In a special StarTalk edition, host Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Gary O'Reilly, and comedian Negin Farsad interview computer scientist Jaron Lanier, the "father of virtual reality" and Prime Unifying Scientist at Microsoft. Lanier argues that artificial intelligence should be viewed not as an independent entity but as a human collaboration. The discussion covers the internet's evolution from novelty to central life influence, societal impacts of social media addiction, and alternate tech business models centered on data dignity.

Lanier, whose title humorously spells OCTOPUS, emphasizes finding a constructive path forward for technology by recognizing the human labor behind algorithmic systems.