meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Why public opinion turned on AI

The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Vox Media Podcast Network

News Commentary, Philosophy, Politics, Society & Culture, News

4.511.1K Ratings

🗓️ 17 July 2026

⏱️ 46 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

AI was supposed to make our lives better. Instead, it’s made many of us scared and angry. Communities are protesting data centers across the country, and polling shows most Americans think AI is moving too fast.In today's episode, guest host Miles Bryan talks with independent journalist Jasmine Sun, who argues that public attitudes toward AI are undergoing a fundamental shift. Jasmine argues that AI is seen not simply as a technology to adopt, but as an elite political project to resist. The two discuss “AI populism,” the parallels with the Industrial Revolution, how public opinion about AI may affect US politics, and how the leaders of Silicon Valley are unprepared for the growing backlash against AI. Guest Host: Miles Bryan, Vox reporter and senior producer Guest:Jasmine Sun, journalist Find Jasmine’s Substack here: https://jasmi.news/ We would love to hear from you. To tell us what you thought of this episode, email us at thegrayarea@vox.com or leave us a voicemail at 1-800-214-5749. Your comments and questions help us make a better show. And you can watch new episodes of The Gray Area on YouTube. Listen to The Gray Area ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

I'm pretty confident talking into a mic.

0:03.0

Hey, I'm doing it right now.

0:05.0

But home projects, I second guess everything.

0:08.0

Is that noise normal? Is that water damage?

0:11.0

And who should I even call?

0:13.0

That's where thumbtack comes in.

0:15.0

Upload a photo or voice note, and their AI-powered search helps diagnose the issue

0:20.0

and match you with the

0:21.1

right top-rated local pro. Instead of second-guessing or searching for hours, you get clarity

0:27.0

and can hire the right pro with confidence. For your next home project, try Thumbtack. They

0:32.8

know homes. Hire the right pro today.

0:39.0

We've all been there.

0:40.4

Noisy uni flatmates.

0:42.8

Music blaring.

0:45.8

Phones going off in the library.

0:52.5

But with long-lasting battery life on the lightweight and portable DellXPS powered by Intel Core Ultra,

0:55.7

you can get away from the distractions without needing to find a plug. So you can get back to, well, built for those who get things done, the DellXPS,

1:03.5

built for you, Dell.com.uk forward slash learning.

1:17.4

I'm Miles Brian. I'm guest hosting the gray area today.

1:22.9

Jasmine's son is a journalist living in San Francisco who covers the artificial intelligence industry.

1:27.6

Jasmine is one of the best reporters out there on the culture and politics of AI.

1:33.0

I asked her to come on the show to talk about an existential threat to the AI industry,

...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 19 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Vox Media Podcast Network, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Vox Media Podcast Network and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.