Psych Experiments, Rogue Chatbots, and the Ethics of Influence
What do a broken-fingered chess prodigy, a rogue AI chatbot, and a cafeteria fruit bowl have in common?
In this wide-ranging episode, Kate and Andrew explore how power, influence, and *ethical blind spots* play out across psychology, technology, and behavioural science. From the dark legacy of the Stanford Prison and Milgram experiments to modern-day AI failures and manipulative nudges, they ask: when does guidance become control — and who gets to decide?
They unpack the promise and risk of behavioural nudging, the rise of ethical oversight in tech, and the fine line between empowering users and quietly steering them. Along the way, they confront the replication crisis in psychology, the dangers of unchecked data, and what it really means to build *trust* in systems designed to influence.
This is an unflinching conversation about accountability, transparency, and why ethical design matters more than ever in a world increasingly shaped by invisible forces.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.