Grumpy Old Geeks Episode 680: "Failed Up" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 18, 2025
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo & Brian Schulmeister
Guest: Dave Bittner (Absent due to personal reasons)

In episode 680 of Grumpy Old Geeks, hosts Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister delve into a myriad of pressing tech issues, dissecting recent developments with their characteristic blend of sarcasm and insightful critique. Despite the absence of co-host Dave Bittner, Jason and Brian maintain their sharp commentary, covering topics from social media upheavals to the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence.

1. Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban in the US

The episode kicks off with a significant legal development affecting the social media landscape.

Jason DeFilippo [03:43]: "The Supreme Court has upheld the law that could ban TikTok in the US leaving the matter to Donald Trump."

Jason and Brian discuss the implications of this ruling, pondering potential outcomes and the players involved in this high-stakes battle.

2. The TikTok Ownership Tug-of-War

Following the Supreme Court's decision, the conversation shifts to the tumultuous prospects surrounding TikTok's ownership.

Brian Schulmeister [04:20]: "Well, that's all I really got for that. So."

Jason DeFilippo [04:22]: "Technically I was right. I didn't break my ankle, I broke my leg."

Jason creatively likens the potential fight over TikTok's future to a "cage match," highlighting the involvement of major tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.

Jason DeFilippo [04:49]: "It's fun to watch because it all comes down to what's Zuckerberg going to do."

The hosts speculate on possible buyers and investors interested in acquiring TikTok, mentioning names like Kevin O'Leary and Mr. Beast, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the negotiations.

3. Emergence of Alternative Social Platforms: RedNote and Beyond

As TikTok's future hangs in the balance, alternative platforms like RedNote gain traction among former TikTok users.

Brian Schulmeister [07:35]: "Users are already looking for a new place to scroll away their day instead of turning to the American viable alternatives, such as YouTube shorts and Instagram reels."

RedNote, a platform openly owned by the Chinese company Xingying Information Technology, attracts users despite its blatant acknowledgment of Chinese government control.

Jason DeFilippo [08:35]: "Trust me, it's a deal. You get reviews."

Brian humorously shares snippets from RedNote, illustrating the platform's unabashed Chinese propaganda and the absurdity of American users flocking to it.

Brian Schulmeister [07:50]: "Many misguided Americans crying about the way that their countries have been, the country has been treating China because China is doing such a wonderful job not trying to destabilize our country."

The discussion highlights the irony and challenges of shifting to platforms with transparent foreign affiliations.

4. Meta and AI: Job Cuts and Ethical Concerns

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Meta's evolving strategies involving artificial intelligence and its repercussions on employment.

Jason DeFilippo [26:32]: "Mark Zuckerberg has revealed plans to automate his coding jobs to AI."

The hosts critique Zuckerberg's approach, noting how AI integration leads to substantial job cuts within the company.

Brian Schulmeister [27:08]: "They have just been cutting and cutting away. So yeah, all that."

Jason underscores the cycle of firing and rehiring, questioning the sustainability and ethical implications of replacing human jobs with AI.

Jason DeFilippo [28:01]: "They're replacing them with AI that they're writing themselves."

The conversation extends to broader societal impacts, including a study linking frequent AI use to diminishing critical thinking skills.

Brian Schulmeister [31:14]: "A negative correlation between frequent AI use and critical thinking abilities."

5. Mastodon's Transition to Nonprofit Ownership

Transitioning to the decentralized social media sphere, Mastodon announces its shift to nonprofit ownership, seeking substantial donations to sustain operations.

Jason DeFilippo [20:29]: "Mastodon has announced a transition to nonprofit ownership and is seeking $5 million in donations for its 2025 operating budget."

The move is portrayed as an attempt to distance Mastodon from corporate control and ad-driven models, emphasizing community and inclusivity.

Brian Schulmeister [20:55]: "It's a step towards sustainable governance while fostering safe, open online communities."

However, the hosts express skepticism about the platform's ability to compete against established giants.

6. The Dark Side of Online Job Hunting and DEI Initiatives

Jason and Brian explore the frustrations surrounding online job applications, citing a Wall Street Journal study based on Greenhouse's data.

Brian Schulmeister [23:40]: "One in five online job postings, or between 18 and 22% of all jobs advertised, are either fake or never filled."

They hypothesize that some companies may post non-existent jobs to inflate their growth metrics for investment purposes. Additionally, they discuss the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives potentially leading to misleading job postings.

Jason DeFilippo [24:19]: "People with fucking DEI requirements in place are posting job listings for jobs that don't exist so they can say that they are in the process of hiring and meeting their DEI quota."

Brian adds that with the political climate shifting, particularly with Trump's influence, DEI's prominence may wane, possibly impacting these deceptive practices.

7. Crypto Controversies: Bitcoin in Landfills and Government Stockpiles

The hosts touch upon cryptocurrency mishaps and governmental interactions with digital currencies.

Jason DeFilippo [40:00]: "Neil Gaiman does not come off well in any way, shape or form."

They recount the story of James Howell, who lost access to $765 million in Bitcoin after discarding a hard drive in a landfill. The legal battle highlights the complexities and challenges of cryptocurrency ownership and recovery.

Jason DeFilippo [40:08]: "This guy was so wrong on so many fronts, and he still tried, but sometimes you have to give up the ghost."

Additionally, they critique the government's handling of seized Bitcoin, suggesting hypocrisy in crypto regulations.

Brian Schulmeister [41:42]: "They've already got like 20 million in crypto. [...] They've got it from criminals that they've seized."

8. Walgreens' Smart Screens: A Tech Failure

One of the most prominent segments focuses on Walgreens' failed initiative to replace refrigerator doors with digital smart screens.

Jason DeFilippo [33:03]: "The pharmacy chain partnered with Cooler Screens Inc. in 2020 to install digital doors that displayed ads and tracked shoppers habits. However, the screens have been plagued with issues, flickering crashes and even catching fire."

The partnership led to a public relations nightmare as Walgreens attempted to exit the decade-long contract due to persistent malfunctions, resulting in over 100 stores having their screens blacked out.

Brian Schulmeister [34:16]: "Let's sign a 10-year contract. Fucking idiots."

The hosts condemn Walgreens' decision, mocking the premise of adopting unproven technology without adequate testing or contingency plans.

9. Gaming Addiction and Parental Controls

Addressing the personal aspect of technology's impact, Jason and Brian discuss the challenges of managing gaming addiction, particularly among younger users.

Brian Schulmeister [60:00]: "One of the reasons that we ended up agreeing to get Lucas the Switch is because we wanted him off of that. [...]"

They share anecdotes about addictive mobile games like "Mob Control," emphasizing the necessity of effective parental controls to mitigate excessive gaming.

Jason DeFilippo [62:49]: "It is worse than TikTok. There's something about the gameplay mechanics on that game that make time disappear and make your arm go numb."

The conversation underscores the broader societal issue of digital addiction and the struggle to balance technology use within families.

10. Critical Reflections on Technology’s Role in Society

Throughout the episode, Jason and Brian reflect on the broader implications of technology, particularly the double-edged sword of innovation and its potential to erode critical thinking and societal structures.

Brian Schulmeister [30:31]: "We still have high critical thinking abilities."

Jason DeFilippo [32:32]: "What are we going to put in the bucket?"

These musings serve as a call to action for listeners to remain vigilant and thoughtful about their engagement with rapidly evolving technologies.

11. Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements

In the episode's final segments, the hosts briefly touch upon recent deaths in the tech and media world, including David Lynch, and share personal updates on their media consumption habits. They conclude with acknowledgments to their supporters on platforms like Patreon and PayPal, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining the show's independent and candid discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason DeFilippo [04:49]: "It's fun to watch because it all comes down to what's Zuckerberg going to do."

• Brian Schulmeister [07:35]: "Yep, and Met Blogs got sold to Jaws [sic]."

• Jason DeFilippo [24:19]: "People with fucking DEI requirements in place are posting job listings for jobs that don't exist so they can say that they are in the process of hiring and meeting their DEI quota."

• Brian Schulmeister [34:16]: "Let's sign a 10-year contract. Fucking idiots."

• Jason DeFilippo [62:49]: "It is worse than TikTok. There's something about the gameplay mechanics on that game that make time disappear and make your arm go numb."

Conclusion:

Episode 680 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a scathing yet insightful examination of the current tech landscape. From high-profile social media battles to the ethical quandaries surrounding AI and data privacy, Jason and Brian navigate through the chaos with unfiltered honesty. Their discussions not only highlight the failures and missteps of major tech players but also reflect on the societal impacts of these technological advancements. For listeners seeking a candid take on the latest in tech, this episode serves as both a warning and a call to maintain critical thinking in an increasingly digital world.