Digest for 8/22/2026

How can we harness the power of superintelligent AI while also preventing the catastrophe of robotic overlords? Computer science professor Stuart Russell explains why we need new principles for AI design -- and how we can build them in.

There's a lot of talk about the need to regulate AI, but physicist Max Tegmark says we need to think bigger: what if we could design AI to make our lives better in every way? Tegmark explores the exciting possibilities of life with superintelligent machines -- and how we can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared fairly.

AI humorist Janelle Shane explores the unexpected and often humorous failures of AI, highlighting ethical implications when these systems are integrated into everyday decision-making processes.

How do you talk to someone who doesn't believe in climate change? Not by rehashing the same data and facts we've been discussing for years, says climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. In this inspiring, pragmatic talk, Hayhoe shows how the key to having a real discussion is to connect over shared values like family, community and religion -- and to prompt people to realize that they already care about a changing climate.

Why is Al Gore optimistic about climate change? In this spirited talk, Gore asks three powerful questions about the man-made forces threatening to destroy our planet -- and the solutions we're designing to combat them.

Alice Maryn explores how individual consumption choices impact the climate and what we can do differently.

A handful of people working at a handful of tech companies steer the thoughts of billions of people every day, from running elections to what we see and think. Tristan Harris argues that technology is hijacking our attention and what we can do about it.

Adam Alter shares his research on how time spent looking at screens is increasing -- and how it's affecting our well-being and happiness.

Journalist Manoush Zomorodi explores how reclaiming moments of boredom from constant distraction sparks creativity.