REPLAY: Natural Born Cyborgs: Why 2.7 Billion People Are Missing from the AI Conversation

REPLAY: Natural Born Cyborgs: Why 2.7 Billion People Are Missing from the AI Conversation

From Chatting GPT by Maryrose Lyons

January 4, 2026 · 21 min · Season 6 · Episode 4

About this episode

Dr Lollie Mancey discusses the implications of AI on society and the 2.7 billion people excluded from the conversation.

We're already cyborgs—our phones are extensions of our minds. But 2.7 billion people remain in digital darkness. Dr Lollie Mancey, digital anthropologist and RTÉ Futureville co-presenter, challenges the notion that AI will free us to paint in meadows. Reality? Jobs will vanish, universal basic income may arrive, and we'll face a purpose crisis when work no longer defines us. She poses the era's defining question: when your AI assistant comes home, is it at your table or recharging in the garage? Your answer reveals how you see technology's role. She's betting 80% on AGI by 2030—not gradual progress, but desperate need for higher intelligence. From 1950s washing machines to ChatGPT, labour-saving tools never save time—they shift expectations. The future isn't written, and AI won't decide our fate—we will. Show Notes Guest: Dr Lollie Mancey Title: Digital Anthropologist, Co-presenter of RTÉ's Futureville Key Topics: [01:46] Humans plus technology, not instead of - Why AI isn't pixie dust to sprinkle on everything. Anthropologists are finally having their moment as the human element becomes critical. [03:05] 2.7 billion in digital darkness - Who's missing from the AI conversation…

People in this episode

Host: Maryrose Lyons

Guest: Dr Lollie Mancey

Topics covered

  • AI conversation
  • digital darkness
  • universal basic income
  • technology and humanity
  • future of work

Keywords

  • cyborgs
  • digital anthropologist
  • AGI
  • future of AI
  • technology expectations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RTÉ

Books & works: ChatGPT

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