logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2020
47m 22s

#218 — Welcome to the Cult Factory

SAM HARRIS
About this episode

In this episode of the podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Tristan Harris about the ways in which social media is fracturing society. They discuss the rise in teen depression and suicide, political polarization, conspiracy theories, information warfare, the decoupling of power and responsibility, the distinctions between platforms and publishers, the cancellation of Alex Jones, social media-inspired ethnic cleansing, concerns about the upcoming presidential election, culture as an operating system, and other topics.

SUBSCRIBE to continue listening and gain access to all content on samharris.org/subscribe

Up next
Jul 8
#423 — “More From Sam”: Democracy, Populism, Wealth Inequality, News-Induced Anxiety, & Rapid Fire Questions
In this latest episode of the “More From Sam” series, Sam and Jaron talk about current events and answer some of the questions you all submitted on Substack. They discuss Epstein’s “client list,” how to safeguard democracy, populism, wealth inequality, the allure of socialism, ho ... Show More
19m 28s
Jun 19
#422 — Zionism & Jihadism
Sam Harris speaks with Haviv Rettig Gur about Israel and her enemies. They discuss Israel’s war with Iran and America’s role in the conflict, Israel’s military capabilities, Iran’s nuclear program, what a ground invasion of Iran could look like, how Iranians view the regime, anti ... Show More
2h 4m
Jun 17
#421 — “More From Sam”: Political Violence, Iran, Deportations, Protests, & Rapid Fire Questions
In this latest episode of the “More From Sam” series, Sam hopped back on with his manager and business partner, Jaron Lowenstein, to talk about current events and answer some of the questions you all submitted on Substack. They discuss the assassination of Minnesota state represe ... Show More
17m 58s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
The Impact of Social Media on Society and Culture
Join us on English Plus Podcast as we take a deep dive into the impact of social media on society and culture. In this episode, we'll discuss both the positive and negative aspects of social media, touching on topics like connectivity, activism, mental health, and misinformation. ... Show More
27m 46s
Oct 2023
The Truth About Social Media Platforms
Go to HelloFresh.com/50dearfresh and use code 50dearfresh for 50% off plus free shipping! Over 95 million photos and videos are posted on Instagram daily. Some people turn content creation into a livelihood and become digital influencers. Yet, rarely do they consider the deep inn ... Show More
21m 2s
Feb 2021
“Books, Articles, and Documentaries Will Help Us Understand This Country’s Divide.”
Stories tell us who we are and help us understand others. They also suggest who we can be, if we overcome the ongoing divides in this country. In this podcast episode, Professor Brian Lowery sits down with American journalist and publishing executive Dana Canedy, dubbed by the Ne ... Show More
23m 29s
Dec 2022
The end of social media
Sean Illing talks with technology writer and philosopher Ian Bogost about the state of social media — especially in the wake of Elon Musk's recent acquisition of Twitter. They discuss the recent but surprising history of the platforms that have come to dominate the lives of so ma ... Show More
50m 47s
Aug 2023
Understanding Power, Corruption, Politics, AI, Religion, Tribalism & Free Speech | Sam Harris PT 2
Join me for the second half of this incredible conversation with Sam Harris, the man renowned for his work in philosophy, neuroscience, and atheism, who walked away from the Twitter-verse.We go all in, discussing the heart of our current socio political climate, power, corruption ... Show More
1h 51m
Nov 2023
8.10 Cultivating Compassion: Reclaiming Self Love with Alex Light
This week I’m delighted to be joined by Alex Light, a body confidence advocate, journalist, chart-topping podcast host and founder of Light LDN. Alex started her career in magazine journalism where she wrote about celebrities, fashion and beauty. Her Instagram was a space for her ... Show More
59m 37s
Sep 2022
How society sexualizes us
Vox’s Emily St. James talks with the celebrated author and trans activist Julia Serano about her new book, Sexed Up. They talk about what "sexualization" really means, and why sexualizing behaviors are so pervasive and widespread throughout society. They also discuss why we're so ... Show More
56m 56s