
People vs Algorithms Best/Worst of Times
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Feb 20, 2026 They explore the orality thesis and how a shift toward spoken, performative communication reshapes persuasion and politics. They map what’s actually working in media today: audience-first brands, B2B pivots, expert newsletters, and creator monetization. They also dig into AI’s rise on YouTube and the tension between disposable algorithmic content and craft-driven, durable media.
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Orality Is Reshaping Thought
- Joe Biden's "orality thesis" argues culture is shifting from written, analytical thought to spoken, memetic communication.
- Troy warns this favors performative, memorable language over abstract reasoning and deep analysis.
Doom Narratives Dominate Feeds
- Andrew Yang predicts rapid white‑collar displacement from AI, sparking doom narratives online.
- Brian frames these extremes as winning attention and competing to be the "main thing" in feeds.
Build A Coordinated AI Policy Response
- Coordinate policy responses to AI risks: taxes, safety nets, retraining, provenance and liability frameworks.
- Troy urges international cooperation and a future‑work task force to prepare for displacement.
