Hard Fork: Superconductor Superconfusion, KOSA’s Hidden Costs and HatGPT

The New York Times The New York Times 8/4/23 - Episode Page

Researchers in Korea claim they’ve identified a material that could unlock a technological revolution: the room temperature superconductor. Material scientists are skeptical, but enthusiasts on Twitter are enthusiastic. Why is the internet so excited about superconductors?

Then, the Kids Online Safety Act is headed to the Senate floor. Would it actually keep children safe? And how would it change the internet?

Plus: Kevin and Casey play HatGPT.

Additional Reading:

South Korean researchers released a video they claimed was a superconductor showing levitation at room temperature. Scientists were skeptical.The New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill profiled Mike Masnick, who wasn’t so sure about KOSA.