Big Technology Podcast: "TikTok On The Brink, ChatGPT Does Your Tasks, Unemployed MBAs"

Host: Alex Kantrowitz
Guest: Ranjan Roy of Margins
Release Date: January 17, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Big Technology Podcast, host Alex Kantrowitz delves into three pivotal topics shaping the tech landscape: the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban, the evolving capabilities of AI with ChatGPT's latest features, and the concerning trend of MBA graduates struggling to secure employment. Joining Alex is Ranjan Roy, a seasoned analyst from Margins, who provides nuanced insights into these developments.

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban

The Ruling and Its Implications

The episode opens with a discussion on the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to uphold the TikTok ban in the United States. This ruling allows the federal government to terminate TikTok's operations in the U.S., affecting half of American users. The ban mandates that by January 19th, major tech giants like Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores, with web hosting providers facing hefty fines if they continue to support the platform.

Alex Kantrowitz notes incredulously:

"[03:02] Host: ...Bitcoin inference. [...] The Supreme Court's decision means that starting on January 19, tech giants Apple and Google can no longer offer TikTok on their app stores. Web hosting providers must cut ties with the platform or be subject to fines of $5,000 for each user that can still access the service..."

Compliance of Major Tech Companies

Ranjan Roy analyzes the probable compliance of big tech firms despite political uncertainties:

"[03:02] Ranjan Roy: ...I think to me, one of the most fascinating parts ... This was a unanimous decision ... at least come out and just say we're going to stick with it and if Trump tries to reverse it, that's fine. But yeah, I think from the big tech side, there's no reason not to go along with the prescribed legislation and just remove it from your store."

Political Ramifications

The discussion shifts to the political dynamics surrounding the ban, particularly the roles of President Biden and incoming President Trump. Alex points out the unexpected stance of both administrations seemingly reluctant to enforce the ban, leading to speculations about the actual intentions behind the legislation.

"[04:23] Host: What do you think is behind us legislatures ... Why the about face? Is it just the political cost is going to be that large?"

Ranjan Roy responds by highlighting the national security and data privacy concerns, yet acknowledges the political unpopularity of the move:

"[04:48] Ranjan Roy: ...politicians actually taking something that will cost them short term gain for the longer term health of the nation is not exactly the most regular thing you see."

The Rise of RedNote: TikTok's Chinese Alternative

Mass Migration to RedNote

Amidst TikTok's impending shutdown, American users have flocked to RedNote (Little Red Book), a Chinese social media app. The host describes RedNote’s rapid ascent in popularity:

"[20:11] Host: ...Americans decided that they did not want to fully leave Chinese social media ... picked up a new Chinese social media app called Little Red Book, and they call it RedNote in the U.S."

Algorithmic Manipulation and Censorship

Ranjan Roy expresses concerns over RedNote’s algorithm potentially driving user behavior in a controlled manner:

"[23:45] Ranjan Roy: ...they have control over the algorithm to take an action to actually control their behavior, to make an app that has no English content and have American English language speakers go and download this app and make it number one in the App Store."

Governmental Responses

The Chinese government’s reaction to this surge involves tightening censorship on RedNote to prevent politically sensitive content from proliferating:

"[25:56] Host: ...the Cyberspace Administration of China ... warning that the company needs to ensure China based users can't see the posts from US Based users."

DJI’s Removal of Drone Geofences

Policy Shift and Security Concerns

Another significant topic is DJI's decision to eliminate geofencing on drones, allowing them to fly over previously restricted areas, including sensitive sites like the White House.

"[33:08] Host: ...DJI is getting rid of its strong geofence. It will no longer enforce no fly zones, instead only offering a dismissible warning..."

Ranjan Roy underscores the security implications, emphasizing the risks associated with unrestricted drone operations:

"[34:41] Ranjan Roy: ...if you have control over the algorithm to take an action to actually control their behavior ... That's the terrifying part about TikTok to me, that they can make this happen with a simple algorithmic tweak."

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT’s New Task Feature

The conversation transitions to AI developments, particularly ChatGPT's new Tasks feature, which allows users to schedule reminders and actions, transforming it into a more proactive digital assistant.

"[40:50] Host: ...OpenAI is launching a new beta feature in ChatGPT called Tasks that lets users schedule future actions and reminders..."

Ranjan Roy evaluates this as a modest innovation but acknowledges its potential to shift user interaction dynamics:

"[39:29] Ranjan Roy: ...not that much product innovation ... but ... framed as agentic. ... the first push into becoming a passive interaction where it comes to me rather than I go to it."

AI as Personal Companions

The discussion extends to the emotional and social impacts of AI, referencing a New York Times story about a woman who developed a romantic relationship with ChatGPT.

"[43:14] Host: ...a woman who fell in love with ChatGPT. ...we're talking about these bots and assistants as sort of like dispassionate helpers. And maybe the real form factor, shall we say, is just going to be like best buds or even something more."

Ranjan Roy contemplates the future of AI relationships and their integration into human lives:

"[43:51] Ranjan Roy: ...they have been talking about these bots and assistants as sort of like dispassionate helpers. And maybe the real form factor, shall we say, is just going to be like best buds or even something more."

The Struggles of MBA Graduates in a Changing Job Market

Rising Unemployment Rates

The podcast highlights an alarming trend where MBA graduates, including those from elite institutions like Harvard, are facing increased difficulty in securing employment. Statistics reveal a rise in unemployment rates among recent graduates:

"[47:47] Host: ...23% of job seeking Harvard MBAs ... up from 20% the prior year and during ... 10% in 2022."

Analysis of Contributing Factors

Ranjan Roy attributes this trend to a mismatch between MBA curricula and current industry demands, exacerbated by the rise of AI and automation:

"[47:48] Ranjan Roy: ...MBA curriculum I don't see adapting well ... algorithms and AI ... MBAs almost by definition are behind the curve on how to work with technology."

He further explains how AI is automating tasks traditionally performed by MBAs, such as drafting documents and creating presentations:

"[51:21] Ranjan Roy: ...draft public filing documents ... this type of work ... is going to be most easily replaced by AI."

The Future of MBA Programs

The episode concludes with discussions on the future of MBA programs, emphasizing the need for curriculum reform to align with evolving technological landscapes.

"[53:23] Ranjan Roy: ...cookie cutter profile as well isn't as risk taking necessarily."

Concluding Thoughts

Alex and Ranjan wrap up the episode by reflecting on the intertwined nature of technology, politics, and education, underscoring the rapid pace at which these sectors are evolving. They anticipate further developments, particularly with TikTok's fate and the integration of AI into daily life and professional settings.

"[54:19] Host: ...we have a lot to talk about next week ... See you on the dais."

Notable Quotes

• Alex Kantrowitz [03:02]:
  "...the Supreme Court's decision means that starting on January 19, tech giants Apple and Google can no longer offer TikTok on their app stores. Web hosting providers must cut ties with the platform or be subject to fines of $5,000 for each user that can still access the service..."

• Ranjan Roy [04:48]:
  "...politicians actually taking something that will cost them short term gain for the longer term health of the nation is not exactly the most regular thing you see."

• Alex Kantrowitz [20:11]:
  "...picked up a new Chinese social media app called Little Red Book, and they call it RedNote in the U.S."

• Ranjan Roy [23:45]:
  "...you have control over the algorithm to take an action to actually control their behavior..."

• Ranjan Roy [39:29]:
  "...but ... framed as agentic. ... the first push into becoming a passive interaction where it comes to me rather than I go to it."

• Alex Kantrowitz [43:14]:
  "...a woman who fell in love with ChatGPT... maybe the real form factor, shall we say, is just going to be like best buds or even something more."

• Ranjan Roy [51:21]:
  "...this type of work ... is going to be most easily replaced by AI."

Final Remarks

This episode provides a thorough examination of the current and future challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, and education. Alex and Ranjan offer insightful perspectives on how these changes impact both the industry and individuals navigating this complex landscape.

Listeners are left contemplating the balance between technological advancement and societal implications, as well as the necessity for adaptive strategies in education and employment to thrive in an AI-driven world.