meta or X (formerly Twitter).
Challenges to Widespread Use The hosts believe the Fediverse has potential to become a popular alternative to traditional social media, but it would need major tech companies’ support to succeed fully.
6. Lauren Is Writing a Book (Coming Soon!)
About the Project Fans of the podcast will be happy to know that host Lauren Goode is working on a book, set to be published in 2025. The book’s content hasn’t been revealed, but it’s clear that balancing this project with her work at WIRED and Uncanny Valley is a big commitment.
Why This Matters Lauren’s upcoming book is likely to explore similar tech themes and offer a deeper dive into Silicon Valley culture, giving fans more of what they love about Uncanny Valley.
7. AI and Tech Tools Are Top VC Investments Right Now
Where the Money Is Going While artificial intelligence is getting the most venture capital funding, other fields like productivity software, clean energy, and healthcare are also receiving significant attention from investors.
Why It’s Important This trend shows where Silicon Valley’s focus is shifting, with tech firms exploring innovations in areas that impact daily life and sustainability, not just cutting-edge technology.
8. Why Holding Tech Companies Accountable Matters
Reminding Companies of Past Promises The Uncanny Valley team keeps track of promises made by tech giants. When these companies fall short, the hosts call them out, holding them accountable to the public.
Building Transparency By doing this, they help users see how tech promises impact us in real life, shedding light on issues that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
9. The Truth Behind “New” Features on Social Media
Not Always New Zoë Schiffer shared how, during her reporting on Elon Musk’s social platform X, she had to check whether “new” features were actually new. Sometimes, companies recycle old ideas or rename them to appear fresh.
Why This Happens Tech companies often rely on rebranding features to retain user interest. Uncanny Valley helps uncover these rebranding tactics, showing listeners what’s genuinely new and what’s just a marketing spin.
10. They Keep a Fun Stash of Office Snacks
Snacks for Long Days A Reddit user asked a lighthearted question about office snacks, and the hosts confirmed they’re well-stocked with Halloween candy. It’s a fun detail that shows the more personal, behind-the-scenes side of Uncanny Valley.
Why Small Details Matter Little insights like these make the podcast team feel more relatable and human. It’s not just about tech; it’s about connecting with fans who share their interests.
Uncanny Valley Stands Out
Uncanny Valley isn’t your typical tech podcast. The hosts aren’t just covering Silicon Valley’s latest trends—they’re questioning them, holding powerful companies accountable, and bringing curiosity to every episode. They prioritize meaningful topics, explore the true impact of technology on our lives, and stay down-to-earth. With their journalistic approach and relatable style, they’re bridging the gap between complex tech issues and everyday listeners.
For anyone curious about the latest in tech or looking for honest conversations about Silicon Valley, Uncanny Valley is a must-listen. They’ll keep you informed, entertained, and always questioning the digital world around you.
