Note: This episode contains sexually explicit music.This week, the whole tech world seemed to be asking: Are we in an A.I. bubble? We’ll explore the cases for and against, including who we think stands to lose most. Then we’re joined by the journalist Jeff Horwitz to discuss his blockbuster reporting about an internal Meta policy document that permit the company’s chatbots to engage in romantic role-playing with children. And finally, Casey introduces Kevin to a shocking new TikTok trend. Guests:<ul><li><a href="https://www.jeffhorwitz.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Horwitz</a>, investigative technology reporter for Reuters</li></ul>Additional Reading:<ul><li><a href="https://www.platformer.news/sam-altman-gpt-5-interview-lightcap-turley/" target="_blank">My Dinner With Altman</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/business/ai-business-payoff-lags.html" target="_blank">Companies Are Pouring Billions Into A.I. It Has Yet to Pay Off</a></li><li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-guidelines/" target="_blank">Meta’s A.I. Rules Have Let Bots Hold ‘Sensual’ Chats With Children</a></li><li><a href="https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/why-is-tiktok-overflowing-with-ai-country-music-erotica/" target="_blank">Why Is TikTok Overflowing With A.I. Country Music Erotica?</a></li></ul> We want to hear from you. Email us at <a href="mailto:hardfork@nytimes.com">hardfork@nytimes.com</a>. Find “Hard Fork” on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hardfork">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hardfork">TikTok</a>.
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Is This an A.I. Bubble? + Meta’s Missing Morals + TikTok Shock Slop

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