Our 2026 Tech Resolutions + We Answer Your Questions - Hard Fork Recap

Podcast: Hard Fork

Published: 2026-01-02

Duration: 59 minutes

Guests: Whitney Jones, Solana Pine

Summary

Hosts Casey Newton and Kevin Roose outline their tech resolutions for 2026, reflecting on past goals. They also tackle listener questions on data centers in space, AI ethics, and the implications of deepfake technology.

What Happened

Casey Newton and Kevin Roose kick off the new year by setting their tech resolutions for 2026. Kevin aims to master short-form video content as he recognizes the growing dominance of video in communication. Casey, on the other hand, decides to maintain his current productivity system without making significant changes, using an app called Capacities for journaling and task management.

Reflecting on their 2025 resolutions, Casey admits his attempt to improve meditation practices through AI was unsuccessful, leading him to rediscover a sense of purpose instead. Kevin managed to post more freely on social media, overcoming his previous reservations. The hosts encourage self-awareness in setting achievable goals.

Listener questions steer the conversation towards ethical AI concerns. One listener, Brett Cochran, ponders the idea of using AI to create deepfake videos of Santa, sparking a debate on the ethical implications of using such technology in family settings. Kevin humorously suggests hiring a human Santa impersonator as a more ethical option.

The hosts address a listener's frustration with unreliable basic tech infrastructure at large companies despite major AI investments. They discuss how the slow adaptation of AI in established corporations can lead to inefficiencies and unmet expectations.

Questions about data centers in space raise legal and regulatory considerations. The Outer Space Treaty holds companies liable for activities in space, suggesting that data centers are not beyond earthly jurisdiction.

Emma Dominguez's inquiry about robotic caregivers prompts a discussion on their impact on child development. Kevin shares his personal experience with a robotic bassinet, valuing the balance between technology and parental well-being.

Finally, the episode touches on the advancements in AI, with a listener questioning the current relevance of the Turing test. The hosts explain that while the classical Turing test has been surpassed, the focus has shifted to AI capabilities beyond mere imitation of human conversation.

Key Insights

• Kevin Roose plans to master short-form video content by 2026, acknowledging its increasing role in modern communication strategies.
• The Outer Space Treaty holds companies accountable for activities in space, indicating that data centers in space remain under earthly legal jurisdiction.
• Despite significant investments in AI, large companies often face inefficiencies due to slow adaptation of AI technologies within their existing tech infrastructure.
• The classical Turing test is considered outdated as the focus has shifted to evaluating AI capabilities beyond simply imitating human conversation.