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Patti Harrison Grew Up With Tech As Her North Star. Not Anymore.

Sep 22, 2026 · 34m

Summary

Patty Harrison discusses the tension between her identity as a trans comedian and the pressure to make political art, arguing that even apolitical humor is a reaction to a politicized reality. She critiques social media as a "panopticon" that drives addiction and harassment, noting how algorithms strip context from her jokes and expose her to abuse. Harrison also addresses her disillusionment with tech, contrasting her childhood sci-fi optimism with the current use of AI and robotics in warfare. Finally, she reflects on the loss of nuance in online discourse and the importance of live perfo…

Topics discussed

Sponsored segment: McKinsey on AI transformation Introduction of guest Patty Harrison and Wired Women issue Navigating politics, identity, and comedy in public life The impact of social media on humor and news consumption Sponsored segment: McKinsey on AI transformation Personal history with social media and the ethics of platforms Sponsored segment: McKinsey on AI transformation Disillusionment with tech industry and capitalism AI, creativity, and the value of live performance Algorithms, context loss, and online harassment Free speech, platform moderation, and class consciousness Closing remarks and credits Sponsored segment: Dun & Bradstreet AI context
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