Karrie Karahalios is a Computer Science Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she conducts research on the impact of computer science on society, including areas like algorithmic auditing, community-centered computing, social media, and human-computer interaction.
In a world often driven by haste and the urge to build for the sake of building, Dr. Karahalios stands out in her field, much like an oasis in a desert. She offers a refreshing perspective, advocating for more thoughtful approaches to technology and social tools.
Her philosophy entails not rushing to construct colossal empires at the expense of societal well-being but, instead, taking measured steps to avoid the perils of recklessness.
Dr. Karahalios explores the interaction between humans and technology from a viewpoint that transcends mere functionality and deeply considers the impact on individuals and communities. Her academic journey, from earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at MIT to her time in the MIT Media Lab, has uniquely equipped her to appreciate diverse perspectives and tackle complex problems.
Her research stands as a testament to her dedication to deciphering the intricate dynamics of networked electronic spaces. Yet, she also takes on the role of a champion and a relentless fighter against the tyranny of algorithms that increasingly govern our lives. In this era, where social media platforms wield the power to control who can access and broadcast to the public, where medical devices operate on proprietary algorithms that render their outcomes unquestionable, and where algorithms can even make legal decisions within courtrooms, Dr. Karahalios's work takes on paramount significance.
One of the significant and bold steps Dr. Karahalios has taken is suing the government to ensure that researchers can continue to investigate discrimination on the internet. Supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), their journey underscores the importance of pushing against self-helplessness and pursuing justice, even when the odds seem daunting.
After the interview, we found ourselves in Dr. Karahalios's classes, not just for learning but for the inspiring post-class discussions.
Dr. Karahalios, a fusion of brilliance and kindness, sets a remarkable example we hope others will follow. Her influence extends beyond academia, sparking our imaginations and guiding us to innovative projects. She embodies the future we aspire to create in technology and society.
EPISODE LINKS:
Karrie Karahalios's Website: http://www.karriekarahalios.com/
Karrie Karahalios's UIUC Website: https://cs.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/kkarahal
Books Mentioned:
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: https://amzn.to/48Xrdv5
The Dream Machine: https://amzn.to/48UokLd
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
2:08 - The Ideal Social Media App
11:44 - Social Media: Unity or Division?
17:23 - The Tyranny of Algorithms
20:13 - Unexpectedness of Social Tools
22:19 - Profits over Ethics?
28:18 - The Social Dilemma
35:17 - Face-to-face social media
36:39 - Building What People Want?
44:13 - Move fast and break things
46:20 - How to know what people want?
50:45 - Personalization
53:22 - Network effects
59:45 - Scale
1:06:05 - Community & Power
1:13:03 - Starting a non-profit
1:16:25 - AI
1:24:00 - Algorithm Transparency
1:28:07 - Writing in the Age of AI
1:34:09 - Tech Inequality
1:37:41 - Greece
1:42:55 - Don't be scared of the future
1:44:27 - Future of Education
1:48:13 - Programming Jobs
1:50:58 - The Ideal College Major
1:54:53 - Innovation @ Illinois
2:00:25 - Are young people more complacent?
2:05:18 - Canvas & Coursera
2:11:27 - Advice for young people
2:20:05 - Healthcare
🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥
2:23:58 - 👨⚖️ Suing the Government?
2:25:15 - 💬 Twitter/X
2:30:04 - 🇬🇷 Greek Yogurt
2:31:25 - 🚘 Self-driving cars
2:33:26 - 🐭 Engelbart
2:37:30 - ⌨️ PLATO
2:44:00 - 🧮 Mathematica
2:50:27 - Closing Words
