Behind the Bastards It Could Happen Here Weekly 215
5 snips
Jan 17, 2026 Ben Roseporter, a sociologist, joins the discussion to provide on-the-ground insights about CES and technology culture. He critiques emotional robot demos, arguing they don’t truly create empathy. The hosts explore the future of healthcare wearables, highlighting privacy concerns with sensitive biometric data. They delve into the ethical implications of VR grief therapy, emphasizing the complexities of using deceased avatars. The conversation also touches on global youth uprisings and their impacts on climate and geopolitics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Exoskeleton Cut CES Back Pain
- Robert and Ben tested a HyperShell exoskeleton at CES and found it reduced back and knee strain.
- Robert timed walking pace improvements and felt less lower‑back fatigue after a long day on the show floor.
Health Wearables Risk Your Biometric Privacy
- Health wearables promise powerful diagnostics but usually upload sensitive biometric data to cloud services.
- Robert warns that many companies casually accept selling health data to third parties for AI training.
VR Grief Therapy Puppeted By Therapists
- The Resolve XR VR grief therapy uses a therapist puppeting an avatar rather than a standalone AI.
- The hosts found the approach ethically fraught despite the company appearing to try to be responsible.