Depolarizing AI and the Evolution of Political Discourse
Can technology help heal our political divides? A conversation on AI, values, and the future of discourse.
In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, I’m joined by Steve McIntosh, a developmental philosopher recognized for his work on the evolution of consciousness and culture. Steve introduces us to his latest project, Depolarizing GPT, an AI tool designed to foster more balanced conversations. Built on top of ChatGPT, this tool generates responses from both left-wing and right-wing perspectives, alongside a unique depolarizing viewpoint aimed at integrating values across the political spectrum.
Our conversation explores how cultural evolution has shaped the polarized world we live in today and offers insights into how technology might assist in bridging the ideological divides. Steve’s approach moves beyond simple centrist thinking, seeking to integrate the deeper values of competing worldviews—traditionalism, modernity, and progressive postmodernism—to help form more constructive and less adversarial political conversations.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the challenges of moralized politics, the shifting cultural landscape, and how figures like Donald Trump tap into the anxieties of a fractured society. Steve provides a thoughtful analysis of how cultural dynamics have stretched the political spectrum, offering a framework for navigating these tensions and finding common ground.
This conversation touches on everything from the deeper values driving the culture war to the potential role AI might play in reshaping how we engage with opposing viewpoints. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, politics, and culture, and one that offers hope for moving beyond the current climate of division.
Be sure to catch the full episode on the Outrage Overload podcast—and if it sparks your interest, share it with someone you know.
New This Week in Outrage Episode!
It’s everything the Outrage Overload podcast is not. It’s not edited. It’s not scripted. It’s lightly researched. It’s David and Lisa talking about this week in outrage, what was in the news, in the memes, and maybe finding some backstory with a humorous (at least to us) twist.
