For Tech’s Sake
Technology
About
Join Elaine Burke and Kelly Earley as they look at tech through a critical lens – not evangelising or demonising it, but definitely throwing a bit of shade when it’s deserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Wikiphilia (with Amy O’Riordan)
Kelly and Elaine discuss Wikipedia with Amy O'Riordan from Wikimedia Community Ireland. They explore the challenges facing the online encyclopedia, including AI, vandalism, content gaps, and the importance of volunteer contributions.
- AI Ready… or not! (with Laura Grehan)
This episode features a review of the AI Ready platform from the Irish government. Laura Grehan from the Adapt research centre also joins to discuss AI literacy and the #DiscussAI initiative.
- Instagram’s end to encryption
Kelly and Elaine discuss Instagram's end to end-to-end encryption for private messages. They explore what this means for messaging apps and the privacy of online communication.
- AI for good? (LIVE! with Dr Abeba Birhane)
This episode of For Tech’s Sake features a discussion with Dr. Abeba Birhane about the morality of AI and the challenges of being an AI critic. The hosts also play a game called Good Tech, Bad Tech. The episode celebrates the 100th episode…
- The internet is coiled spaghetti (with Jane Ruffino)
In this episode, Jane Ruffino discusses subsea cables and the mindset of 'minimum necessary technology'. The conversation highlights the infrastructure and labor that keeps us connected.
- Access to AT (with Patrick Fitzgerald and Sarah Boland)
Hosts Kelly and Elaine discuss assistive technology (AT) with experts Patrick Fitzgerald and Sarah Boland. The episode explores ways developers, designers, and social media users can improve digital accessibility and inclusivity.
- Pokémon Go to train an AI
Kelly and Elaine discuss how Pokémon Go players' street-level image data is being used to train delivery robots. They explore the various ways human labor contributes to AI training, both consciously and unconsciously.
- We need to talk about how we talk about AI (with Prof Aphra Kerr)
This episode of For Tech’s Sake focuses on AI literacy, exploring how to communicate clearly about artificial intelligence and the role of the AlgoWatch project in educating young people. Prof. Aphra Kerr discusses project efforts alongsid…
- Dubai influencers
In this season premiere of For Tech’s Sake, the hosts discuss the Dubai influencer economy and its impact on digital content. The episode also includes show updates regarding the upcoming 100th episode.
- Prophecy girls
In the final episode of 2025, Elaine and Kelly discuss tech industry predictions for the new year, including legal issues, market shifts, and the future of generative AI. They also share a gift guide and suggestions for connecting with loc…
- Slop ’til you drop
This episode of For Tech’s Sake provides a buyer’s guide for online shopping, covering topics such as TikTok Shop, drop-shipping, and common scam tactics. The hosts also discuss Game Boy emulators and online shopping trends.
- Say sorry, be nice, stand up for workers’ rights
Kelly and Elaine discuss protests at Rockstar Games following layoffs, EU oversight of digital infrastructure following recent outages, Meta Ray-Bans, and Snapchat. The episode also highlights research on Authoritarian-Stack.info and the w…
- Ryanair’s app trap
Elaine and Kelly discuss Ryanair’s app requirements, content moderation on Bluesky and X, GDPR, the microdrama TV trend, and data broker practices. They also respond to listener feedback regarding the "good guy of tech."
- The good guy of tech
In this episode, the hosts discuss Jimmy Wales' recent media appearances regarding his new book. Additionally, Ekaterina Uetova from the MOvD research project joins the program to compare the motivational benefits of group chats versus gam…
- Tech Treehouse of Horror
In this Halloween episode of For Tech’s Sake, hosts Elaine and Kelly discuss digital data after death. They are joined by researcher Danny Snow to explore the concept of donating digital data similarly to organ donation.
- Tech will fail and you will die
Following a technical failure that resulted in lost audio, Elaine provides a solo commentary on the Amazon Web Services outage and the risks of centralized Big Tech infrastructure. The episode also touches on Microsoft's Windows 10 update…
- Return of the dead
In this episode of For Tech’s Sake, the hosts discuss the rise of AI-generated video, deepfakes, and synthetic resurrection. They also cover proposed Danish copyright laws, electric vehicle battery passports, updates on Chat Control, and o…
- On the campaign ad trail
Tech and democracy expert Liz Carolan joins hosts Kelly and Elaine to discuss new EU regulations on political advertising and their potential impact on transparency during the Irish presidential election.
- Sims, sEMG and soft robotics
This episode explores the medtech applications of surface electromyography (sEMG) with Prof. Madeleine Lowery and discusses soft robotics with Prof. Garry Duffy. Additionally, it covers the implications of the EA buyout for The Sims franch…
- Terms of abuse
Data protection expert Daragh O Brien discusses how users can navigate complex terms of service agreements, following recent updates from Spotify, LinkedIn, and Academia.edu. The episode explores the impact of these changes on privacy righ…
- TrumpTok
Elaine and Kelly discuss the potential acquisition of TikTok by Donald Trump allies. They also examine the rise of fake online content regarding real-world events.
- Chat control chaos
Cybersecurity expert Brian Honan discusses the potential drawbacks of the EU's Chat Control proposal, followed by author Sylvia Leatham discussing her novel, Chaos Theory.
- Should we banish AI from work?
This episode examines research on AI in the workplace, including the ethics of adopting generative AI. Additionally, it features an interview with Sweta Malik on peer-to-peer energy sharing and highlights notable work from Irish artists.
- Femtech for all
Dr. Tanya Mulcahy, director of Health Innovation Hub Ireland and founder of FemTech Ireland, joins the show to discuss the deep-tech aspects of femtech. The episode also explores TikTok search suggestions and provides an online recommendat…
- Looking back in anger
Kelly and Elaine review a week of tech news, including developments at Meta AI and Stripe's customer service, while examining the rise of VPN advertising in Ireland. The hosts also provide a recommendation for outdoor activities.
- Digital sexual literacy
In this episode, Benji Foley discusses the importance of digital sexual literacy, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth in Ireland. Hosts Kelly and Elaine also cover updates on OpenAI's GPT-5, a Google Maps navigation error, media math errors, and…
- The bloody stream
Kelly Earley and Elaine Burke discuss the ethical concerns surrounding Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's investments in AI military technology. The conversation also covers the impact of algorithms on music listening habits, includes an introduction…
- Palestine: A testing ground for digital rights oppression
Elaine Burke speaks with Riham Al Faqih of MIFTAH about digital rights violations in Palestine. The episode discusses the impact of internet blackouts and the role of the region as a testing ground for surveillance technology.
- What's my age again?
Hosts Elaine Burke and Kelly Earley discuss age verification for social media and online platforms in the EU and the UK. They examine the practical challenges, privacy risks, and implications of using technology to manage access.
- New host, who this?
Elaine Burke and Kelly Earley return to host a new series of For Tech’s Sake, continuing to explore technology with a critical perspective.
- FTS x CONNECT: The secret to a good password
Cybersecurity researcher Dr. Hazel Murray discusses password security, examining the flaws in current password standards and how to improve account protection. This episode explores the reasons behind predictable password habits and provid…
- FTS x CONNECT: Quantumania
Dr. Harun Šiljak and Dr. Tom O’Dea from the Not a Space Race project discuss quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and the importance of planning for emerging technologies. They also explore how quantum science is represented in popular cu…
- FTS x CONNECT: Blowing off some STEAM
In this episode, Dr. Jessica Foley and Dennis McNulty from the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre discuss the intersection of art and science, known as STEAM. They explore how integrating artistic perspectives into research can lead to transf…
- FTS x CONNECT: Passports to slow fashion
Dr. Grace Walsh and Dr. John Dooley from the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre discuss the use of digital product passports in the fashion industry to promote sustainability, right to repair, and informed shopping.
- FTS x CONNECT: The road to driverless cars
Jenny and Elaine discuss the future of autonomous vehicles, including safety and vision systems, with guest Dr. Aisling O’Driscoll from the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks and Communications. They explore how vehicle-to…
- Introducing FTS x CONNECT
In this preview episode, For Tech’s Sake introduces a five-part mini-series in partnership with the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks and Communications. The series will explore the intersection of science, art, and socie…
- The internet under the sea
This episode explores the history and modern-day importance of undersea telecommunications cables. Author Deryck Fay joins host Elaine to discuss Ireland's role in the global internet infrastructure and the documentary, The Cable that Chan…
- Don’t roll out updates on a Friday
Jenny and Elaine discuss the software deployment issues faced by CrowdStrike and its response. They also discuss how X uses user data to train AI for Grok and xAI.
- Bot safe for work
Elaine and Jenny discuss the workplace risks associated with robotics alongside health and safety consultant Tom Deegan. They explore safety considerations and assessments for businesses introducing robotic and cybernetic technology.
- Eventosterone and AI-generated hyperslop
This episode celebrates Irish tech contributions to ESA space missions while examining trends like aggressive eventing and AI-generated content. Hosts discuss the work of Réaltra and Dr. Lisa Heffernan alongside internet-related tech frust…
- You can’t mistake our cyberpsychology
In this episode, cyberpsychologist Dr. Nicola Fox Hamilton discusses the mental and emotional impacts of technology. The program explores the field of cyberpsychology and how digital environments influence human behavior.
- Ticking all the boxes
In this episode of For Tech’s Sake, the hosts discuss plagiarism allegations against Perplexity, the website OneMillionCheckboxes.com, the phenomenon of "TikTok hands," and recent developments in robotic skin.
- Algorithms of life
PhD researcher Megan Nyhan explains the nature and influence of algorithms, focusing on the development of ethical and trustworthy AI recommender systems. The episode also addresses the potential impact of these systems on issues such as e…
- Elephant intelligence
This episode of For Tech’s Sake covers various AI updates, including Apple Intelligence, elephant intelligence research, user backlash, and self-driving car incidents. The episode also features a tribute to computing pioneer Lynn Conway.
- Matters of life and data
In this episode of For Tech’s Sake, Prof. Ciara Heavin discusses health data throughout the human lifespan and her work with the Health Information Systems Research Centre and the palliative care software platform CommPAL.
- Canva creates cringe
In this episode of For Tech’s Sake, Elaine and Jenny discuss Canva's rap announcement and Spotify's decision regarding the Car Thing device.
- Think of the children!
This episode of For Tech’s Sake explores the relationship between internet use and youth anxiety, evaluating the effectiveness of technology bans. Guest Paula Walshe, a PhD researcher in early childhood education, discusses the importance…
- Roomba-quality work
Elaine and Jenny discuss the current AI hype cycle, referencing an op-ed by Julia Angwin, and explore the latest developments in robotics. The episode also features music created using Suno.
- Internet of trash
Prof. Dirk Pesch of Advance CRT joins the podcast to discuss the internet of things (IoT) and its connection to smart waste disposal systems in Dublin. The episode explores the growth of these networks and their implications for future inf…
- Interstellar space and a doorbell for fish
In this bonus episode of For Tech’s Sake, Dr. Jessamyn Fairfield joins Elaine to discuss topics including AI developments, NASA's Voyager 1, and unique technology stories like fish doorbells and social media trends in Ireland.