The TikTok Spiral, Part 2: Stuck. Together.
When it comes to TikTok videos that discuss mental health, eating disorders and self-harm, deciphering what is helpful and what is harmful can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm. And even when users share videos of their recovery, their posts can send others into spirals. So how do TikTokers try to help each other in this gray area? This is part two of Tech News Briefing’s special series. Learn mor...
25m Dec 28, 2021
25m
The TikTok Spiral, Part 1: Descent
TikTok’s powerful algorithm is exceptionally good at engaging users. But what happens when the endless scroll on the app turns into a stream of potentially harmful content, including on starvation diets, self-harm and suicide? And why do users who say they didn't go looking for this type of content still see so much of it? This is the first part of Tech News Briefing’s special three-part series...
20m Dec 27, 2021
20m
Next Week: The TikTok Spiral
Starting Monday, Tech News Briefing will be bringing you a special series on the potentially devastating impacts of social media, in particular TikTok. Over three episodes, we will look at how users can get trapped in a cycle of potentially damaging content, why it can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm to decipher what is helpful from what is harmful, and who has responsibility for keeping the pla...
3m Dec 24, 2021
3m
How NASA’s Webb Space Telescope Will See Into Deep Space
After more than a decade of delays, the most powerful space telescope ever built is set to be launched this weekend. Once in action, the James Webb Space Telescope will replace the Hubble, which has been orbiting Earth for 30 years. WSJ science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the new telescope works and why astronomers say it will be worth the wait. Learn more about ...
12m Dec 23, 2021
12m
Digital Tricks to Buy Hard-to-Get Items Online
Bots, Facebook groups, 3 a.m. notifications… There are various online tools available to help you sidestep this shopping season’s widespread supply-chain issues and scoop up the items you’re after. Reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara from the WSJ's Experience Report joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Dec 22, 2021
11m
Oracle Wants to Buy Itself a Bigger Spot in the Cloud
Oracle said it would purchase electronic-medical-records company Cerner for roughly $28 billion. Medical data is one of the top drivers of growth for cloud computing, a space where Oracle is hoping to expand its market share. WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 21, 2021
13m
Could ‘Web 3.0’ Democratize the Internet?
Some investors, engineers and tech dreamers are developing plans for what they hope will be a better version of the internet. In their vision, “Web 3.0” will be more democratic, rely less on big tech and allow anyone to monetize anything online. But not everyone shares that vision. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
12m Dec 20, 2021
12m
How Computer Makers Aim to Cut E-Waste
Companies are working to develop "circular" manufacturing processes to reduce waste, bring down costs and make electronics easier to repair. But there are many challenges to making laptops and other devices fully recyclable. WSJ Pro Sustainable Business reporter Dieter Holger joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Dell is trying to make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
11m Dec 17, 2021
11m
Hackers Backed by Foreign Governments See Opportunity With Log4j Bug
A major software flaw has cybersecurity experts worried, and now Microsoft and some cybersecurity firms say they have found hackers tied to China and other governments working to exploit the bug. WSJ cybersecurity reporter Robert McMillan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss who could be affected and for how long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Dec 16, 2021
11m
Space Industry's Banner Year: What Comes Next?
There have been more human space flights this year than any other, and private companies with paying customers are starting to make their mark on the industry. So what comes next for the space sector and humanity's ambitions among the stars? WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 15, 2021
13m
Facebook Shareholders Want More Power Following Investigations
Shareholders of Facebook parent Meta are calling for a range of changes to how the company operates, following revelations that internal research showed the company's platforms can be harmful to some users. WSJ reporter Emily Glazer joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what investors want and how likely they are to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 14, 2021
13m
Google's Plans for Artificial Intelligence Without Bias
Google's VP of Engineering shares her thoughts on the challenges of developing responsible artificial intelligence and avoiding AI bias with WSJ Columnist Christopher Mims. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 13, 2021
13m
Amazon Upends the Labor Market
Amazon's growing need for warehouse workers means the company is dominating the hiring market. WSJ reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the effect Amazon is having on low-skilled workers and the other companies competing to hire them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Dec 10, 2021
12m
Musicians Turn to Data to Court Superfans
The pandemic opened up whole new ways for musicians and recording artists to collect data on their audience. Now they are using that data to connect with and sell things to their biggest fans. Music-industry reporter Anne Steele joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the data that musicians are gathering and how it is reshaping the music industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
12m Dec 09, 2021
12m
Elon Musk on Federal EV Support, Telepathy and Reusable Rockets
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric-vehicle market would be better off without government support or intervention. He spoke with the WSJ's Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern at the WSJ's CEO Council Summit about a wide range of topics, from innovation and leadership to telepathy and reusable rockets. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Dec 08, 2021
14m
Your Data Is Worth a Lot. Should You Get a Cut?
Most of us unknowingly give away our data for free every time we go online. But a growing number of startups want to help people better manage their personal information, and give them a cut of the profit when it's sold. WSJ reporter Patience Haggin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these companies want to shake up the multibillion-dollar digital-ad industry. Learn more about your ad choices...
12m Dec 07, 2021
12m
How Spies Are Adapting in a Tech-Filled World
Surveillance cameras, biometrics and smartphone data all make it harder for spies to remain in the shadows. National-security reporter Warren Strobel joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why technology is a blessing and a curse to spycraft, and how intelligence agencies like the CIA are adapting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Dec 06, 2021
15m
Nuclear Fusion: The Future of Energy or Just an Investor Fad?
Scientists have been working for decades to replicate the sun's nearly limitless energy on Earth through nuclear fusion. Now investors are pouring billions of dollars into startups working to make it happen on a commercial scale. WSJ energy reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why the holy grail of energy has been out of reach for so long, and why money for its development ...
13m Dec 03, 2021
13m
How One South Korean App Is Helping Asia Embrace the Metaverse
SoftBank is investing in Zepeto, a South Korean app popular with young women, where they can buy their 3-D avatars virtual versions of luxury fashion items. It's a sign that while the metaverse may not be fully here yet, opportunities for users and investors are starting to take shape. Wall Street Journal tech reporter Jiyoung Sohn joins WSJ Tech News Briefing host Zoe Thomas to discuss the app...
14m Dec 02, 2021
14m
Tech Gifts Sold Out? We've Got Your Backup Plan
The perfect tech gift might not be easy to come by this holiday shopping season, thanks to supply-chain issues and shipping backlogs. WSJ personal-tech reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss some last-minute tech gift alternatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Dec 01, 2021
12m
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Is Leaving. What Legacy Does He Leave Behind?
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is stepping down as CEO. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the reasons behind his departure and what it could mean for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Nov 30, 2021
11m
How NASA Plans to Defend Earth: Crash a Probe Into an Asteroid
NASA is testing a system designed to protect the Earth from a massive meteor strike. WSJ science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the technology works and what to expect from the test run now underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 29, 2021
14m
Best Gadgets and Tech Gifts for the Holiday Shopping Season
The Wall Street Journal's personal tech team has compiled a list of their favorite gadgets to give as presents this year, beyond laptops, gaming devices and smartphones. Personal Tech Editor Wilson Rothman, Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen and Personal Tech Reporter Dalvin Brown join host Zoe Thomas to discuss the gear that stood out to them in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
15m Nov 26, 2021
15m
Venture Capitalist Sarah Guo on the New Challenges Facing Startups
Sarah Guo, a general partner at the venture-capital firm Greylock, speaks with host Zoe Thomas about diversity in Silicon Valley, cybersecurity and how the pandemic changed the environment for early-stage investing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 24, 2021
14m
Hulu Caught in Crossfire as Streaming Wars Intensify
The Wall Street Journal reports exclusively that NBCUniversal is considering pulling its content from Hulu and keeping it solely on its own streaming platform, Peacock. Cable and media industry reporter Lillian Rizzo joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what it says about the current streaming landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Nov 23, 2021
13m
Crypto Thieves Target Small-Time Investors
As more people invest in cryptocurrencies, hackers are targeting retail investors, emptying their digital wallets and making off with their holdings. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the hack works and why regulators and cellphone providers are at odds on what to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 22, 2021
14m
Inside the Secret Service's Training Lab for Cyber Crime Fighters
The U.S. Secret Service teaches law enforcement officers from across the country how to combat cybercriminals at a training center in Alabama. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter James Rundle visited it, and he joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the training has grown to encompass more complex scenarios as cyber threats have grown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 19, 2021
14m
Roblox Sees Path to Metaverse Through Classrooms
Videogame platform Roblox is spending $10 million to help develop educational games. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the company is looking to get into classrooms and what it could mean for the company's ambitions in the metaverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Nov 18, 2021
11m
Activision Boss Knew for Years About Sexual Misconduct Accusations
Employees at Activision Blizzard staged a walkout after a Wall Street Journal investigation found CEO Bobby Kotick knew for years about allegations of sexual harassment and miscoduct inside the company. Reporter Kirsten Grind joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the allegations, how the company reacted and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Nov 17, 2021
13m
Bitcoin's Mysterious Creator Could Be Uncovered by Florida Jury
A trial in Florida is seeking to determine the true identity of the mysterious creator of bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and who is entitled to a digital currency fortune of roughly $64 billion. Reporter Paul Vigna joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the trial came about and why the identity of bitcoin's creator remains crypto's biggest secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
14m Nov 16, 2021
14m
In Holmes Trial, Ex-Theranos Workers Describe Secretive Culture
Prosecutors in the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes are likely to rest their case as soon as this week. In court testimony, some employees have described the company's work culture as one inundated with fear, intimidation and secrecy. Tech reporter Heather Somerville joins host Julie Chang to discuss how their testimony fits into the trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
14m Nov 15, 2021
14m
Alibaba Looks to Grow 'Singles Day' Amid Mounting Pressures
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is facing a variety of hurdles, from increased regulation to supply-chain constraints. How have those affected the company's famed shopping holiday, Singles Day? Asia tech reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company is coping and what investors are watching for ahead of next week's earnings report. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
11m Nov 12, 2021
11m
Infrastructure Bill Includes Big Wins for Tech
The nearly $1 trillion infrastructure bill that's expected to be signed by President Biden contains money for various tech industries and could have a significant impact on connecting the country digitally as well as physically. WSJ Senior Washington Correspondent Jacob Schlesinger joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what's in the bill for the tech sector, and what happens next. Learn more about y...
15m Nov 11, 2021
15m
Are Solar Cars Ready for Their Moment in the Sun?
Solar-powered cars could reduce a driver's carbon footprint without leaving them stranded far from a charging station. But when will the technology be ready for everyday use? Reporter Rebecca Elliot joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why some entrepreneurs think solar cars may soon be ready to shine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 10, 2021
14m
Your 'Facebook Files' Questions Answered
The Wall Street Journal's "Facebook Files" series brought to light many of the social-media giant's failings. WSJ reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listeners' questions about the investigation, what Facebook knew and the implications for the company and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Nov 09, 2021
15m
Use Facebook Compulsively? So Do 360 Million Other People.
Facebook's internal surveys show a significant number of users report engaging in compulsive use of the platform. In the latest installment of "The Facebook Files," the WSJ's social-media reporter Deepa Seetharaman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company reacted to those findings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 08, 2021
14m
TikTok for TV: Is It as Fun as the Original?
TikTok is now available on Amazon Fire TV, but without some of the classic features of the smartphone app. So is this new format as appealing as the original? WSJ personal-tech reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what TikTok for TV is like, and what the company hopes to get from the jump to bigger screens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Nov 05, 2021
13m
Yahoo Breaks Up With China After 20 Years
Yahoo has operated in China in some fashion for more than two decades. But this week the company decided to call it quits and cease offering its services there. The WSJ's China tech correspondent Liza Lin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Yahoo and other tech companies are making this decision and the broader implications for China's internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
13m Nov 04, 2021
13m
Crypto Mining Is Dirty Business. Can Renewable Energy Help?
The creation of digital currencies requires a lot of power. Now more crypto mining companies are trying to cut their carbon footprint by turning to renewable energy sources. But cutting their emissions isn't as easy as flipping a switch. Reporter Shane Shifflett joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how companies are making the switch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Nov 03, 2021
13m
What Uber and Lyft's Driver Woes Say About the Gig Economy
Uber and Lyft say their drivers aren't returning as fast as their customers, even as extended unemployment benefits expire. That's keeping the prices of ride hail trips high. WSJ reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why driver recruitment has stalled and what it says about the wider economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 02, 2021
14m
Google's AI-Powered Camera Is Built to Better Convey Darker Skin Tones
Google's new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones come with AI technology, known as Real Image, that the company says is better at capturing photos of people with darker complexions. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen put the camera to the test, and she joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how it stacks up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Nov 01, 2021
14m
Facebook Goes All-In on Metaverse With New Company Name
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says his company will now be called Meta, in line with its goal to focus more on the metaverse. But the shift comes amid scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, and it carries considerable risks. WSJ tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the changes and what's at stake for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
13m Oct 29, 2021
13m
A 15-Foot-Tall Printer Could Build Your Next Home
A new construction project in Texas will test the ability of and demand for 3-D printed houses. It comes at a time when the U.S. is facing a historic housing shortage. WSJ housing reporter Nicole Friedman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the technology works and what it could mean for American homebuyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Oct 28, 2021
13m
Senators Grill TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube Over Child-Safety Measures
U.S. senators grill executives from social-media companies about how they plan to keep children safe on their platforms. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the takeaways from the hearing and what could come next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Oct 27, 2021
15m
Startup Founder Pay Packages Keep Ballooning
The founders of successful startups are increasingly receiving large compensation packages. Rather than simply benefiting from rising valuations, many are negotiating payouts linked to meeting growth milestones. Reporter Eliot Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the founders and for investors who come on board later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
15m Oct 26, 2021
15m
Facebook Tamps Down Political Groups It Deems Dangerous
Facebook's systems that help create viral posts by amplifying content often spread disproportionately incendiary or divisive posts, according to the company's internal research reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Rather than reducing the overall spread of viral content, Facebook increasingly is stifling some political groups it deems dangerous. WSJ reporter Justin Sheck joins host Zoe Thomas ...
15m Oct 25, 2021
15m
Snap CEO on Kids Safety Online, Regulations and AR at WSJ Tech Live
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel sat down with WSJ Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern at WSJ's Tech Live event this week to discuss how the company thinks about the impact of social media on young users, what role regulation plays and why it's betting on augmented reality over the metaverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Oct 22, 2021
15m
Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Curbing Big Tech's Power at WSJ Tech Live
Sen. Amy Klobuchar says this is the year lawmakers will take action on the power of big tech companies. In a conversation with the host of The Journal podcast, Ryan Knutson, at the WSJ's Tech Live conference, Sen. Klobuchar discusses why she thinks new laws are needed to increase the liability of social-media platforms, protect users and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
14m Oct 20, 2021
14m
Reddit CEO Discusses Meme Stocks and Moderation at Tech Live
At The Wall Street Journal's Tech Live conference, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman talked about the company's decision to leave discussions about GameStop untouched, why it took down the infamous subreddit r/The_Donald, and the company's growth plans with WSJ reporter Deepa Seetharaman. Tech Live runs through Oct. 20. Register and tune in at techlive.wsj.com/tlpodcast. Learn more about your ad choice...
13m Oct 20, 2021
13m
Sundar Pichai Talks Cybersecurity, Innovation and More at Tech Live
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai discussed cybersecurity, tech innovation and government oversight with WSJ Editor in Chief Matt Murray at the WSJ's Tech Live conference. Register and tune in at techlive.wsj.com/tlpodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Oct 19, 2021
14m