Today's show: AirTalk host Larry Mantle discusses AI chatbot voting, early math testing, Disneyland's technological innovation, FIFA World Cup updates, PlayStation physical copies, and hated car features.
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AI Chatbots for voting
The topic:
A recent New York Times piece dug into the way AI is being used by L.A. County voters seeking quick answers before casting their ballots. Despite the prevalence of voter guides for local and state races, the story points to individuals seeking guidance on strategic voting and answers, raising broader questions about how this method could be employed in the future.
AI use on the rise: AI use among U.S. adults is rising substantially, according to Pew research. About 50% of U.S. adults now report using AI chatbots, including about 25% who use such services on a daily basis. In 2024, Pew found that about 33% of adults used chatbots.
AI trustworthiness: While the number of people who use AI is on the rise, the number of people who turn to AI for trustworthy information is still relatively low. Gallup recently found that about 7% of Americans turn to AI a fair or great amount of time for news and information, and a plurality of Americans expressed skepticism about the veracity of any information created in part with AI.
Join the conversation: Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from you! Did you turn to AI this past primary for election information or advice? Do you find that AI chatbots can help you make decisions such as who should represent you in government? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Guest:
- David G. Rand, professor of Information Science, Marketing and Psychology at Cornell University
How math is taught at the elementary school level
The topic:
California may soon test students on math as early as kindergarten. Today on AirTalk, we look at what it means for a kindergartener to be proficient in math, and how arithmetic is taught at this early age.
The latest: SB 1067, from state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, would require schools to screen kindergarten through 2nd grade students for math difficulties, with assessments in place by the 2028-29 school year. The bill passed the state Senate unanimously in May and is now moving through the Assembly.
Context: California ranks 43rd in the country in 4th-grade math, and only about 38% of public school students test at or above grade level when state testing begins in 3rd grade.
Join the conversation: Parents and teachers, what have you noticed about how young kids learn math? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Guest:
- Megan Franke, professor of education and vice chair of professional programs at UCLA
SoCal History: How Disneyland grew its park attractions through technological innovation
The topic:
Disney skillfully uses technology to charm and entertain park visitors. A new book by UC Irvine art history professor Roland Betancourt, titled Disneyland and the Rise of Automation, guides readers through Disney’s tech boom and how it contributed to a much larger tech revolution.
A stroke of inspiration: Walter Disney, alongside animator Ward Kimball, took a trip to the Midwest whose most notable moment was viewing Ford’s River Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan. The technological advancement both saw during the trip led to Disney’s park rides.
Disney engineers: Walt Disney, Inc. founded its engineering sector in 1952 — the purpose being to lead Disney parks’ use of technology. With their theme park innovators now under the name of Walt Disney Imagineering, the organization has been based in Glendale since 1961.
Guest:
- Roland Betancourt, professor of art history at UC Irvine, and author of the new book “Disneyland and the Rise of Automation: How Technology Created the Happiest Place on Earth”
FIFA World Cup showdowns: Round of 16
The topic:
We’re approaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup today after a weekend of closeouts. Today on AirTalk, we recap the knockout rounds played so far and what soccer fans can expect to see this week.
The latest: This weekend notably saw England and striker Harry Kane deliver a stunning 3-2 blow to the Mexico team in a match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last night. As Team USA has its sights on knocking out Team Belgium today, there are just four matches left in the round of 16.
Red card lifted: In an unusual move, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced Sunday that it would suspend a one-game red card ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing Folarin Balogun, the star striker of the U.S. men's team, to play in any remaining World Cup games.
Guest:
- Kevin Baxter, staff writer for the L.A. Times covering soccer
Are physical videogames on their way out? PlayStation owner Sony is betting on it
The topic:
Video game console maker Sony announced last week that it would end the production of physical games for its popular PlayStation console series by 2028, after which players would have to purchase downloadable digital copies of games.
Context: In their last fiscal year, digital downloads accounted for 78% of full-game purchases on the PlaySation platform. Unlike their physical counterparts, players do not “own” digital games in the traditional sense. Instead, they own a “license” to download and play that game on their account.
The fallout: While rare, these licenses can be revoked for a variety of reasons. The move has seen backlash online, with PlayStation seeming to have abandoned its social media accounts since the move was announced.
The next generation: Rising computer chip costs due to skyrocketing demand from AI companies have allegedly led Sony to think about how to cut costs on its next console, the PlayStation Six, which some analysts anticipate could cost as much as $1,000.
Join the conversation: Do you think this is a forward-looking move by Sony? Or maybe you think this is a move that will hurt them more than help them. Do you think this is the latest nail in the coffin for physical media? Or maybe the backlash here proves that people still want to hold the things they buy? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Guest:
- Gene Park, culture critic for the Washington Post, covering video games and gaming culture
What’s a car feature that annoys you to no end?
The topic:
Thanks to modern technology, today’s cars now come with advanced features like keyless locks, Bluetooth, backup cameras, and crash sensors, just to name a few. But some features can be more annoying than helpful.
Join the conversation: We want to hear from listeners about the car features they would rather do without. Maybe it's the distracting dash-screen or the power-saving feature that turns the engine off at every red light. Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
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