How Major Tech Firms Are Cultivating Media Ecosystems to ‘Shape the Online Narrative’

Posted on December 1, 2025 by

The introduction to tech mogul Alex Karp’s interview on Sourcely, a YouTube show by the digital finance platform Brex, features a mix of him waving the American flag accompanied by a remix of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” While strolling through the company’s offices, Karp avoided questions about Palantir’s contentious ties with ICE, focusing instead on the company’s strengths while playfully brandishing a sword and discussing how he re-buried his childhood dog Rosita’s remains near his current residence.

“It’s really lovely,” comments host Molly O’Shea as she engages with Karp.

For those wanting insights from key figures in the tech sector, platforms like Sourcery provide a refuge for an industry that’s increasingly cautious, if not openly antagonistic, towards critical media. Some new media initiatives are driven by the companies themselves, while others occupy niches favored by the tech billionaire cohort. In recent months, prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Satya Nadella have participated in lengthy, friendly interviews, with companies like Palantir and Andreessen Horowitz launching their own media ventures this year.

A significant portion of Americans harbor distrust towards big tech and believe artificial intelligence is detrimental to society. Silicon Valley is crafting its own alternative media landscape, where CEOs, founders, and investors take center stage. What began as a handful of enthusiastic podcasters has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem of publications and shows, supported by some of the leading entities in tech.

Pro-tech influencers, such as podcast host Rex Fridman, have historically fostered close ties with figures like Elon Musk, yet some companies this year opted to eliminate intermediaries entirely. In September, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz introduced the a16z blog on Substack. Notable author Katherine Boyle highlighted her longstanding friendship with JD Vance. This podcast has surged to over 220,000 subscribers on YouTube, featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last month. Andreessen Horowitz is a leading investor.

“What if the future of media is shaped not by algorithms or traditional bodies, but by independent voices directly interacting with audiences?” the company posited in its Substack announcement. Previously, it invested $50 million into digital media startup BuzzFeed with a similar ambition, which ultimately fell to penny stock levels.

The a16z Substack also revealed this month its new eight-week media fellowship aimed at “operators, creators, and storytellers shaping the future of media.” This initiative involves collaboration with a16z’s new media team, characterized as a collective of “online legends” aiming to furnish founders with the clout, flair, branding, expertise, and momentum essential for winning the online narrative.

In parallel to a16z’s media endeavors, Palantir launched a digital and print journal named Republic earlier this year, emulating the format of academic journals and think tank publications like Foreign Affairs. The journal is financially backed by the nonprofit Palantir Foundation for Defense Policy and International Affairs, headed by Karp, who reportedly contributes just 0.01 hours a week, as per his 2023 tax return.

“Too many individuals who shouldn’t have a voice are amplified, while those who ought to be heard are sidelined,” remarked Republic, which boasts an editorial team comprised of high-ranking Palantir executives.

Among the articles featured in Republic is a piece criticizing U.S. copyright restrictions for hindering AI leadership, alongside another by two Palantir employees reiterating Karp’s affirmation that Silicon Valley’s collaboration with the military benefits society at large.

Republic joins a burgeoning roster of pro-tech outlets like Arena Magazine, launched late last year by Austin-based venture capitalist Max Meyer. Arena’s motto nods to “The New Needs Friends” line from Disney’s Ratatouille.

“Arena avoids covering ‘The News.’ Instead, we spotlight The New,” reads the editor’s letter in the inaugural issue. “Our mission is to uplift those incrementally, or at times rapidly, bringing the future into the present.”

This sentiment echoes that of founders who have taken issue with publications like Wired and TechCrunch for their overly critical perspectives on the industry.

“Historically, magazines that covered this sector have become excessively negative. We plan to counter that by adopting a bold and optimistic viewpoint,” Meyer stated during an appearance on Joe Lonsdale’s podcast.

Certain facets of emerging media in the tech realm weren’t established as formal corporate media extensions but rather emerged organically, even while sharing a similarly positive tone. The TBPN video podcast, which interprets the intricacies of the tech world as high-stakes spectacles akin to the NFL Draft, has gained swift influence since its inception last year. Its self-aware yet protective atmosphere has drawn notable fans and guests, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who conducted an in-person interview to promote Meta’s smart glasses.

Another podcaster, 24-year-old Dwarkesh Patel, has built a mini-media empire in recent years with extensive collaborative discussions featuring tech leaders and AI researchers. Earlier this month, Patel interviewed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and toured one of the company’s newest data facilities.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Among the various trends in the tech landscape, Elon Musk has been a pioneer in adopting this method of pro-tech media engagement. Following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has restricted links to key news entities and established auto-responses with poop emojis for reporter inquiries. Musk conducts few interviews with mainstream media yet engages in extensive discussions with friendly hosts like Rex Fridman and Joe Rogan, facing minimal challenge to his viewpoints.

Musk’s inclination to cultivate a media bubble around himself illustrates how such content can foster a disconnect from reality and promote alternative facts. His long-standing criticism of Wikipedia spurred him to create Grokipedia, an AI replica generating blatant falsehoods and results aligning with his far-right perspective. Concurrently, Musk’s chatbot Grok has frequently echoed Musk’s opinions, even going to absurd lengths to flatter him, such as asserting last week that Musk is healthier than LeBron James and could defeat Mike Tyson in a boxing match.

The emergence of new technology-centric media is part of a broader transformation in how celebrities portray themselves and the access they grant journalists. The tech industry has a historical aversion to media scrutiny, a trend amplified by scandals like the Facebook Files, which unveiled internal documents and potential harms. Journalist Karen Hao exemplified the tech sector’s sensitivity to negative press, noting in her 2025 book “Empire of AI” that OpenAI refrained from engaging with her for three years after a critical article she wrote in 2019.

The strategy of tech firms establishing their own autonomous and resonant media mirrors the entertainment sector’s approach from several years back. Press tours for film and album promotions have historically been tightly monitored, with actors and musicians subjected to high-pressure interviews judged by shows like “Hot Ones.” Political figures are adopting a similar framework, granting them access to fresh audiences and a more secure environment for self-promotion, as showcased by President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign engaging with podcasters like Theo Fung, and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s introduction of his own political podcast this year.

While much of this emerging media does not aim to unveil misconduct or confront the powerful, it still holds certain merits. The content produced by the tech sector often reflects the self-image of its elite and the world they aspire to create, within an industry characterized by minimal government oversight and fewer probing inquiries into operational practices. Even the simplest of questions offer insights into the minds of individuals who primarily inhabit secured boardrooms and gated environments.

“If you were a cupcake, what kind would you be?” O’Shea queried Karp about Brex’s sauces.

“I prefer not to be a cupcake, as I don’t want to be consumed,” Karp replied. “I resist being a cupcake.”

quick guide

Contact us about this story

show

The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand reporting from those in the know.

If you have something to share regarding this matter, please contact us confidentially using the methods below.

Secure messaging in the Guardian app

The Guardian app has a tool to submit story tips. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, concealed within the daily activities of all Guardian mobile apps, preventing observers from knowing that you are in communication with us.

If you don’t have the Guardian app, please download it (iOS / android) and go to the menu. Select “Secure Messaging.”

SecureDrop, instant messenger, email, phone, mail

If you can safely utilize the Tor network without being monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform.

Lastly, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists multiple ways to contact us securely, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Illustration: Guardian Design/Rich Cousins

Source: www.theguardian.com

Cultivating the Right Mindset for a Centenarian Life

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“I’m 87. I don’t feel 87; I don’t think I’m 87,” Elaine Neuwirth proclaimed on TikTok. “The most crucial thing is to engage with others, have a purpose, and keep moving… be part of the world.”

Her insights represent a growing scientific consensus now recognized by 3.6 million people: maintaining physical health requires more than just a good diet and regular exercise. To enhance longevity, fostering psychological well-being is essential. Though poor dietary choices and inactivity can’t be reversed easily, evidence suggests it’s never too late to reap the advantages of mental health improvements.

This article is part of a special issue focusing on cultivating the healthiest and happiest year possible. Click here for more information.

Begin with your relationships. To appreciate their significance, we turn to Harvard’s extensive study on human development, which began in 1938 and tracked 724 boys and young men along with over 1,300 descendants to determine what fosters physical and mental flourishing.

Mark Schultz, research associate director, highlights a key takeaway: the importance of quality relationships. Social connections have been identified as robust predictors of health and wellness in later life. For instance, findings from the study indicate that men with more positive social relationships and community involvement during middle age experience lower risks of depression and cognitive decline in later years.

“Social ties help us manage emotional challenges,” Schultz explains. “Simply being near loved ones can soothe the body effectively, as close relationships impact our hormones,” immune systems, and even the expression of our genes.

Impact on Immune System

Individuals with strong relationships find that wounds heal more rapidly. Recent studies provide insight into this phenomenon, revealing that people with a rich social circle typically possess a more robust immune system. Most cells that combat immune aging indicate that sociability enhances immune resilience and vitality.

Moreover, intimate friendships appear to affect the activity of genes tied to cell aging, including systems that assist with stress management. These effects may have long-term significance, as chronic stress is a known factor in heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and various other conditions. Analyses of 148 studies have shown that stronger social ties can boost survival rates by 50%.

So, how many relationships are adequate? “Starting from zero and moving to just one is already a tremendous improvement,” suggests Schultz.

Social Network

A practical test is to consider who you could contact at night if you felt scared. If someone comes to mind, you might be at risk for loneliness, which can lead to depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Loneliness is so damaging to health that its effects on premature death can surpass those of obesity.

“The emotional distress of loneliness can trigger a stress response akin to that of a chronic medical issue, leading to lasting inflammation and weakened immunity,” notes Ashwini Nadkarni from Harvard Medical School. “This emphasizes the necessity of fostering a sense of community as we age.”

Positive social relationships and sense of purpose affect how long we live

Cavan Images/Alamy

Fortunately, addressing loneliness doesn’t necessitate professional intervention. Clinical psychologist Katherine Schafer from Vanderbilt University Medical Center suggests two steps: find ways to enrich others’ lives and allow them to enrich yours. “Start small. If you see a new parent drop a toddler’s shoes, pick them up and return them. You’ve positively impacted someone’s day,” she advises. “And when others reciprocate that care, it fosters connections—an antidote to loneliness.”

“
Purpose—something that provides direction or makes life feel meaningful—can extend your lifespan.
“

In addition to enhancing social connections, consider your sense of purpose. While it may seem unscientific, there’s a growing understanding that having a purpose—giving your life direction or meaning—can prolong life.

A sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases and overall mortality. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, having a purpose can motivate individuals to lower stress levels and adopt healthier habits. If finding this sense of purpose feels challenging, can it be cultivated later in life?

In 2022, Eric Kim and colleagues at the University of British Columbia analyzed data from nearly 13,000 US adults, including those over 50. They measured levels of purpose and health over eight years. Individuals who identified more purpose in their lives exhibited increased physical activity, fewer sleep issues, and lower risks of stroke and overall mortality.

Positive Outlook

It’s also crucial to confront negative attitudes towards aging. A 2022 study involving about 14,000 US adults aged 50 and older revealed that those with a positive attitude about aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause over four years compared to those with negative views.

Further research highlights the connection between mindset and health. While harboring negative thoughts can heighten chronic stress, an optimistic outlook may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Paving the path towards a long, healthy life will always demand effort. Alongside diet and exercise, remember to nurture your mental well-being. Reach out to a friend, embrace aging, and reflect on what truly matters. As Neuwirth emphasizes, get up and engage with the world—it might just help you live longer.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Could Cultivating Food on Strings with Fat-Confined Microbeads Aid Weight Loss?

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Edible microbeads can absorb fat in the intestines

Vacharapong Wongsalab/Getty Images

Researchers are developing edible microbeads that can absorb fat, aiding weight loss. These beads may one day be introduced into foods and beverages to help manage or prevent obesity.

Despite ongoing efforts to address obesity, global rates continue to rise. While new weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have emerged, their high cost and potential side effects highlight the need for alternative solutions.

In this context, Yuu and her team from Sichuan University in China have crafted edible microbeads that capture fat before it’s absorbed by the body. These beads are composed of vitamin E and green tea compounds, coated with alginate, a seaweed-derived fiber. All components are food-safe and approved by the US FDA.

When these beads are ingested, the alginate layer expands in the stomach, allowing partially digested fats in the intestines to enter the beads and bind with their compounds. The beads, along with the captured fat, are then expelled during defecation.

In experiments, rats on a 60% fat diet consuming the microbeads lost an average of 17% of their body weight after 30 days. In contrast, a comparable group fed the same high-fat diet without beads showed no weight loss, and another group on a reduced-fat diet also did not lose weight. The microbeads-treated rats exhibited less fatty tissue and reduced liver damage.

Further analysis of the feces from rats given microbeads revealed fat content comparable to that of the group treated with Orlistat, a weight loss drug that blocks fat absorption. This suggests that the microbeads effectively inhibit visceral fat uptake without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with Orlistat.

“One reason [Orlistat] hasn’t gained much popularity is due to the difficulty in managing bowel movements,” notes Thunder Kirsten from Cornell University. Thus, these edible microbeads may present a viable alternative to pharmaceutical therapies, although human trials are still necessary.

A clinical trial with 26 participants is already in progress. “We anticipate preliminary results within the next year,” Wu remarked during a press release at the American Chemical Society Conference on August 21.

One concern raised is that these microbeads may interfere with the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, it’s unclear how palatable they will be to consumers. Similar strategies using synthetic indigestible fats called olestra were attempted in the late 1990s and early 2000s but failed to gain traction due to poor sales, leading to their withdrawal about a decade ago.

Researchers aim to create virtually flavorless beads that can be shaped like tapioca or boba, making them suitable for desserts and bubble tea. “We want to design something that fits seamlessly into people’s eating habits and lifestyles,” Wu stated.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Farm Simulator: 16-Bit Edition Review – The Joy of Cultivating Your Own Patch of Land

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When I began my career in gaming journalism three decades ago, I missed the chance to review my favorite console, the Sega Mega Drive. While a few titles were still being launched in 1995, Games Magazine World dominated the headlines, and everyone was eager to hear about the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It felt like a painful setback.

Fast forward to 2025, where there’s a renewed enthusiasm for creating new games for classic home computers and consoles, highlighted by Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition, which is part of the Agricultural SIM series for Mega Drive. This passion project, developed by Renzo Thönen, the lead-level designer and co-owner of Agricultural Simulation Studio Giants Software, was made using the open-source Mega Drive Development Kit and produced in a limited run of authentic Mega Drive cartridges. When I inserted this new title into my father’s old Mega Drive II console, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Yet, I soon realized I had underestimated it.

Agricultural Simulator Cartridge: 16-bit version. Photo: Giants Software

Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition features a steady cycle of sowing, harvesting, and selling within an isometric environment, populated with essential buildings like fuel depots, seed stores, and garages. You start with a basic tractor and harvester, but by diligently farming the land, you can upgrade your equipment and acquire more powerful vehicles as you cultivate and market wheat. Eventually, you’ll generate enough revenue to unlock a new farming area, although the core gameplay remains unchanged. As the seasons progress, you slowly navigate the tractor over the fields, sowing and harvesting meticulously.

In this simplified format, the farming simulator’s tranquil pace may seem tedious and repetitive. All that’s required is to efficiently manage tasks, with complex, detailed 3D graphics, real-time weather systems, and extra activities stripped away. Again and again. Let’s be real: modern, intricate 3D simulations were being designed for consoles released concurrently with the advent of the World Wide Web, and the initial mass-produced Nokia phone still poses a technical challenge.

Nostalgic Journey…Sega Mega Drive running an Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit version. Photo: Keith Stuart/Guardian

Yet somehow, the system still resonates. Perhaps it’s the charming chug of the tractor’s sound effect, or the slightly erratic steering that frequently leads to crashes into trees. Or maybe it’s just the pure nostalgia evoked by rugged 2D graphics. I can’t quite place it. I found myself engrossed in play. Longtime Mega Drive users might reminisce about the thrill of games set in deserts, jungles, or city environments, or the chaotic isometric strategies that defined the era. But can you imagine experiencing today’s genres on this vintage hardware, and how might they score in contemporary gaming publications like Sega Power or Mega?

Perhaps there are other Mega Drive enthusiasts out there who share a thrill for reinventing something familiar, akin to watching 4K Blu-ray movies on a Toshiba VCR. With only 1,000 units produced, safeguarding this gem may prove challenging. However, Giants Software has previously launched a Commodore 64 version of the game, Farming Simulator C64, which is now accessible on PC. Maybe this emulated edition will find a way onto modern platforms.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/DlLOVlqOL3g?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Farming Simulator – 16-Bit Edition" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Nevertheless, akin to a deluxe remaster of a cherished vinyl record, the format itself carries emotional significance. This is why Giants Software isn’t the only one reviving classic cartridges for retro consoles. The fantastic puzzle platformer Tanglewood made its debut on the Mega Drive a few years back, and Limited Run Games continues to produce an extensive array of new SNES cartridges for classic titles.

I often imagine my father reviewing this recent release of the last console we enjoyed together. Given his fond memories of summer farming, I’m certain he would have relished this game. For now, I’m content to cultivate these fields, sell a bounty of wheat, and appreciate the serene cycle of nature, depicted through this outdated yet endearingly charming medium.