This is the fifty-third session of Glasp Talk!
Glasp Talk features in-depth conversations with leading thinkers, creators, and storytellers to uncover the ideas, insights, and intentions behind their work.
Today’s guest is Gary Rivlin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash in on Artificial Intelligence." Drawing from his decades of tech reporting, Gary shares insights into the current AI boom, comparing it to past tech revolutions and discussing the intense competition between tech giants and startups.
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Book: AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence
In AI Valley, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin brings us deep into the world of AI development in Silicon Valley. Over more than a year, Rivlin has closely followed founders and venture capitalists trying to capitalize on this AI moment. That includes LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, the legendary investor whom the Wall Street Journal once called “the most connected person in Silicon Valley.”
Transcripts of YouTube
Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of Glasp Talk. Today, we are excited to have Gary Rivlin with us, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Wire, and Mother Jones, among many others. Gary has written 11 books, and his latest, “AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash in on Artificial Intelligence,” offers a gripping behind-the-scenes look at.… Read More
Highlights
The New AI Gold Rush:
Gary Rivlin explores how today’s AI boom mirrors past tech frenzies, like the dot-com era, blending genuine innovation with inflated hype. His book AI Valley investigates how Microsoft, Google, and startups are competing in a trillion-dollar race to dominate the future of artificial intelligence.Power and Ethics in AI:
Gary raises critical concerns about the unchecked power of Big Tech, including bias in algorithms, lack of transparency, and the societal risks of delegating decision-making to machines. He stresses the importance of regulation and public accountability as AI becomes more embedded in our lives.Writing with a Machine Co-Pilot:
Rather than resisting AI, Gary embraces tools like ChatGPT in his writing process. He uses generative AI to enhance creativity, refine ideas, and expose blind spots—while still valuing the uniquely human judgment required to tell compelling, ethical stories.
AI Valley: How Big Tech, Ethics & Journalism Collide in the Age of AI | Gary Rivlin | Glasp Talk #53
Key questions & insights
Q: What motivated Gary Rivlin to write “AI Valley”?
Gary was intrigued by the parallels between past tech booms and the current AI race. His journalistic instincts led him to investigate how companies like Microsoft and Google are positioning themselves in this trillion-dollar AI landscape—and what it means for society.
Q: How does Gary compare the current AI boom to previous tech revolutions?
He sees striking similarities to the dot-com era, noting that while innovation is real, hype often overshadows ethical responsibility. Gary emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes as we navigate this powerful new wave.
Q: What ethical concerns does Gary raise about the AI industry?
Gary discusses issues like bias in training data, the concentration of AI power among a few tech giants, and the lack of transparency in development. He warns that unchecked AI could worsen inequality and erode public trust in media and institutions.
Q: How does Gary use AI in his writing process?
Rather than rejecting AI, Gary embraces it as a tool, using language models to brainstorm, refine phrasing, and even challenge his assumptions. He frames it as a “co-pilot,” not a replacement, for thoughtful writing.
Q: What future does Gary envision for AI and human collaboration?
Gary hopes for a future where AI augments human potential without replacing it. He advocates for transparency, regulation, and ongoing public dialogue to ensure AI develops in ways that serve everyone, not just tech elites.
Follow Gary Rivlin on social
Book, “AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence”
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