Superintelligent

Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the future of home automation by debating the merits of humanoid robots versus the new concept of "ambient robotics." They discuss why invisible tech like self-cleaning litter boxes beats Elon Musk’s lawn-mowing androids and how Carnegie Mellon is creating kitchen appliances that anticipate what you need. The duo also shares their 2025 tech resolutions, covering everything from Mike’s backpack weight-loss plan and Emily’s grayscale strategy for digital detoxing in the new year.LinksGo gray, not cray: why you should grayscale your phoneToras phone cases1X NeoCarnegie Mellon University’s “ambient computing” researchHeath Zenith self-charging doorbellApple AirPods 4Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 New Year, New Resolutions05:53 Tech Resolutions and Screen Time11:27 Social Media Strategies and Engagement16:17 The Future of Robotics and Ambient Technology22:52 The Rise of Ambient Robotics29:05 The Future of Home Automation34:03 Challenges of Smart Home Technology40:30 Reflections on Technology and User ExperienceKeywordsSuperintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, tech resolutions, digital detox, iPhone grayscale, screen time, smartphone addiction, backpack, Toras case, humanoid robots, 1X Neo, ambient robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Violet Han, smart home, home automation, AI, AirPods 4, adaptive audio, kinetic doorbell, smart home fatigue, invisible tech, consumer technology This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com

In this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the new trend of old tech. Younger people are ditching smartphones and embracing flip phones. They unpack stories of Gen Z and millennial “lone wolves” who gave up TikTok, dating apps and infinite scroll for deeper work, better sleep and real-world skills.Links“The Matrix” flip phoneTCL FLIP 4 5G flip phoneCAT S22 flip phoneThe Last Useful ManMental Health in the Scroll AgeTop 8 Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025StickerboxPalantir CEO Says Legalizing War Crimes Would Be Good for BusinessFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Mike and Emily challenge their bias that all AI relationships are bad using a real world example—with a scandalous twist. With companion chatbots becoming more common, how do people resist delusion? What’s the end point for simulated relationships?LinksJoi.aiBlade Runner 2049’s JoiReady for the ‘torment nexus’?HerFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Exploring AI Companionship03:53 The Story of Jim: A Case Study08:24 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships14:48 The Dangers of Delusion in AI Interactions20:38 Exploring Human Connection and Loneliness23:02 The Reality of Digital Relationships25:09 The Impact of AI on Human Emotions27:09 The Future of Virtual Companionship30:34 The Dystopian Vision of Technology32:56 The Need for a Utopian Approach to TechnologyKeywordsAI companionship, emotional impact, loneliness, rural America, digital relationships, technology addiction, virtual reality, human connection, AI relationships, social isolation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Your favorite podcast hosts clock in to tech’s 996 work culture. That means working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, a concept that moved from China to Silicon Valley. Emily unpacks the particulars of the 996 phenomenon, revealing the burnout, competition, and absurd expectations at some of the world’s biggest tech companies. Mike shares his own ‘workaholic’ past. Plus, the Superintelligent hosts offer Superintelligent ideas about how low-tech can improve your work and life in a high-tech world.LinksWhy the ‘996’ schedule is capturing the interest of Silicon Valley leadershiphttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/26/nx-s1-5567995/why-the-996-schedule-is-capturing-the-interest-of-silicon-valley-leadershipInfluencers in the Wild (social media virality and sociology)https://www.instagram.com/influencersinthewildThe power of low-tech in a high-tech worldhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4086115/the-power-of-low-tech-in-a-high-tech-world.htmlRosalía “Berghain”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6cFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to 996 Work Culture00:52 The Impact of Workaholism in Tech03:19 Cultural Perspectives on Work Hours05:45 The Role of AI in Work Culture08:25 Personal Experiences with Workaholism09:27 The Future of Work and Burnout12:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Work Culture15:46 Cultural Perspectives on Work Ethic18:59 The High-Tech World and Its Implications22:33 The Importance of Traditional Skills25:58 AI and Human Dependency29:39 Embracing Language and Culture33:12 Pop Culture Reflections and Closing ThoughtsKeywords996 work culture, burnout, workaholism, AI impact, work-life balance, technology in work, cultural work ethic, low-tech solutions, intellectual growth, creativity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini take a hard look at humanoid hardware, those overpriced mechanical houseguests we’ve all seen in science fiction and self-driving cars that cant quite drive themselves. Mike shuts down the humanoid delusion, while Emily calls out the anthropomorphic marketing ruse tech titans pull to appease pro-natalist narcissist types. Also: The hosts get personal, sharing practical, analog tips for surviving in a hyper-digital world. LinksBreaking the Humanoid Robot Delusionhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4082113/breaking-the-humanoid-robot-delusion.htmlNEO The Home Robothttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYMWadOW7cAmazon CEO Blames ‘Culture’ for Mass Layoffs, Not AIhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-ceo-mass-layoffs-were-not-due-to-ai-but-cultureFed Chair Not Worried About an AI Bubble. Here’s Why It Differs From the ‘90shttps://www.pcmag.com/news/fed-chair-jerome-powell-ai-bubble-why-its-different-90s-dotcom-eraAfter Teen Suicide, Character.AI (http://character.ai/) to Bar Kids Under 18 From Unlimited Chatshttps://www.pcmag.com/news/after-teen-suicide-characterai-to-bar-kids-under-18-from-unlimited-chatsFollow UsMike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)Email: [email protected] Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com