Sensemaker

Patricia Clarke, a Technology reporter at The Observer, dives into the complexities of AI-generated videos. She discusses the alarming scale of AI content on platforms like TikTok, highlighting billions of views on problematic posts. Patricia also examines how companies are responding, from watermarking to regulating AI media globally, and the challenges of accurately labeling AI creations. The conversation unveils the public's mixed feelings about AI content, alongside industry pushback advocating for human-produced material.

Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weight loss drugs can be transformative for people who have struggled with obesity. But with a spike in hospital admissions experiencing adverse reactions to the drugs, should we be doing more to regulate this growing market? Writer: James TapperProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini Babs Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 100ft wave is a big wave surfing milestone that was supposed to be impossible. Now, a young surfer from California is rumoured to have achieved it, breaking the official world record at the same time. The problem? Nobody can agree how big the wave was. Writer: Claudia Williams, with additional reporting by Ada BaruméProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsSecure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/sensemaker for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Benabides, a journalist specializing in high-altitude mountaineering, shares her insights on a controversial ascent of Everest. A group of climbers claims to have reached the summit in just five days using xenon gas, igniting debates about cheating in the sport. Angela explains the importance of acclimatization and warns about the unknown risks of xenon therapy. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications for Sherpas and the growing commercialisation of Himalayan expeditions, highlighting the evolving nature of climbing.

A recent survey reveals a remarkable rise in Gen Z church attendance, particularly among Catholics, climbing from 4% to 16%. The election of a new pope sparked viral conversations online. Georgia Clark shares her journey into church leadership through confirmation classes, highlighting how the church offers solace from online pressures. Influencers like Father Mike Schmitz have also played a role in attracting young Catholics. The discussion delves into whether the new pope can maintain this momentum and continue to resonate with the youth.

Join industry experts Chris Laverty and Iona Bain as they dive into the growing phenomenon of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services like Klarna. They explore how these platforms gained traction during the pandemic, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, thanks to their ease of use and lack of credit checks. However, the duo raises concerns about hidden debts, late fees, and the upcoming regulation requiring tougher affordability checks. Can this convenience really be sustainable, or is it leading consumers into deeper financial waters?

Bumble received more than 20,000 legal threats alleging that the app discriminated against men by not allowing them to make the first move.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now into her 52nd day of refusing to eat, the jailed Palestine Action protester Qesser Zuhrah is in mortal dangerReporter: John SimpsonWriter: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China has started construction of what will become the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibetan territory. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.