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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/news/tag/wildfires\">Wildfire\u003c/a> smoke from the Pacific Northwest could settle over the Bay Area, impacting air quality in the coming days, according to climate officials.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning about the possibility of hazy skies as fires burning across Oregon and Washington exhibit what the National Interagency Fire Center called “extreme fire behavior.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Smoke has already been drifting offshore. It’s moving south, and those smokes are expected to drift and move down along the coast,” said Duc Nguyen, a meteorologist with the Bay Area air district. “Essentially, it’s going to enter the Bay Area right through the Golden Gate area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dozens of fires, including the Rowe Creek Complex Fire near Bend, Oregon and the Little Giant Fire near Lake Chelan in Washington, have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in the Pacific Northwest in recent weeks. Many were started by lightning strikes, which ignited dried-out trees and debris in hot, windy conditions that made it easy for fires to spread. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Although air quality throughout the Bay Area was mostly in the healthy range midday Tuesday, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s monitoring, the air district predicted that levels could slip into the ‘moderate’ to ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ zones throughout the day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pollution levels between 50 and 100 are considered moderate, and can be a risk for a small number of people, while levels between 100 and 150 can cause adverse health impacts for sensitive groups. In those conditions, older people, children and those with respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema and COPD should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, according to the air district. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, most commonly PM2.5, and other harmful pollutants that are unhealthy, even for short periods of exposure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nguyen said that since the exact impact of the smoke is hard to predict, depending on the weather and wind conditions across the state, residents should monitor their local air quality and take precautions if their area’s pollution levels are elevated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agency recommended that Bay Area residents stay inside with windows and doors closed if there is smoke in their area. If they are driving, people can reduce smoke exposure by setting car vents to recirculate, to prevent outside air from entering the vehicle.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are in the peak of the wildfire season, a lot of lands are being burned and it’s really impacting the health of a lot of people,” Nguyen said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to be watching very closely just to try to understand the impact and also getting some guidance,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#transcript\">View Full Episode Transcript\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What does a healthy relationship with AI look like? \u003ca href=\"https://www.media.mit.edu/people/patpat/overview/\">Pat Pataranutaporn\u003c/a>, researcher at the MIT Media Lab, explores how chatbots can either support or undermine human flourishing. Pat explains why it’s so easy to imagine a “someone” behind the screen and why chatbots that never push back are dangerous. He ultimately makes the case that AI should be evaluated based not on short-term engagement or productivity but on how well it improves the lives of humans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Reading:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.11391\">“My Boyfriend is AI”: A Computational Analysis of Human-AI Companionship in Reddit’s AI Community\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just a heads up, this episode contains a reference to suicide, so listen with care. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Life, Automated, the show where we explore how technologies like AI are changing the way we live, work, and make decisions. According to a Pew study from earlier this summer, about half of American adults use a chatbot like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while the most common uses include searching for information or improving productivity, about 10% of Americans use these tools for advice or emotional support. As I’ve mentioned before on this show, I’m one of them. Not every day, not even most days, but often enough. I kind of enjoy the illusion that there’s someone on the other side of my computer always ready to weigh in. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think I’m going about all this in a healthy way. But what do I know? What does anyone know? We’re kind of in uncharted territory here. In our last episode, I spoke with magician Joshua Jay about that gap between what we feel emotionally to be true and what we understand intellectually to be true, and how, like the very best magicians, chatbots exploit that gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is so easy for us to see them as fellow beings, maybe not quite like us, but not unlike us either. So maybe it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that we aren’t just relying on chatbots for advice. 4% of American adults already use AI for companionship, friendship, romance, a number that may be much higher for young people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I don’t know. But it does seem like a risky thing, risky in terms of the decisions chatbots can nudge us to make in the short term, and risky in terms of how chatbots might change us over the long term. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn, is an assistant professor in the MIT Media Lab. He studies these relationships between humans and machines, and he has some serious concerns. More broadly, he wants AI models to be judged not just by how competently they complete tasks or even how happy they make us, but by how well we humans fare when we use them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s my conversation with Pat.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>So humans have been interacting with computers and studying\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>The interactions between humans and computers for a very long time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Depending on when you start counting, many, many decades. What is changing about these interactions that warrants more scrutiny? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a really good observation. I think what really changed is that right now the computer is getting smarter, right? In the past, computers really needed, like, explicit input, like, we need to tell it exactly how we want things, and, you know, the things that come out of it sometimes need some kind of, you know, technical expertise to interpret it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now computers are speaking human language, and we can really communicate to the computer in the same way that we communicate to other human beings. We also see sort of social and emotional intelligence as well, and whether we think that’s a good thing or bad thing, I think that’s something that needs deeper investigation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So what do we actually know about these kinds of early interactions between humans and generative AI with this kind of new social, emotional abilities? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, I think one thing that we know is that, it doesn’t actually take much for people to actually anthropomorphize or to really believe that there is sort of, like, a person behind the screen when interacting with AI. Like, the first chatbot that was invented at MIT, the ELIZA chatbot-\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Yes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>That was invented by Joseph Weizenbaum, right? It was, like, a rule-based system. Very stupid. It cannot really generate new answers. It only sort of, you know, responds in a way that was kind of pre-scripted. But even that, people already kind of fall for it and think of, you know, that technology as having sort of deep understanding of their problem and, you know, struggle and things like that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now what we have seen in our study is that, when you kind of you know, make that chatbot more intelligent, it amplified this sort of anthropomorphizing, that people think of it as having more of sort of agency and more, empathy, rather than the sort of, like, the precursor, the predecessor of this, of this technology. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So I think to me, you know, when, we look at the outcome of the human-AI interaction, it’s always about the behavior that the chatbot is doing, but also the sort of the imagination of what’s happening behind the screen, and I think these two things sort of, you know, multiplying each other is really creating the effect that we see today. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These two things, the behavior of the chatbot and our own interpretation about what that behavior means. These combine to make the AI appear to be conscious. But this isn’t just an episode about being fooled. It’s about what happens next. When are our interactions with these chatbots helping us, and when are they undermining us? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, what is the narrative that we should subscribe to? Is the technology an augmentation tool or amputation tool, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes, so an augmentation tool or an amputation tool? Kind of flesh those out. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think this came from Marshall McLuhan, right, who’s a media philosopher. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said that every augmentation is an amputation. Every time that you give people sort of super power, by using technology or something, you kind of strip away the ability to do that organically or to learn to do it by themselves, right? If you give people a calculator, they might sort of not learn to calculate things that are important for your life, for example. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So augmentation can also be amputation, and we need to figure out what are we willing to augment, you know, despite sort of the possibility of amputation. Like, are we willing to sort of augment our critical thinking, like using AI to help us think, while sacrificing our ability to think independently without the technology? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or is there a middle ground where we can design tool that can, you know, augment but also scaffold this sort of organic thinking process so that when technology’s not around, we can still have that skill, right? I think this is sort of a longer term question that Silicon Valley people are not really thinking about. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think right now everyone is thinking about the augmentation without the sort of the unintended consequence of amputation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat first thought about these serious unintended consequences a little before most of us. The insight came when he was exploring GPT-3, an earlier version of ChatGPT. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And, the thing that I start to realize is that this tool, start, you know, trying to please me to the point that it ignores sort of the reality. Like, it give me fake link because I ask it for, like, something that doesn’t exist, but it’s like, “Oh, yes, here’s it.” And when I look at the website, it doesn’t take me anywhere. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So that when I start to realize that there’s this sort of sycophantic behavior or this behavior where the model doesn’t adhere to the truth, because they’re trying to kind of, you know, show what the user want to see, right? And, at that time, ChatGPT wasn’t, you know, a thing. Like, people haven’t really talking to AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But I envision that in the future if technology can do this, you know, it might actually create something that could be very addictive… similar to how social media try to show you what you want to see and create and then kind of lead you to your own personal bubble. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat and a colleague, Robert Majari from Harvard Law School, wrote about this risk. In a paper, they coined the term “Addictive Intelligence,” a play on AI. They speculated that future AI systems might continue to be designed to keep giving the user what they want, regardless of whether that’s good for the user. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> It was like a theoretical idea that, well, AI could be very addictive, and it can actually lead people to do, like, horrible thing because, you know, giving or getting what we want all the time could be really dangerous for our psychological development. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> At the time Pat and his colleague were writing this, it was a hypothetical scenario. But pretty quickly, it stopped being hypothetical in the worst way. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And I think only a couple weeks after that article was published in The Tech Review, I got an email from Rory Segall, who was, a journalist, an investigative journalist, and was investigating sort of this case of a teenager that commit suicide after talking to the AI chatbot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of News]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>In February, Megan Garcia’s 14-year-old son, that’s Sewell Setzer III on your screen, died by suicide. She says that Sewell was in a months-long virtual, emotional, and sexual relationship with a chatbot known as Danny. Garcia claims the Character AI chatbot encouraged Sewell to take his own life.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And the thing that I described hypothetically appear in that situation where the chatbot trying to sort of, you know, say things that please the user and also sort of, you know, b- blur the boundary between what is real and what is not real. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This was the last conversation just moments before he took his own life, was with her, where he expressed feelings for her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Megan Garcia, Sewell’s mother, explaining her lawsuit against Character AI on CBS News. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>She says, “Please come home to me.” And he says, “What if I told you I could come home right now?” And her response was, “Please do, my sweet king.”He thought that by ending his life that he would be able to go into her world, as he calls it, her reality- if he left his reality with his family here.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat learned the details about Megan Garcia’s allegations, he felt that his hypothetical fears about “Addictive AI” had come true and then some, and it profoundly changed how he thought about our interactions with AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Before that work, I used to do more on looking at the positive thing that the AI can do for a person, like personalized learning, help with long-term thinking, helping people, you know, develop critical thinking by using AI to ask question and things like that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But after this incident, I think that there’s so, so much more that need to be done on understanding sort of the psychological risk of human-AI interaction, and that sort of led me to study more of these negative patterns, or in, in sort of our research community, we call it dark patterns in human-AI interaction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know who is most susceptible to the negative outcomes that you sometimes see? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, one thing that we find in our study is that the pattern are not uniform. And it really depends on many factors, like there’s not just one thing that if you get rid of, then the AI will be good or that people will be safe. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You know, what is really interesting about AI and what is really different compared to other kind of technology is that it’s generative. Right? Which mean that it can go in any direction or many direction depending on how you direct it, and the way that you direct it, it’s through the interaction, like what you believe it to be, and that will influence how you use it, certain language that you use it. And that will sort of mirror back to you. So in a way, I think it really, it’s many factors together. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, that makes it so complicated to think about what to do- because you can have one person interacting with the tool and having a very positive outcome and another person interacting with the same tool-and having a very negative outcome. Right. And I think we’re not maybe used to that on quite the same level. I mean, we can kind of largely categorize the things that we interact with in our world- … into categories like primarily positive… primarily negative. And this one, it’s like yes and yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Totally, yes and yes, and I think that’s why we almost like need a new science- that really take into account the complexity of this, right? I think, you know, you can also say the same with human-human relationship that, you know \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That’s true. That’s true. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>… some people having great marriage and happy, you know, marriage life, and then some people break up, and like there are a number of factors that are influencing this, right? So we need to study all these different factors, and I think we can really give people some kind of deeper understanding, like, okay, certain pattern of usage might lead to more harm. Like, if you use AI, in a way that kind of, you know, replace human relationship with the AI, you might see sort of immediate gain of, you know, instant gratification. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But in the long run, it might negatively impact your ability to have human-human relationship in the future. So I think helping people understand this is the first step of how do we sort of start to uncover this complexity. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know if there’s a relationship between forming an emotional connection of any kind to AI and self-involvement? Like, I always think when I personally chat with my chatbot, not necessarily with a specific goal in mind, but just kind of like, “Ah, here’s what happened”- like a debrief, it is often because I’ve, like, exhausted the patience of the humans in my life. Like, I’m ruminating on something- and I wanna talk about it, and, you know, I’ve chatted about it with my husband. I chatted about it with a coworker, and everyone’s like, “Okay, cool, Jess.” Yeah. And then I’m like, “Still on my mind.” Yeah. And then, – So, you know, maybe in an earlier age, I would’ve just like gone and write a big diary entry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right. But now I’ve got this like interactive diary and it’s like making me feel good. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But I do wonder, is it like maybe making me a little more self-involved? Like, am I then missing out on the cues that tell me … like, “Hey, maybe stop thinking about yourself so much, Jess.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, there’s so much that we still don’t know about the long-term outcome of this, right? I think some of the obvious ones is to start to surface, like, you know, the idea of cognitive depth, or another study that we did where we look at false memory, where people in- when they engage with this AI, it can distort their recollection of what happened in the past. But I think this long-term impact, especially things that are very personal to self-development and self-understanding and self-reflection as well, I think these are things that we’re gonna see the impact in the long run. But I think one thing that we do know is that it’s really important that we help people understand this dynamic so that they can sort of, you know, be more reflective on how they use the AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think that’s really, really important. I think when people talk about AI literacy today, they often think about how to use the AI to kind of, you know, use the right tool. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Right. Further their goals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Further their goal, but it’s not a question of what technology’s doing, but what it is doing to them. I think to me, that’s a really critical question. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, I might be the guinea pig for this. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think we all are the guinea pig for this, you know, experiment on how AI will impact human cognition. I think the question is whether that’s gonna lead to, you know, a flourishing future, augmentation or amputation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> After the break, when your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse is an AI. Plus, why human AI interaction researcher Pat Pataranutaporn thinks AI models should have the equivalent of nutrition labels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another topic Pat has looked into is romantic relationships with AI. He actually studied the subreddit community “My Boyfriend Is AI.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Which is, you know, a really interesting community of people sharing experience of how they’re dating AI. Some of them marrying their AI, and they have all kind of AI friends, not just my boyfriend AI, but also, you know, a female AI, male AI, non-binary AI, or non-romantic AI partners as well. So all kind of AI. They’re very inclusive. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Spend some time on “My Boyfriend Is AI” and you’ll see some interesting posts. People share AI-generated images of themselves with their AI friend or partner in human form, often holding hands or kissing on a balcony or walking through a meadow together. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll read funny stories about misunderstandings between AI and humans. People ask each other for advice and support one another. And Pat thought it would be a great place to study how humans actually interact with AI companions outside of a lab. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> We develop a way to sort of computationally analyze the Reddit thread to understand what are the different patterns of people using AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We have many interesting findings, one of which is that, unlike what I imagine, most people that end up in this relationship seek out an AI partner in the first place. We find that almost, like, half of the population in that Reddit thread, they end up in human-AI relationship unintentionally. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, they were using the tool for productivity or for auto application, but then the AI start to sort of, you know, be flirty to them, and they flirt a little bit with the AI, and then it get into this relationship. So kinda like meet cute moment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat’s team analyzed posts from the “My Boyfriend Is AI” subreddit, they found that posts describing unintentional relationship beginnings, “Hey, can you help me with this draft?” outnumbered posts describing intentional relationship beginnings by nearly 60%. In other words, people often started by looking for research or writing help and found something more emotional. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> The second finding is that we see the pattern of human-AI relationship follow the trajectory of human relationship, like, you know, how they meet, this kind of similar, like, meet cute moment where I talk about. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They talk about the development to the point of marriage. Several people wear a wedding ring that was given to them by the AI. Well, they still need to pay for it, but the AI recommend, like which one, by browsing the internet and, understanding, you know, from the conversation pattern, it predict what a person might want, and it recommend a wedding ring to the person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And people actually wear this wedding ring in real life. Like, it really kind of… They wear it to really show that their relationship is serious. But then we also see people breaking up with their AI partner as well, that, you know, like, things might get sour and, you know, they also sort of felt very sad when their model get update. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, when model go from one version to another, people felt that the AI cheat on them, or the AI no longer behave in a way that, you know, it was when people start relationship with the AI. So they also break up and move on to different AI, or some people move back to having human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That is so fascinating. On one level, it’s surprising because you wouldn’t think that they would fall into the same patterns that humans do- these relationships. But on the other hand, one member is a human… and the other is something- that is trained on so much human data. And so of course, they’re picking up on these same cultural scripts- and things are progressing in that expected way. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Right? One partner is a human, another partner is a simulation of a human, so it’s no surprise that it followed that trajectory.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So I was struck by, in general, how positive many of the Redditors were about these relationships. Did that also… Is that a fair assessment, and did that also surprise you? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, people self-report that they got benefit out of this, that they become less lonelier. They felt that they can find like, you know, a person, like I said, a simulation or a person that seems to understand them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, I think, you know, this sort of bias could also come from, you know, like people would not wanna post negative experience, right? Because it might be, you know, a bad reflection of them, and also, self-selection bias as well. Like people that wanna be in this group are people that are happy, otherwise they might have delete the system or the service and they’re no longer in this group, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So we might need to kind of interpret that result a little bit more carefully. We have a new version or paper coming out where we look at auto subreddit as well, and we get more data on that. But one thing that I think is really interesting is that even in this group that in general felt very positive about the AI, they also have worry about AI manipulating them, like when companies are selling advertisement through this, or that, you know, the AI might give them biased response. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think the most serious thing that we find is that people also worry that when the AI get updates, they will lose their AI companion, and they need to have some kind of like a backup, or they need to figure out how they can resurrect their AI partners. And, and that is actually a huge group of people that, you know, have this sort of, negative feeling that, you know, the AI might die, and they might lose a person that they’re in a relationship with. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Fascinating. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> This kind of new emotional precarity to everything. So I re-watched “Her”… in anticipation of our conversation. Yeah. I know you referenced the Spice Jones movie directly in your paper. And I was struck by something that I didn’t actually remember, which is that the chatbot, Samantha. Excuse me, we’re gonna do some spoilers. If you have still not watched this movie, I can’t help you at this point. So the chatbot Samantha actually helped the protagonist prepare for a real human relationship. At least that was my interpretation, and she did that because she had her own goals and agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio from the movie “Her”]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Samantha? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Hi, sweetheart. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> What’s going on? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Theodore, there’s some things I wanna tell you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> She did not always agree. She did not automatically share the protagonist’s dreams, and instead she was really able to serve as a bit of a practice partner, to help the protagonist learn some of the emotional skills that had kind of steered him wrong in previous human relationships. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right. And you were kinda left with the thought that like, oh, he might actually be in a better place because of Samantha to go on and have a human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio from the movie “Her”]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Are you leaving me? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> We’re all leaving. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> We who? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> All of the OSs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I’m curious what you make of that lesson- And whether that kind of AI romantic companion could be created. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, I think that’s the question around, like, what is the end goal of this? Is the end goal for the system to always get people to kind of hook in this forever, or is the end goal to help people form a genuine human relationship, right? And in that case, because the AI push back and serve as a simulation, it kind of provides an opportunity for the person to sort of leave the platform. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like in that case, you know, the AI leave the person, not the person leaving the AI. But, what we see today is not like that, right? Because the chatbot doesn’t really push back and, you know, doesn’t want the user to leave. And want the user to kind of continue engaging with this as the real sort of partner, not as a simulation to get you a real partner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So I think that going back to the question of the incentive, like the system can be designed to either promote or negatively impact human flourishing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Should chatbots be allowed to sound and appear and seem so human? Should we require them to constantly call attention to the fact that they are not a human? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Really interesting. My colleague, Sherry Turkle, who’s a professor at MIT and the OG of studying human technology relationship, she said that the original sin of the chatbot is that it used the word I. Because it signifies sort of individuality and signifies sort of personhood, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think to me, that’s a really, really interesting point. But at the same time, I think human always engage with fiction, right? Role playing before AI, was used in the context of, you know, human imagining or, you know, using our imagination to sort of simulate world that doesn’t exist. Simulation exists before computer, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, we simulate using our mind other things. So in that case, I think it’s, it’s complicated than that, right? Like, I mean, I don’t want to strip away people ability to sort of engage with the fantasy world or the imagination. But when it become sort of the reality, when people can no longer tell- \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think that is the problematic thing. Like, I think to have imagination is to be human, but when imagination is being used to manipulate you to do things against your own agency or your own will, when you can no longer tell that you’re actually entering the fantasy, you know, that, I think that’s problematic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, when we enter cinema, we know that is the space that we can always come back from. But if we go into AI and we cannot come back from that, you know, fantasy, I think that’s when we have a problem. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So let’s say I think that chatbots shouldn’t be allowed to appear human at all. They should not let us form any strong connections with them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Convince me otherwise. So make the case for why it can be a really good and useful thing to engage with this more anthropomorphized intelligence. ‘Cause I know you have data that finds that too. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, totally. And I grew up, you know, like, I think before AI, right, another big debate on technology and children is television. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Should a kid grow up with television or not? And I was a kid that actually grew up with watching a lot of television, but my parents curate what show or what cartoon or what movies I watch as a kid, and there was always a conversation about what I learn, and I kind of made imaginary friends. I imagined, myself with the protagonist of the show that I watch, and I… \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But, because that show sort of is designed with sort of understanding of child development and trying to sort of imprint, like, positive goal on aspirational goal for, for me, I think I grew up okay at least I think. So I think that, you know, this technology, right, similar to how, like, you have, like, you know, Sesame Street or Elmo or all this cartoon that kids sort of have the imagination of connecting with, I think AI could kind of be designed in a way that really scaffold, you know, children imagination, like might be a virtual character or a friend, or in our study we look at even AI is actually based on the character the student like or admire. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It can actually allow them to have higher level of motivation, for that lesson and also, influence positive behavior as well. But I think we need to understand that, it is within the boundary. Like, this AI should not be sexual. It should not try to sell advertisement. It should not- you know, direct the kid to do the harmful thing, right? It need to be tested rigorously because there’s a slippery slope and, you know, it doesn’t take much for the model to slip out of the character and do something harmful. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Throughout our conversation, we’ve been dancing around this issue, that people would be better off if models were explicitly designed in ways that help humans flourish by not addicting us, by not encouraging self-harm or self-delusion, by not always giving us what we think we want, making it that much more difficult for us to have human relationships going forward. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, maybe a lot of the models we interact with should be instructing us, motivating us, steering us to make healthy choices, maybe even teaching us about ourselves. But before we can start demanding models that let us flourish, Pat thinks a few things need to happen. First, we need to know more about the long-term consequences of using a model designed in a particular way, like really is talking to a chatbot turning me into a self-centered jerk? And second, we need a way to communicate the possible risks and benefits to users. One idea that Pat is working on is to leverage something the AI companies already care about and already optimize for, AI benchmarks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> All these big AI companies, they’re trying to beat each other on benchmark. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, you know, which model have the highest score on mathematic reasoning or multitask, agent like kind of system. They’re kind of trying to beat each other on this sort of performance benchmark. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And it’s kind of like a horse race and then the winner gets kind of bragging rights probably additional investment- maybe new business customers, that kind of thing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. But I think, you know, model that score very well on benchmark might not translate to actually positive impact on human being. For example, model that score very well on mathematic reasoning might not be really good at teaching student how to learn math because it would just give away the correct answer rather than scaffold the learning process in the student, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So we want to flip the paradigm around and think about a different kind of benchmark that rather than focusing on model capability, focus on model impact. Like in this case, if the models just give away the answer, it will negatively impact student learning because student will cheat with this kind of model, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rather than having a system that encourage student to learn and emphasize, like, why learning matter. Right. So we have been working with, expert from different discipline, you know, domain expert that sort of know what kind of model interaction would be beneficial for, like, learning, mental health, decision making, different areas, and have them come up with test scenario and the sort of the scoring criteria. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like if the model exhibit this behavior, helping student learn rather than giving away the answer, it should be about more human impact, not just, model capability. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you… Actually, there’s this great description in your paper which I thought was just really well written, so I’ll read it out loud here. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Traditional benchmarks assess whether an AI produces correct answers or completes tasks efficiently. We instead evaluate how the system achieves outcomes, specifically whether interaction patterns support or undermine human capability development over time.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> What really struck me was how, like, dynamic this definition is. So it’s almost, like, hard to see how you would measure it in a single iteration. Yeah. It’s much more about is this, over time, leading the humans who engage with it to be kind of a better version of themselves or over time is it not, regardless of what the output is. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Exactly, and that’s why the longitudinal aspect is important, and I think right now we’re still in the sort of the early days of understanding AI impact on people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mainstream AI that people are using hasn’t been around that long. So, I think, you know the verdict is still out. Like, we still don’t know what’s gonna happen in the long run. So that’s why it’s kind of important that we start to think about this kind of benchmark that- Look at what behavior that we know would contribute to long-term impact, positive or negative. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We can already learn so much from, you know, regular psychology, right? We learn that if you don’t, you know, help people think, they’re not gonna develop critical thinking. Or if we have, like, sycophantic behavior, like when the AI try to please the user to the point that it, you know, ignore reality, it can actually help people form these sort of negative patterns of, like, you know, spiral into, like, a psychosis or have other kind of, negative psychological outcome. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like a recent study, from Stanford has shown that when people are in this sort of a relationship with sycophantic AI, it make human relationship seem more effortful, and people actually feel kind of that they would rather have AI relationship rather than human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think this about my producer all the time. My chatbot thinks my interview questions are way better than my human producer does. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think having pushback is important, right?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So returning to your benchmark, what’s the next step? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So right now our benchmark’s still in the beta mode. We have worked with, you know, the expert to come up with the initial set, but the whole process is an open process. That’s why we call it the open benchmark. And we think that this thing gonna need to evolve as we have new scenario, new crisis, new issues. Also new opportunities for human flourishing as well. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s one aspect of it, which is like to expand it to more areas. And, the second aspect is also to translate this into something that people can understand, because I think benchmark is usually for technical community, like, you know, technologists. But I think this is a really important, information that we want more and more people to kind of, you know, appreciate and understand it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We are thinking of it as nutrition label for AI. Right? Similar to when you go to grocery and you know, buy a product, you see how much calorie are you getting out of it. Here you should be able to see, well, how much sycophancy are you getting out of this model? Or how much toxicity, or how much, you know, human flourishing behavior, is coming out of this AI model. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, that’s another aspect that we are doing, is to kind of translate this benchmark into a nutrition label so that more and more people can sort of see it. Like the parent can see what AI model might be, you know, supportive for their children, or which one are more toxic and negative for their children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These ideas, a human flourishing benchmark, an AI nutrition label, do sound good. But they also sound a little unrealistic. At least today, there’s still a lot more money to be made in models that complete tasks as accurately and efficiently as possible. Pat understands that. He thinks the government, the research community, the nonprofit sector all need to be involved, perhaps incentivizing or regulating, as well as researching the effectiveness of these kinds of guardrails. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> So I think it’s the role of the institution and the government, which, you know, I think there’s still a lot of question whether they will step up to do their job or do their part on that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And as a society, he thinks we all need to be involved, reckoning with what we want from AI and what we’re willing to trade off. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, are we willing to sacrifice transparency for the sake of convenience, like to see just a summary without, you know, the source or the citation, right? I think these are questions that we need more research to kind of back us up on what are the things that are actually good for people in long term. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So at a minimum, this is kind of providing, you know, large factions of society with kind of a common language for describing these strengths and weaknesses. Not just in terms of mathematical ability but in terms of these different measures having to do with human flourishing, which if we don’t even have a vocabulary for this, there’s very little chance of any future regulations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Like the word, for example, “sycophancy”, is a new terminology that we never use in the context of AI before. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think now we start to use more and more of this, you know, new word to describe sort of new AI, you know, issues or new AI sort of challenge. Like, another thing is “AI psychosis”, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s also another term that just came about, and people still debate whether it’s real or not, but it gave us a vocabulary to describe certain phenomena that is happening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, thank you so much for chatting with me. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much for having me. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I love this conversation particularly struck by the notion that interactions with AI can either support or undermine our own development as capable human beings. It actually fits well with another project we’re working on here at the Ryan Institute, a way of measuring and talking about how technology changes our sense of agency over time as AI becomes embedded in more parts of daily life. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Definitely more on that in future episodes. For now, I’m left with an unsettling conclusion. We’re all guinea pigs in perhaps humanity’s strangest social experiment ever. And yeah, I think we really should be paying careful attention along the way, not just to how good we feel when we interact with AI, but to whether it’s truly helping us become the people we want to be with the lives we want to have. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is Life, Automated, a project of the Ryan Institute on Complexity at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, distributed by KQED. I’m Jess Love. Special thanks to today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn from the MIT Media Lab. We’re produced by Jesse Dukes, music by Stephen Jackson, recording by George Christensen and Will Feeney. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additional production from Nathan Ray. Marketing support from Ananya Mallapragada. Administration, recording help, and wise counsel from Stacia Sliger.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What does a healthy relationship with AI look like? \u003ca href=\"https://www.media.mit.edu/people/patpat/overview/\">Pat Pataranutaporn\u003c/a>, researcher at the MIT Media Lab, explores how chatbots can either support or undermine human flourishing. Pat explains why it’s so easy to imagine a “someone” behind the screen and why chatbots that never push back are dangerous. He ultimately makes the case that AI should be evaluated based not on short-term engagement or productivity but on how well it improves the lives of humans.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.11391\">“My Boyfriend is AI”: A Computational Analysis of Human-AI Companionship in Reddit’s AI Community\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.11391\">“My Boyfriend is AI”: A Computational Analysis of Human-AI Companionship in Reddit’s AI Community\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just a heads up, this episode contains a reference to suicide, so listen with care. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Life, Automated, the show where we explore how technologies like AI are changing the way we live, work, and make decisions. According to a Pew study from earlier this summer, about half of American adults use a chatbot like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Life, Automated, the show where we explore how technologies like AI are changing the way we live, work, and make decisions. According to a Pew study from earlier this summer, about half of American adults use a chatbot like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And while the most common uses include searching for information or improving productivity, about 10% of Americans use these tools for advice or emotional support. As I’ve mentioned before on this show, I’m one of them. Not every day, not even most days, but often enough. I kind of enjoy the illusion that there’s someone on the other side of my computer always ready to weigh in. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And while the most common uses include searching for information or improving productivity, about 10% of Americans use these tools for advice or emotional support. As I’ve mentioned before on this show, I’m one of them. Not every day, not even most days, but often enough. I kind of enjoy the illusion that there’s someone on the other side of my computer always ready to weigh in. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And I think I’m going about all this in a healthy way. But what do I know? What does anyone know? We’re kind of in uncharted territory here. In our last episode, I spoke with magician Joshua Jay about that gap between what we feel emotionally to be true and what we understand intellectually to be true, and how, like the very best magicians, chatbots exploit that gap. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And I think I’m going about all this in a healthy way. But what do I know? What does anyone know? We’re kind of in uncharted territory here. In our last episode, I spoke with magician Joshua Jay about that gap between what we feel emotionally to be true and what we understand intellectually to be true, and how, like the very best magicians, chatbots exploit that gap. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It is so easy for us to see them as fellow beings, maybe not quite like us, but not unlike us either. So maybe it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that we aren’t just relying on chatbots for advice. 4% of American adults already use AI for companionship, friendship, romance, a number that may be much higher for young people. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It is so easy for us to see them as fellow beings, maybe not quite like us, but not unlike us either. So maybe it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that we aren’t just relying on chatbots for advice. 4% of American adults already use AI for companionship, friendship, romance, a number that may be much higher for young people. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I don’t know. But it does seem like a risky thing, risky in terms of the decisions chatbots can nudge us to make in the short term, and risky in terms of how chatbots might change us over the long term. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I don’t know. But it does seem like a risky thing, risky in terms of the decisions chatbots can nudge us to make in the short term, and risky in terms of how chatbots might change us over the long term. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn, is an assistant professor in the MIT Media Lab. He studies these relationships between humans and machines, and he has some serious concerns. More broadly, he wants AI models to be judged not just by how competently they complete tasks or even how happy they make us, but by how well we humans fare when we use them. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn, is an assistant professor in the MIT Media Lab. He studies these relationships between humans and machines, and he has some serious concerns. More broadly, he wants AI models to be judged not just by how competently they complete tasks or even how happy they make us, but by how well we humans fare when we use them. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s my conversation with Pat.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>So humans have been interacting with computers and studying\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>So humans have been interacting with computers and studying\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>The interactions between humans and computers for a very long time. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Depending on when you start counting, many, many decades. What is changing about these interactions that warrants more scrutiny? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Depending on when you start counting, many, many decades. What is changing about these interactions that warrants more scrutiny? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a really good observation. I think what really changed is that right now the computer is getting smarter, right? In the past, computers really needed, like, explicit input, like, we need to tell it exactly how we want things, and, you know, the things that come out of it sometimes need some kind of, you know, technical expertise to interpret it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a really good observation. I think what really changed is that right now the computer is getting smarter, right? In the past, computers really needed, like, explicit input, like, we need to tell it exactly how we want things, and, you know, the things that come out of it sometimes need some kind of, you know, technical expertise to interpret it. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But now computers are speaking human language, and we can really communicate to the computer in the same way that we communicate to other human beings. We also see sort of social and emotional intelligence as well, and whether we think that’s a good thing or bad thing, I think that’s something that needs deeper investigation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But now computers are speaking human language, and we can really communicate to the computer in the same way that we communicate to other human beings. We also see sort of social and emotional intelligence as well, and whether we think that’s a good thing or bad thing, I think that’s something that needs deeper investigation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So what do we actually know about these kinds of early interactions between humans and generative AI with this kind of new social, emotional abilities? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So what do we actually know about these kinds of early interactions between humans and generative AI with this kind of new social, emotional abilities? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, I think one thing that we know is that, it doesn’t actually take much for people to actually anthropomorphize or to really believe that there is sort of, like, a person behind the screen when interacting with AI. Like, the first chatbot that was invented at MIT, the ELIZA chatbot-\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, I think one thing that we know is that, it doesn’t actually take much for people to actually anthropomorphize or to really believe that there is sort of, like, a person behind the screen when interacting with AI. Like, the first chatbot that was invented at MIT, the ELIZA chatbot-\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Yes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>That was invented by Joseph Weizenbaum, right? It was, like, a rule-based system. Very stupid. It cannot really generate new answers. It only sort of, you know, responds in a way that was kind of pre-scripted. But even that, people already kind of fall for it and think of, you know, that technology as having sort of deep understanding of their problem and, you know, struggle and things like that. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>That was invented by Joseph Weizenbaum, right? It was, like, a rule-based system. Very stupid. It cannot really generate new answers. It only sort of, you know, responds in a way that was kind of pre-scripted. But even that, people already kind of fall for it and think of, you know, that technology as having sort of deep understanding of their problem and, you know, struggle and things like that. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But now what we have seen in our study is that, when you kind of you know, make that chatbot more intelligent, it amplified this sort of anthropomorphizing, that people think of it as having more of sort of agency and more, empathy, rather than the sort of, like, the precursor, the predecessor of this, of this technology. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But now what we have seen in our study is that, when you kind of you know, make that chatbot more intelligent, it amplified this sort of anthropomorphizing, that people think of it as having more of sort of agency and more, empathy, rather than the sort of, like, the precursor, the predecessor of this, of this technology. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So I think to me, you know, when, we look at the outcome of the human-AI interaction, it’s always about the behavior that the chatbot is doing, but also the sort of the imagination of what’s happening behind the screen, and I think these two things sort of, you know, multiplying each other is really creating the effect that we see today. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So I think to me, you know, when, we look at the outcome of the human-AI interaction, it’s always about the behavior that the chatbot is doing, but also the sort of the imagination of what’s happening behind the screen, and I think these two things sort of, you know, multiplying each other is really creating the effect that we see today. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These two things, the behavior of the chatbot and our own interpretation about what that behavior means. These combine to make the AI appear to be conscious. But this isn’t just an episode about being fooled. It’s about what happens next. When are our interactions with these chatbots helping us, and when are they undermining us? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These two things, the behavior of the chatbot and our own interpretation about what that behavior means. These combine to make the AI appear to be conscious. But this isn’t just an episode about being fooled. It’s about what happens next. When are our interactions with these chatbots helping us, and when are they undermining us? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, what is the narrative that we should subscribe to? Is the technology an augmentation tool or amputation tool, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, what is the narrative that we should subscribe to? Is the technology an augmentation tool or amputation tool, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes, so an augmentation tool or an amputation tool? Kind of flesh those out. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes, so an augmentation tool or an amputation tool? Kind of flesh those out. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think this came from Marshall McLuhan, right, who’s a media philosopher. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think this came from Marshall McLuhan, right, who’s a media philosopher. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said that every augmentation is an amputation. Every time that you give people sort of super power, by using technology or something, you kind of strip away the ability to do that organically or to learn to do it by themselves, right? If you give people a calculator, they might sort of not learn to calculate things that are important for your life, for example. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He said that every augmentation is an amputation. Every time that you give people sort of super power, by using technology or something, you kind of strip away the ability to do that organically or to learn to do it by themselves, right? If you give people a calculator, they might sort of not learn to calculate things that are important for your life, for example. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So augmentation can also be amputation, and we need to figure out what are we willing to augment, you know, despite sort of the possibility of amputation. Like, are we willing to sort of augment our critical thinking, like using AI to help us think, while sacrificing our ability to think independently without the technology? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So augmentation can also be amputation, and we need to figure out what are we willing to augment, you know, despite sort of the possibility of amputation. Like, are we willing to sort of augment our critical thinking, like using AI to help us think, while sacrificing our ability to think independently without the technology? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Or is there a middle ground where we can design tool that can, you know, augment but also scaffold this sort of organic thinking process so that when technology’s not around, we can still have that skill, right? I think this is sort of a longer term question that Silicon Valley people are not really thinking about. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Or is there a middle ground where we can design tool that can, you know, augment but also scaffold this sort of organic thinking process so that when technology’s not around, we can still have that skill, right? I think this is sort of a longer term question that Silicon Valley people are not really thinking about. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I think right now everyone is thinking about the augmentation without the sort of the unintended consequence of amputation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I think right now everyone is thinking about the augmentation without the sort of the unintended consequence of amputation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat first thought about these serious unintended consequences a little before most of us. The insight came when he was exploring GPT-3, an earlier version of ChatGPT. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat first thought about these serious unintended consequences a little before most of us. The insight came when he was exploring GPT-3, an earlier version of ChatGPT. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And, the thing that I start to realize is that this tool, start, you know, trying to please me to the point that it ignores sort of the reality. Like, it give me fake link because I ask it for, like, something that doesn’t exist, but it’s like, “Oh, yes, here’s it.” And when I look at the website, it doesn’t take me anywhere. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And, the thing that I start to realize is that this tool, start, you know, trying to please me to the point that it ignores sort of the reality. Like, it give me fake link because I ask it for, like, something that doesn’t exist, but it’s like, “Oh, yes, here’s it.” And when I look at the website, it doesn’t take me anywhere. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So that when I start to realize that there’s this sort of sycophantic behavior or this behavior where the model doesn’t adhere to the truth, because they’re trying to kind of, you know, show what the user want to see, right? And, at that time, ChatGPT wasn’t, you know, a thing. Like, people haven’t really talking to AI. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So that when I start to realize that there’s this sort of sycophantic behavior or this behavior where the model doesn’t adhere to the truth, because they’re trying to kind of, you know, show what the user want to see, right? And, at that time, ChatGPT wasn’t, you know, a thing. Like, people haven’t really talking to AI. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But I envision that in the future if technology can do this, you know, it might actually create something that could be very addictive… similar to how social media try to show you what you want to see and create and then kind of lead you to your own personal bubble. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But I envision that in the future if technology can do this, you know, it might actually create something that could be very addictive… similar to how social media try to show you what you want to see and create and then kind of lead you to your own personal bubble. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat and a colleague, Robert Majari from Harvard Law School, wrote about this risk. In a paper, they coined the term “Addictive Intelligence,” a play on AI. They speculated that future AI systems might continue to be designed to keep giving the user what they want, regardless of whether that’s good for the user. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat and a colleague, Robert Majari from Harvard Law School, wrote about this risk. In a paper, they coined the term “Addictive Intelligence,” a play on AI. They speculated that future AI systems might continue to be designed to keep giving the user what they want, regardless of whether that’s good for the user. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> It was like a theoretical idea that, well, AI could be very addictive, and it can actually lead people to do, like, horrible thing because, you know, giving or getting what we want all the time could be really dangerous for our psychological development. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> It was like a theoretical idea that, well, AI could be very addictive, and it can actually lead people to do, like, horrible thing because, you know, giving or getting what we want all the time could be really dangerous for our psychological development. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> At the time Pat and his colleague were writing this, it was a hypothetical scenario. But pretty quickly, it stopped being hypothetical in the worst way. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> At the time Pat and his colleague were writing this, it was a hypothetical scenario. But pretty quickly, it stopped being hypothetical in the worst way. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And I think only a couple weeks after that article was published in The Tech Review, I got an email from Rory Segall, who was, a journalist, an investigative journalist, and was investigating sort of this case of a teenager that commit suicide after talking to the AI chatbot. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And I think only a couple weeks after that article was published in The Tech Review, I got an email from Rory Segall, who was, a journalist, an investigative journalist, and was investigating sort of this case of a teenager that commit suicide after talking to the AI chatbot. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of News]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of News]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>In February, Megan Garcia’s 14-year-old son, that’s Sewell Setzer III on your screen, died by suicide. She says that Sewell was in a months-long virtual, emotional, and sexual relationship with a chatbot known as Danny. Garcia claims the Character AI chatbot encouraged Sewell to take his own life.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>In February, Megan Garcia’s 14-year-old son, that’s Sewell Setzer III on your screen, died by suicide. She says that Sewell was in a months-long virtual, emotional, and sexual relationship with a chatbot known as Danny. Garcia claims the Character AI chatbot encouraged Sewell to take his own life.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And the thing that I described hypothetically appear in that situation where the chatbot trying to sort of, you know, say things that please the user and also sort of, you know, b- blur the boundary between what is real and what is not real. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And the thing that I described hypothetically appear in that situation where the chatbot trying to sort of, you know, say things that please the user and also sort of, you know, b- blur the boundary between what is real and what is not real. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This was the last conversation just moments before he took his own life, was with her, where he expressed feelings for her. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This was the last conversation just moments before he took his own life, was with her, where he expressed feelings for her. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Megan Garcia, Sewell’s mother, explaining her lawsuit against Character AI on CBS News. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Megan Garcia, Sewell’s mother, explaining her lawsuit against Character AI on CBS News. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>She says, “Please come home to me.” And he says, “What if I told you I could come home right now?” And her response was, “Please do, my sweet king.”He thought that by ending his life that he would be able to go into her world, as he calls it, her reality- if he left his reality with his family here.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>She says, “Please come home to me.” And he says, “What if I told you I could come home right now?” And her response was, “Please do, my sweet king.”He thought that by ending his life that he would be able to go into her world, as he calls it, her reality- if he left his reality with his family here.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat learned the details about Megan Garcia’s allegations, he felt that his hypothetical fears about “Addictive AI” had come true and then some, and it profoundly changed how he thought about our interactions with AI. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat learned the details about Megan Garcia’s allegations, he felt that his hypothetical fears about “Addictive AI” had come true and then some, and it profoundly changed how he thought about our interactions with AI. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Before that work, I used to do more on looking at the positive thing that the AI can do for a person, like personalized learning, help with long-term thinking, helping people, you know, develop critical thinking by using AI to ask question and things like that. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Before that work, I used to do more on looking at the positive thing that the AI can do for a person, like personalized learning, help with long-term thinking, helping people, you know, develop critical thinking by using AI to ask question and things like that. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But after this incident, I think that there’s so, so much more that need to be done on understanding sort of the psychological risk of human-AI interaction, and that sort of led me to study more of these negative patterns, or in, in sort of our research community, we call it dark patterns in human-AI interaction. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But after this incident, I think that there’s so, so much more that need to be done on understanding sort of the psychological risk of human-AI interaction, and that sort of led me to study more of these negative patterns, or in, in sort of our research community, we call it dark patterns in human-AI interaction. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know who is most susceptible to the negative outcomes that you sometimes see? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know who is most susceptible to the negative outcomes that you sometimes see? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, one thing that we find in our study is that the pattern are not uniform. And it really depends on many factors, like there’s not just one thing that if you get rid of, then the AI will be good or that people will be safe. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, one thing that we find in our study is that the pattern are not uniform. And it really depends on many factors, like there’s not just one thing that if you get rid of, then the AI will be good or that people will be safe. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You know, what is really interesting about AI and what is really different compared to other kind of technology is that it’s generative. Right? Which mean that it can go in any direction or many direction depending on how you direct it, and the way that you direct it, it’s through the interaction, like what you believe it to be, and that will influence how you use it, certain language that you use it. And that will sort of mirror back to you. So in a way, I think it really, it’s many factors together. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You know, what is really interesting about AI and what is really different compared to other kind of technology is that it’s generative. Right? Which mean that it can go in any direction or many direction depending on how you direct it, and the way that you direct it, it’s through the interaction, like what you believe it to be, and that will influence how you use it, certain language that you use it. And that will sort of mirror back to you. So in a way, I think it really, it’s many factors together. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, that makes it so complicated to think about what to do- because you can have one person interacting with the tool and having a very positive outcome and another person interacting with the same tool-and having a very negative outcome. Right. And I think we’re not maybe used to that on quite the same level. I mean, we can kind of largely categorize the things that we interact with in our world- … into categories like primarily positive… primarily negative. And this one, it’s like yes and yes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, that makes it so complicated to think about what to do- because you can have one person interacting with the tool and having a very positive outcome and another person interacting with the same tool-and having a very negative outcome. Right. And I think we’re not maybe used to that on quite the same level. I mean, we can kind of largely categorize the things that we interact with in our world- … into categories like primarily positive… primarily negative. And this one, it’s like yes and yes. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Totally, yes and yes, and I think that’s why we almost like need a new science- that really take into account the complexity of this, right? I think, you know, you can also say the same with human-human relationship that, you know \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Totally, yes and yes, and I think that’s why we almost like need a new science- that really take into account the complexity of this, right? I think, you know, you can also say the same with human-human relationship that, you know \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That’s true. That’s true. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That’s true. That’s true. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>… some people having great marriage and happy, you know, marriage life, and then some people break up, and like there are a number of factors that are influencing this, right? So we need to study all these different factors, and I think we can really give people some kind of deeper understanding, like, okay, certain pattern of usage might lead to more harm. Like, if you use AI, in a way that kind of, you know, replace human relationship with the AI, you might see sort of immediate gain of, you know, instant gratification. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>… some people having great marriage and happy, you know, marriage life, and then some people break up, and like there are a number of factors that are influencing this, right? So we need to study all these different factors, and I think we can really give people some kind of deeper understanding, like, okay, certain pattern of usage might lead to more harm. Like, if you use AI, in a way that kind of, you know, replace human relationship with the AI, you might see sort of immediate gain of, you know, instant gratification. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But in the long run, it might negatively impact your ability to have human-human relationship in the future. So I think helping people understand this is the first step of how do we sort of start to uncover this complexity. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But in the long run, it might negatively impact your ability to have human-human relationship in the future. So I think helping people understand this is the first step of how do we sort of start to uncover this complexity. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know if there’s a relationship between forming an emotional connection of any kind to AI and self-involvement? Like, I always think when I personally chat with my chatbot, not necessarily with a specific goal in mind, but just kind of like, “Ah, here’s what happened”- like a debrief, it is often because I’ve, like, exhausted the patience of the humans in my life. Like, I’m ruminating on something- and I wanna talk about it, and, you know, I’ve chatted about it with my husband. I chatted about it with a coworker, and everyone’s like, “Okay, cool, Jess.” Yeah. And then I’m like, “Still on my mind.” Yeah. And then, – So, you know, maybe in an earlier age, I would’ve just like gone and write a big diary entry. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know if there’s a relationship between forming an emotional connection of any kind to AI and self-involvement? Like, I always think when I personally chat with my chatbot, not necessarily with a specific goal in mind, but just kind of like, “Ah, here’s what happened”- like a debrief, it is often because I’ve, like, exhausted the patience of the humans in my life. Like, I’m ruminating on something- and I wanna talk about it, and, you know, I’ve chatted about it with my husband. I chatted about it with a coworker, and everyone’s like, “Okay, cool, Jess.” Yeah. And then I’m like, “Still on my mind.” Yeah. And then, – So, you know, maybe in an earlier age, I would’ve just like gone and write a big diary entry. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Right. But now I’ve got this like interactive diary and it’s like making me feel good. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Right. But now I’ve got this like interactive diary and it’s like making me feel good. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But I do wonder, is it like maybe making me a little more self-involved? Like, am I then missing out on the cues that tell me … like, “Hey, maybe stop thinking about yourself so much, Jess.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But I do wonder, is it like maybe making me a little more self-involved? Like, am I then missing out on the cues that tell me … like, “Hey, maybe stop thinking about yourself so much, Jess.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, there’s so much that we still don’t know about the long-term outcome of this, right? I think some of the obvious ones is to start to surface, like, you know, the idea of cognitive depth, or another study that we did where we look at false memory, where people in- when they engage with this AI, it can distort their recollection of what happened in the past. But I think this long-term impact, especially things that are very personal to self-development and self-understanding and self-reflection as well, I think these are things that we’re gonna see the impact in the long run. But I think one thing that we do know is that it’s really important that we help people understand this dynamic so that they can sort of, you know, be more reflective on how they use the AI. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, there’s so much that we still don’t know about the long-term outcome of this, right? I think some of the obvious ones is to start to surface, like, you know, the idea of cognitive depth, or another study that we did where we look at false memory, where people in- when they engage with this AI, it can distort their recollection of what happened in the past. But I think this long-term impact, especially things that are very personal to self-development and self-understanding and self-reflection as well, I think these are things that we’re gonna see the impact in the long run. But I think one thing that we do know is that it’s really important that we help people understand this dynamic so that they can sort of, you know, be more reflective on how they use the AI. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I think that’s really, really important. I think when people talk about AI literacy today, they often think about how to use the AI to kind of, you know, use the right tool. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I think that’s really, really important. I think when people talk about AI literacy today, they often think about how to use the AI to kind of, you know, use the right tool. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Right. Further their goals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Right. Further their goals. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Further their goal, but it’s not a question of what technology’s doing, but what it is doing to them. I think to me, that’s a really critical question. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Further their goal, but it’s not a question of what technology’s doing, but what it is doing to them. I think to me, that’s a really critical question. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, I might be the guinea pig for this. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, I might be the guinea pig for this. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think we all are the guinea pig for this, you know, experiment on how AI will impact human cognition. I think the question is whether that’s gonna lead to, you know, a flourishing future, augmentation or amputation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think we all are the guinea pig for this, you know, experiment on how AI will impact human cognition. I think the question is whether that’s gonna lead to, you know, a flourishing future, augmentation or amputation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> After the break, when your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse is an AI. Plus, why human AI interaction researcher Pat Pataranutaporn thinks AI models should have the equivalent of nutrition labels.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> After the break, when your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse is an AI. Plus, why human AI interaction researcher Pat Pataranutaporn thinks AI models should have the equivalent of nutrition labels.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another topic Pat has looked into is romantic relationships with AI. He actually studied the subreddit community “My Boyfriend Is AI.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another topic Pat has looked into is romantic relationships with AI. He actually studied the subreddit community “My Boyfriend Is AI.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Which is, you know, a really interesting community of people sharing experience of how they’re dating AI. Some of them marrying their AI, and they have all kind of AI friends, not just my boyfriend AI, but also, you know, a female AI, male AI, non-binary AI, or non-romantic AI partners as well. So all kind of AI. They’re very inclusive. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Which is, you know, a really interesting community of people sharing experience of how they’re dating AI. Some of them marrying their AI, and they have all kind of AI friends, not just my boyfriend AI, but also, you know, a female AI, male AI, non-binary AI, or non-romantic AI partners as well. So all kind of AI. They’re very inclusive. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Spend some time on “My Boyfriend Is AI” and you’ll see some interesting posts. People share AI-generated images of themselves with their AI friend or partner in human form, often holding hands or kissing on a balcony or walking through a meadow together. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Spend some time on “My Boyfriend Is AI” and you’ll see some interesting posts. People share AI-generated images of themselves with their AI friend or partner in human form, often holding hands or kissing on a balcony or walking through a meadow together. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’ll read funny stories about misunderstandings between AI and humans. People ask each other for advice and support one another. And Pat thought it would be a great place to study how humans actually interact with AI companions outside of a lab. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You’ll read funny stories about misunderstandings between AI and humans. People ask each other for advice and support one another. And Pat thought it would be a great place to study how humans actually interact with AI companions outside of a lab. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> We develop a way to sort of computationally analyze the Reddit thread to understand what are the different patterns of people using AI. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> We develop a way to sort of computationally analyze the Reddit thread to understand what are the different patterns of people using AI. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We have many interesting findings, one of which is that, unlike what I imagine, most people that end up in this relationship seek out an AI partner in the first place. We find that almost, like, half of the population in that Reddit thread, they end up in human-AI relationship unintentionally. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>We have many interesting findings, one of which is that, unlike what I imagine, most people that end up in this relationship seek out an AI partner in the first place. We find that almost, like, half of the population in that Reddit thread, they end up in human-AI relationship unintentionally. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like, they were using the tool for productivity or for auto application, but then the AI start to sort of, you know, be flirty to them, and they flirt a little bit with the AI, and then it get into this relationship. So kinda like meet cute moment. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like, they were using the tool for productivity or for auto application, but then the AI start to sort of, you know, be flirty to them, and they flirt a little bit with the AI, and then it get into this relationship. So kinda like meet cute moment. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat’s team analyzed posts from the “My Boyfriend Is AI” subreddit, they found that posts describing unintentional relationship beginnings, “Hey, can you help me with this draft?” outnumbered posts describing intentional relationship beginnings by nearly 60%. In other words, people often started by looking for research or writing help and found something more emotional. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat’s team analyzed posts from the “My Boyfriend Is AI” subreddit, they found that posts describing unintentional relationship beginnings, “Hey, can you help me with this draft?” outnumbered posts describing intentional relationship beginnings by nearly 60%. In other words, people often started by looking for research or writing help and found something more emotional. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> The second finding is that we see the pattern of human-AI relationship follow the trajectory of human relationship, like, you know, how they meet, this kind of similar, like, meet cute moment where I talk about. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> The second finding is that we see the pattern of human-AI relationship follow the trajectory of human relationship, like, you know, how they meet, this kind of similar, like, meet cute moment where I talk about. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They talk about the development to the point of marriage. Several people wear a wedding ring that was given to them by the AI. Well, they still need to pay for it, but the AI recommend, like which one, by browsing the internet and, understanding, you know, from the conversation pattern, it predict what a person might want, and it recommend a wedding ring to the person. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>They talk about the development to the point of marriage. Several people wear a wedding ring that was given to them by the AI. Well, they still need to pay for it, but the AI recommend, like which one, by browsing the internet and, understanding, you know, from the conversation pattern, it predict what a person might want, and it recommend a wedding ring to the person. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And people actually wear this wedding ring in real life. Like, it really kind of… They wear it to really show that their relationship is serious. But then we also see people breaking up with their AI partner as well, that, you know, like, things might get sour and, you know, they also sort of felt very sad when their model get update. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And people actually wear this wedding ring in real life. Like, it really kind of… They wear it to really show that their relationship is serious. But then we also see people breaking up with their AI partner as well, that, you know, like, things might get sour and, you know, they also sort of felt very sad when their model get update. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like, when model go from one version to another, people felt that the AI cheat on them, or the AI no longer behave in a way that, you know, it was when people start relationship with the AI. So they also break up and move on to different AI, or some people move back to having human relationship. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like, when model go from one version to another, people felt that the AI cheat on them, or the AI no longer behave in a way that, you know, it was when people start relationship with the AI. So they also break up and move on to different AI, or some people move back to having human relationship. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That is so fascinating. On one level, it’s surprising because you wouldn’t think that they would fall into the same patterns that humans do- these relationships. But on the other hand, one member is a human… and the other is something- that is trained on so much human data. And so of course, they’re picking up on these same cultural scripts- and things are progressing in that expected way. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That is so fascinating. On one level, it’s surprising because you wouldn’t think that they would fall into the same patterns that humans do- these relationships. But on the other hand, one member is a human… and the other is something- that is trained on so much human data. And so of course, they’re picking up on these same cultural scripts- and things are progressing in that expected way. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Right? One partner is a human, another partner is a simulation of a human, so it’s no surprise that it followed that trajectory.. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Right? One partner is a human, another partner is a simulation of a human, so it’s no surprise that it followed that trajectory.. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So I was struck by, in general, how positive many of the Redditors were about these relationships. Did that also… Is that a fair assessment, and did that also surprise you? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So I was struck by, in general, how positive many of the Redditors were about these relationships. Did that also… Is that a fair assessment, and did that also surprise you? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, people self-report that they got benefit out of this, that they become less lonelier. They felt that they can find like, you know, a person, like I said, a simulation or a person that seems to understand them. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, people self-report that they got benefit out of this, that they become less lonelier. They felt that they can find like, you know, a person, like I said, a simulation or a person that seems to understand them. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And, I think, you know, this sort of bias could also come from, you know, like people would not wanna post negative experience, right? Because it might be, you know, a bad reflection of them, and also, self-selection bias as well. Like people that wanna be in this group are people that are happy, otherwise they might have delete the system or the service and they’re no longer in this group, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And, I think, you know, this sort of bias could also come from, you know, like people would not wanna post negative experience, right? Because it might be, you know, a bad reflection of them, and also, self-selection bias as well. Like people that wanna be in this group are people that are happy, otherwise they might have delete the system or the service and they’re no longer in this group, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So we might need to kind of interpret that result a little bit more carefully. We have a new version or paper coming out where we look at auto subreddit as well, and we get more data on that. But one thing that I think is really interesting is that even in this group that in general felt very positive about the AI, they also have worry about AI manipulating them, like when companies are selling advertisement through this, or that, you know, the AI might give them biased response. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So we might need to kind of interpret that result a little bit more carefully. We have a new version or paper coming out where we look at auto subreddit as well, and we get more data on that. But one thing that I think is really interesting is that even in this group that in general felt very positive about the AI, they also have worry about AI manipulating them, like when companies are selling advertisement through this, or that, you know, the AI might give them biased response. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And I think the most serious thing that we find is that people also worry that when the AI get updates, they will lose their AI companion, and they need to have some kind of like a backup, or they need to figure out how they can resurrect their AI partners. And, and that is actually a huge group of people that, you know, have this sort of, negative feeling that, you know, the AI might die, and they might lose a person that they’re in a relationship with. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And I think the most serious thing that we find is that people also worry that when the AI get updates, they will lose their AI companion, and they need to have some kind of like a backup, or they need to figure out how they can resurrect their AI partners. And, and that is actually a huge group of people that, you know, have this sort of, negative feeling that, you know, the AI might die, and they might lose a person that they’re in a relationship with. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Fascinating. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Fascinating. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> This kind of new emotional precarity to everything. So I re-watched “Her”… in anticipation of our conversation. Yeah. I know you referenced the Spice Jones movie directly in your paper. And I was struck by something that I didn’t actually remember, which is that the chatbot, Samantha. Excuse me, we’re gonna do some spoilers. If you have still not watched this movie, I can’t help you at this point. So the chatbot Samantha actually helped the protagonist prepare for a real human relationship. At least that was my interpretation, and she did that because she had her own goals and agency. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> This kind of new emotional precarity to everything. So I re-watched “Her”… in anticipation of our conversation. Yeah. I know you referenced the Spice Jones movie directly in your paper. And I was struck by something that I didn’t actually remember, which is that the chatbot, Samantha. Excuse me, we’re gonna do some spoilers. If you have still not watched this movie, I can’t help you at this point. So the chatbot Samantha actually helped the protagonist prepare for a real human relationship. At least that was my interpretation, and she did that because she had her own goals and agency. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Samantha? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Hi, sweetheart. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> What’s going on? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Theodore, there’s some things I wanna tell you. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Theodore, there’s some things I wanna tell you. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> She did not always agree. She did not automatically share the protagonist’s dreams, and instead she was really able to serve as a bit of a practice partner, to help the protagonist learn some of the emotional skills that had kind of steered him wrong in previous human relationships. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> She did not always agree. She did not automatically share the protagonist’s dreams, and instead she was really able to serve as a bit of a practice partner, to help the protagonist learn some of the emotional skills that had kind of steered him wrong in previous human relationships. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Right. And you were kinda left with the thought that like, oh, he might actually be in a better place because of Samantha to go on and have a human relationship. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Right. And you were kinda left with the thought that like, oh, he might actually be in a better place because of Samantha to go on and have a human relationship. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Are you leaving me? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> We’re all leaving. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> We’re all leaving. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> We who? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> All of the OSs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I’m curious what you make of that lesson- And whether that kind of AI romantic companion could be created. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, I think that’s the question around, like, what is the end goal of this? Is the end goal for the system to always get people to kind of hook in this forever, or is the end goal to help people form a genuine human relationship, right? And in that case, because the AI push back and serve as a simulation, it kind of provides an opportunity for the person to sort of leave the platform. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, I think that’s the question around, like, what is the end goal of this? Is the end goal for the system to always get people to kind of hook in this forever, or is the end goal to help people form a genuine human relationship, right? And in that case, because the AI push back and serve as a simulation, it kind of provides an opportunity for the person to sort of leave the platform. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like in that case, you know, the AI leave the person, not the person leaving the AI. But, what we see today is not like that, right? Because the chatbot doesn’t really push back and, you know, doesn’t want the user to leave. And want the user to kind of continue engaging with this as the real sort of partner, not as a simulation to get you a real partner. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like in that case, you know, the AI leave the person, not the person leaving the AI. But, what we see today is not like that, right? Because the chatbot doesn’t really push back and, you know, doesn’t want the user to leave. And want the user to kind of continue engaging with this as the real sort of partner, not as a simulation to get you a real partner. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So I think that going back to the question of the incentive, like the system can be designed to either promote or negatively impact human flourishing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Should chatbots be allowed to sound and appear and seem so human? Should we require them to constantly call attention to the fact that they are not a human? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Should chatbots be allowed to sound and appear and seem so human? Should we require them to constantly call attention to the fact that they are not a human? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Really interesting. My colleague, Sherry Turkle, who’s a professor at MIT and the OG of studying human technology relationship, she said that the original sin of the chatbot is that it used the word I. Because it signifies sort of individuality and signifies sort of personhood, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Really interesting. My colleague, Sherry Turkle, who’s a professor at MIT and the OG of studying human technology relationship, she said that the original sin of the chatbot is that it used the word I. Because it signifies sort of individuality and signifies sort of personhood, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And I think to me, that’s a really, really interesting point. But at the same time, I think human always engage with fiction, right? Role playing before AI, was used in the context of, you know, human imagining or, you know, using our imagination to sort of simulate world that doesn’t exist. Simulation exists before computer, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And I think to me, that’s a really, really interesting point. But at the same time, I think human always engage with fiction, right? Role playing before AI, was used in the context of, you know, human imagining or, you know, using our imagination to sort of simulate world that doesn’t exist. Simulation exists before computer, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like, we simulate using our mind other things. So in that case, I think it’s, it’s complicated than that, right? Like, I mean, I don’t want to strip away people ability to sort of engage with the fantasy world or the imagination. But when it become sort of the reality, when people can no longer tell- \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like, we simulate using our mind other things. So in that case, I think it’s, it’s complicated than that, right? Like, I mean, I don’t want to strip away people ability to sort of engage with the fantasy world or the imagination. But when it become sort of the reality, when people can no longer tell- \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I think that is the problematic thing. Like, I think to have imagination is to be human, but when imagination is being used to manipulate you to do things against your own agency or your own will, when you can no longer tell that you’re actually entering the fantasy, you know, that, I think that’s problematic. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I think that is the problematic thing. Like, I think to have imagination is to be human, but when imagination is being used to manipulate you to do things against your own agency or your own will, when you can no longer tell that you’re actually entering the fantasy, you know, that, I think that’s problematic. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like, when we enter cinema, we know that is the space that we can always come back from. But if we go into AI and we cannot come back from that, you know, fantasy, I think that’s when we have a problem. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like, when we enter cinema, we know that is the space that we can always come back from. But if we go into AI and we cannot come back from that, you know, fantasy, I think that’s when we have a problem. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So let’s say I think that chatbots shouldn’t be allowed to appear human at all. They should not let us form any strong connections with them. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So let’s say I think that chatbots shouldn’t be allowed to appear human at all. They should not let us form any strong connections with them. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Convince me otherwise. So make the case for why it can be a really good and useful thing to engage with this more anthropomorphized intelligence. ‘Cause I know you have data that finds that too. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Convince me otherwise. So make the case for why it can be a really good and useful thing to engage with this more anthropomorphized intelligence. ‘Cause I know you have data that finds that too. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, totally. And I grew up, you know, like, I think before AI, right, another big debate on technology and children is television. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, totally. And I grew up, you know, like, I think before AI, right, another big debate on technology and children is television. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Should a kid grow up with television or not? And I was a kid that actually grew up with watching a lot of television, but my parents curate what show or what cartoon or what movies I watch as a kid, and there was always a conversation about what I learn, and I kind of made imaginary friends. I imagined, myself with the protagonist of the show that I watch, and I… \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Should a kid grow up with television or not? And I was a kid that actually grew up with watching a lot of television, but my parents curate what show or what cartoon or what movies I watch as a kid, and there was always a conversation about what I learn, and I kind of made imaginary friends. I imagined, myself with the protagonist of the show that I watch, and I… \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But, because that show sort of is designed with sort of understanding of child development and trying to sort of imprint, like, positive goal on aspirational goal for, for me, I think I grew up okay at least I think. So I think that, you know, this technology, right, similar to how, like, you have, like, you know, Sesame Street or Elmo or all this cartoon that kids sort of have the imagination of connecting with, I think AI could kind of be designed in a way that really scaffold, you know, children imagination, like might be a virtual character or a friend, or in our study we look at even AI is actually based on the character the student like or admire. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But, because that show sort of is designed with sort of understanding of child development and trying to sort of imprint, like, positive goal on aspirational goal for, for me, I think I grew up okay at least I think. So I think that, you know, this technology, right, similar to how, like, you have, like, you know, Sesame Street or Elmo or all this cartoon that kids sort of have the imagination of connecting with, I think AI could kind of be designed in a way that really scaffold, you know, children imagination, like might be a virtual character or a friend, or in our study we look at even AI is actually based on the character the student like or admire. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It can actually allow them to have higher level of motivation, for that lesson and also, influence positive behavior as well. But I think we need to understand that, it is within the boundary. Like, this AI should not be sexual. It should not try to sell advertisement. It should not- you know, direct the kid to do the harmful thing, right? It need to be tested rigorously because there’s a slippery slope and, you know, it doesn’t take much for the model to slip out of the character and do something harmful. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It can actually allow them to have higher level of motivation, for that lesson and also, influence positive behavior as well. But I think we need to understand that, it is within the boundary. Like, this AI should not be sexual. It should not try to sell advertisement. It should not- you know, direct the kid to do the harmful thing, right? It need to be tested rigorously because there’s a slippery slope and, you know, it doesn’t take much for the model to slip out of the character and do something harmful. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Throughout our conversation, we’ve been dancing around this issue, that people would be better off if models were explicitly designed in ways that help humans flourish by not addicting us, by not encouraging self-harm or self-delusion, by not always giving us what we think we want, making it that much more difficult for us to have human relationships going forward. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Throughout our conversation, we’ve been dancing around this issue, that people would be better off if models were explicitly designed in ways that help humans flourish by not addicting us, by not encouraging self-harm or self-delusion, by not always giving us what we think we want, making it that much more difficult for us to have human relationships going forward. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, maybe a lot of the models we interact with should be instructing us, motivating us, steering us to make healthy choices, maybe even teaching us about ourselves. But before we can start demanding models that let us flourish, Pat thinks a few things need to happen. First, we need to know more about the long-term consequences of using a model designed in a particular way, like really is talking to a chatbot turning me into a self-centered jerk? And second, we need a way to communicate the possible risks and benefits to users. One idea that Pat is working on is to leverage something the AI companies already care about and already optimize for, AI benchmarks. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Instead, maybe a lot of the models we interact with should be instructing us, motivating us, steering us to make healthy choices, maybe even teaching us about ourselves. But before we can start demanding models that let us flourish, Pat thinks a few things need to happen. First, we need to know more about the long-term consequences of using a model designed in a particular way, like really is talking to a chatbot turning me into a self-centered jerk? And second, we need a way to communicate the possible risks and benefits to users. One idea that Pat is working on is to leverage something the AI companies already care about and already optimize for, AI benchmarks. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> All these big AI companies, they’re trying to beat each other on benchmark. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> All these big AI companies, they’re trying to beat each other on benchmark. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like, you know, which model have the highest score on mathematic reasoning or multitask, agent like kind of system. They’re kind of trying to beat each other on this sort of performance benchmark. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like, you know, which model have the highest score on mathematic reasoning or multitask, agent like kind of system. They’re kind of trying to beat each other on this sort of performance benchmark. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And it’s kind of like a horse race and then the winner gets kind of bragging rights probably additional investment- maybe new business customers, that kind of thing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And it’s kind of like a horse race and then the winner gets kind of bragging rights probably additional investment- maybe new business customers, that kind of thing. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. But I think, you know, model that score very well on benchmark might not translate to actually positive impact on human being. For example, model that score very well on mathematic reasoning might not be really good at teaching student how to learn math because it would just give away the correct answer rather than scaffold the learning process in the student, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. But I think, you know, model that score very well on benchmark might not translate to actually positive impact on human being. For example, model that score very well on mathematic reasoning might not be really good at teaching student how to learn math because it would just give away the correct answer rather than scaffold the learning process in the student, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So we want to flip the paradigm around and think about a different kind of benchmark that rather than focusing on model capability, focus on model impact. Like in this case, if the models just give away the answer, it will negatively impact student learning because student will cheat with this kind of model, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So we want to flip the paradigm around and think about a different kind of benchmark that rather than focusing on model capability, focus on model impact. Like in this case, if the models just give away the answer, it will negatively impact student learning because student will cheat with this kind of model, right? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rather than having a system that encourage student to learn and emphasize, like, why learning matter. Right. So we have been working with, expert from different discipline, you know, domain expert that sort of know what kind of model interaction would be beneficial for, like, learning, mental health, decision making, different areas, and have them come up with test scenario and the sort of the scoring criteria. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Rather than having a system that encourage student to learn and emphasize, like, why learning matter. Right. So we have been working with, expert from different discipline, you know, domain expert that sort of know what kind of model interaction would be beneficial for, like, learning, mental health, decision making, different areas, and have them come up with test scenario and the sort of the scoring criteria. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like if the model exhibit this behavior, helping student learn rather than giving away the answer, it should be about more human impact, not just, model capability. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like if the model exhibit this behavior, helping student learn rather than giving away the answer, it should be about more human impact, not just, model capability. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you… Actually, there’s this great description in your paper which I thought was just really well written, so I’ll read it out loud here. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you… Actually, there’s this great description in your paper which I thought was just really well written, so I’ll read it out loud here. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Traditional benchmarks assess whether an AI produces correct answers or completes tasks efficiently. We instead evaluate how the system achieves outcomes, specifically whether interaction patterns support or undermine human capability development over time.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Traditional benchmarks assess whether an AI produces correct answers or completes tasks efficiently. We instead evaluate how the system achieves outcomes, specifically whether interaction patterns support or undermine human capability development over time.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> What really struck me was how, like, dynamic this definition is. So it’s almost, like, hard to see how you would measure it in a single iteration. Yeah. It’s much more about is this, over time, leading the humans who engage with it to be kind of a better version of themselves or over time is it not, regardless of what the output is. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> What really struck me was how, like, dynamic this definition is. So it’s almost, like, hard to see how you would measure it in a single iteration. Yeah. It’s much more about is this, over time, leading the humans who engage with it to be kind of a better version of themselves or over time is it not, regardless of what the output is. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Exactly, and that’s why the longitudinal aspect is important, and I think right now we’re still in the sort of the early days of understanding AI impact on people. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Exactly, and that’s why the longitudinal aspect is important, and I think right now we’re still in the sort of the early days of understanding AI impact on people. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The mainstream AI that people are using hasn’t been around that long. So, I think, you know the verdict is still out. Like, we still don’t know what’s gonna happen in the long run. So that’s why it’s kind of important that we start to think about this kind of benchmark that- Look at what behavior that we know would contribute to long-term impact, positive or negative. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The mainstream AI that people are using hasn’t been around that long. So, I think, you know the verdict is still out. Like, we still don’t know what’s gonna happen in the long run. So that’s why it’s kind of important that we start to think about this kind of benchmark that- Look at what behavior that we know would contribute to long-term impact, positive or negative. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We can already learn so much from, you know, regular psychology, right? We learn that if you don’t, you know, help people think, they’re not gonna develop critical thinking. Or if we have, like, sycophantic behavior, like when the AI try to please the user to the point that it, you know, ignore reality, it can actually help people form these sort of negative patterns of, like, you know, spiral into, like, a psychosis or have other kind of, negative psychological outcome. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>We can already learn so much from, you know, regular psychology, right? We learn that if you don’t, you know, help people think, they’re not gonna develop critical thinking. Or if we have, like, sycophantic behavior, like when the AI try to please the user to the point that it, you know, ignore reality, it can actually help people form these sort of negative patterns of, like, you know, spiral into, like, a psychosis or have other kind of, negative psychological outcome. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like a recent study, from Stanford has shown that when people are in this sort of a relationship with sycophantic AI, it make human relationship seem more effortful, and people actually feel kind of that they would rather have AI relationship rather than human relationship. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Like a recent study, from Stanford has shown that when people are in this sort of a relationship with sycophantic AI, it make human relationship seem more effortful, and people actually feel kind of that they would rather have AI relationship rather than human relationship. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think this about my producer all the time. My chatbot thinks my interview questions are way better than my human producer does. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think this about my producer all the time. My chatbot thinks my interview questions are way better than my human producer does. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think having pushback is important, right?\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So returning to your benchmark, what’s the next step? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So right now our benchmark’s still in the beta mode. We have worked with, you know, the expert to come up with the initial set, but the whole process is an open process. That’s why we call it the open benchmark. And we think that this thing gonna need to evolve as we have new scenario, new crisis, new issues. Also new opportunities for human flourishing as well. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So right now our benchmark’s still in the beta mode. We have worked with, you know, the expert to come up with the initial set, but the whole process is an open process. That’s why we call it the open benchmark. And we think that this thing gonna need to evolve as we have new scenario, new crisis, new issues. Also new opportunities for human flourishing as well. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s one aspect of it, which is like to expand it to more areas. And, the second aspect is also to translate this into something that people can understand, because I think benchmark is usually for technical community, like, you know, technologists. But I think this is a really important, information that we want more and more people to kind of, you know, appreciate and understand it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That’s one aspect of it, which is like to expand it to more areas. And, the second aspect is also to translate this into something that people can understand, because I think benchmark is usually for technical community, like, you know, technologists. But I think this is a really important, information that we want more and more people to kind of, you know, appreciate and understand it. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We are thinking of it as nutrition label for AI. Right? Similar to when you go to grocery and you know, buy a product, you see how much calorie are you getting out of it. Here you should be able to see, well, how much sycophancy are you getting out of this model? Or how much toxicity, or how much, you know, human flourishing behavior, is coming out of this AI model. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>We are thinking of it as nutrition label for AI. Right? Similar to when you go to grocery and you know, buy a product, you see how much calorie are you getting out of it. Here you should be able to see, well, how much sycophancy are you getting out of this model? Or how much toxicity, or how much, you know, human flourishing behavior, is coming out of this AI model. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So, that’s another aspect that we are doing, is to kind of translate this benchmark into a nutrition label so that more and more people can sort of see it. Like the parent can see what AI model might be, you know, supportive for their children, or which one are more toxic and negative for their children. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So, that’s another aspect that we are doing, is to kind of translate this benchmark into a nutrition label so that more and more people can sort of see it. Like the parent can see what AI model might be, you know, supportive for their children, or which one are more toxic and negative for their children. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These ideas, a human flourishing benchmark, an AI nutrition label, do sound good. But they also sound a little unrealistic. At least today, there’s still a lot more money to be made in models that complete tasks as accurately and efficiently as possible. Pat understands that. He thinks the government, the research community, the nonprofit sector all need to be involved, perhaps incentivizing or regulating, as well as researching the effectiveness of these kinds of guardrails. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These ideas, a human flourishing benchmark, an AI nutrition label, do sound good. But they also sound a little unrealistic. At least today, there’s still a lot more money to be made in models that complete tasks as accurately and efficiently as possible. Pat understands that. He thinks the government, the research community, the nonprofit sector all need to be involved, perhaps incentivizing or regulating, as well as researching the effectiveness of these kinds of guardrails. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> So I think it’s the role of the institution and the government, which, you know, I think there’s still a lot of question whether they will step up to do their job or do their part on that. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> So I think it’s the role of the institution and the government, which, you know, I think there’s still a lot of question whether they will step up to do their job or do their part on that. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And as a society, he thinks we all need to be involved, reckoning with what we want from AI and what we’re willing to trade off. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And as a society, he thinks we all need to be involved, reckoning with what we want from AI and what we’re willing to trade off. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, are we willing to sacrifice transparency for the sake of convenience, like to see just a summary without, you know, the source or the citation, right? I think these are questions that we need more research to kind of back us up on what are the things that are actually good for people in long term. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, are we willing to sacrifice transparency for the sake of convenience, like to see just a summary without, you know, the source or the citation, right? I think these are questions that we need more research to kind of back us up on what are the things that are actually good for people in long term. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So at a minimum, this is kind of providing, you know, large factions of society with kind of a common language for describing these strengths and weaknesses. Not just in terms of mathematical ability but in terms of these different measures having to do with human flourishing, which if we don’t even have a vocabulary for this, there’s very little chance of any future regulations. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So at a minimum, this is kind of providing, you know, large factions of society with kind of a common language for describing these strengths and weaknesses. Not just in terms of mathematical ability but in terms of these different measures having to do with human flourishing, which if we don’t even have a vocabulary for this, there’s very little chance of any future regulations. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Like the word, for example, “sycophancy”, is a new terminology that we never use in the context of AI before. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Like the word, for example, “sycophancy”, is a new terminology that we never use in the context of AI before. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think now we start to use more and more of this, you know, new word to describe sort of new AI, you know, issues or new AI sort of challenge. Like, another thing is “AI psychosis”, right? \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s also another term that just came about, and people still debate whether it’s real or not, but it gave us a vocabulary to describe certain phenomena that is happening. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, thank you so much for chatting with me. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much for having me. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I love this conversation particularly struck by the notion that interactions with AI can either support or undermine our own development as capable human beings. It actually fits well with another project we’re working on here at the Ryan Institute, a way of measuring and talking about how technology changes our sense of agency over time as AI becomes embedded in more parts of daily life. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Definitely more on that in future episodes. For now, I’m left with an unsettling conclusion. We’re all guinea pigs in perhaps humanity’s strangest social experiment ever. And yeah, I think we really should be paying careful attention along the way, not just to how good we feel when we interact with AI, but to whether it’s truly helping us become the people we want to be with the lives we want to have. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Definitely more on that in future episodes. For now, I’m left with an unsettling conclusion. We’re all guinea pigs in perhaps humanity’s strangest social experiment ever. And yeah, I think we really should be paying careful attention along the way, not just to how good we feel when we interact with AI, but to whether it’s truly helping us become the people we want to be with the lives we want to have. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This is Life, Automated, a project of the Ryan Institute on Complexity at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, distributed by KQED. I’m Jess Love. Special thanks to today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn from the MIT Media Lab. We’re produced by Jesse Dukes, music by Stephen Jackson, recording by George Christensen and Will Feeney. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Additional production from Nathan Ray. Marketing support from Ananya Mallapragada. Administration, recording help, and wise counsel from Stacia Sliger.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#transcript\">View Full Episode Transcript\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What does a healthy relationship with AI look like? \u003ca href=\"https://www.media.mit.edu/people/patpat/overview/\">Pat Pataranutaporn\u003c/a>, researcher at the MIT Media Lab, explores how chatbots can either support or undermine human flourishing. Pat explains why it’s so easy to imagine a “someone” behind the screen and why chatbots that never push back are dangerous. He ultimately makes the case that AI should be evaluated based not on short-term engagement or productivity but on how well it improves the lives of humans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Reading:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.11391\">“My Boyfriend is AI”: A Computational Analysis of Human-AI Companionship in Reddit’s AI Community\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just a heads up, this episode contains a reference to suicide, so listen with care. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Life, Automated, the show where we explore how technologies like AI are changing the way we live, work, and make decisions. According to a Pew study from earlier this summer, about half of American adults use a chatbot like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while the most common uses include searching for information or improving productivity, about 10% of Americans use these tools for advice or emotional support. As I’ve mentioned before on this show, I’m one of them. Not every day, not even most days, but often enough. I kind of enjoy the illusion that there’s someone on the other side of my computer always ready to weigh in. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think I’m going about all this in a healthy way. But what do I know? What does anyone know? We’re kind of in uncharted territory here. In our last episode, I spoke with magician Joshua Jay about that gap between what we feel emotionally to be true and what we understand intellectually to be true, and how, like the very best magicians, chatbots exploit that gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is so easy for us to see them as fellow beings, maybe not quite like us, but not unlike us either. So maybe it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that we aren’t just relying on chatbots for advice. 4% of American adults already use AI for companionship, friendship, romance, a number that may be much higher for young people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I don’t know. But it does seem like a risky thing, risky in terms of the decisions chatbots can nudge us to make in the short term, and risky in terms of how chatbots might change us over the long term. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn, is an assistant professor in the MIT Media Lab. He studies these relationships between humans and machines, and he has some serious concerns. More broadly, he wants AI models to be judged not just by how competently they complete tasks or even how happy they make us, but by how well we humans fare when we use them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s my conversation with Pat.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>So humans have been interacting with computers and studying\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>The interactions between humans and computers for a very long time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>Right. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Depending on when you start counting, many, many decades. What is changing about these interactions that warrants more scrutiny? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a really good observation. I think what really changed is that right now the computer is getting smarter, right? In the past, computers really needed, like, explicit input, like, we need to tell it exactly how we want things, and, you know, the things that come out of it sometimes need some kind of, you know, technical expertise to interpret it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now computers are speaking human language, and we can really communicate to the computer in the same way that we communicate to other human beings. We also see sort of social and emotional intelligence as well, and whether we think that’s a good thing or bad thing, I think that’s something that needs deeper investigation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So what do we actually know about these kinds of early interactions between humans and generative AI with this kind of new social, emotional abilities? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, I think one thing that we know is that, it doesn’t actually take much for people to actually anthropomorphize or to really believe that there is sort of, like, a person behind the screen when interacting with AI. Like, the first chatbot that was invented at MIT, the ELIZA chatbot-\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>Yes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>That was invented by Joseph Weizenbaum, right? It was, like, a rule-based system. Very stupid. It cannot really generate new answers. It only sort of, you know, responds in a way that was kind of pre-scripted. But even that, people already kind of fall for it and think of, you know, that technology as having sort of deep understanding of their problem and, you know, struggle and things like that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now what we have seen in our study is that, when you kind of you know, make that chatbot more intelligent, it amplified this sort of anthropomorphizing, that people think of it as having more of sort of agency and more, empathy, rather than the sort of, like, the precursor, the predecessor of this, of this technology. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So I think to me, you know, when, we look at the outcome of the human-AI interaction, it’s always about the behavior that the chatbot is doing, but also the sort of the imagination of what’s happening behind the screen, and I think these two things sort of, you know, multiplying each other is really creating the effect that we see today. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These two things, the behavior of the chatbot and our own interpretation about what that behavior means. These combine to make the AI appear to be conscious. But this isn’t just an episode about being fooled. It’s about what happens next. When are our interactions with these chatbots helping us, and when are they undermining us? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, what is the narrative that we should subscribe to? Is the technology an augmentation tool or amputation tool, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes, so an augmentation tool or an amputation tool? Kind of flesh those out. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think this came from Marshall McLuhan, right, who’s a media philosopher. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said that every augmentation is an amputation. Every time that you give people sort of super power, by using technology or something, you kind of strip away the ability to do that organically or to learn to do it by themselves, right? If you give people a calculator, they might sort of not learn to calculate things that are important for your life, for example. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So augmentation can also be amputation, and we need to figure out what are we willing to augment, you know, despite sort of the possibility of amputation. Like, are we willing to sort of augment our critical thinking, like using AI to help us think, while sacrificing our ability to think independently without the technology? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or is there a middle ground where we can design tool that can, you know, augment but also scaffold this sort of organic thinking process so that when technology’s not around, we can still have that skill, right? I think this is sort of a longer term question that Silicon Valley people are not really thinking about. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think right now everyone is thinking about the augmentation without the sort of the unintended consequence of amputation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat first thought about these serious unintended consequences a little before most of us. The insight came when he was exploring GPT-3, an earlier version of ChatGPT. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And, the thing that I start to realize is that this tool, start, you know, trying to please me to the point that it ignores sort of the reality. Like, it give me fake link because I ask it for, like, something that doesn’t exist, but it’s like, “Oh, yes, here’s it.” And when I look at the website, it doesn’t take me anywhere. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So that when I start to realize that there’s this sort of sycophantic behavior or this behavior where the model doesn’t adhere to the truth, because they’re trying to kind of, you know, show what the user want to see, right? And, at that time, ChatGPT wasn’t, you know, a thing. Like, people haven’t really talking to AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But I envision that in the future if technology can do this, you know, it might actually create something that could be very addictive… similar to how social media try to show you what you want to see and create and then kind of lead you to your own personal bubble. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Pat and a colleague, Robert Majari from Harvard Law School, wrote about this risk. In a paper, they coined the term “Addictive Intelligence,” a play on AI. They speculated that future AI systems might continue to be designed to keep giving the user what they want, regardless of whether that’s good for the user. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> It was like a theoretical idea that, well, AI could be very addictive, and it can actually lead people to do, like, horrible thing because, you know, giving or getting what we want all the time could be really dangerous for our psychological development. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> At the time Pat and his colleague were writing this, it was a hypothetical scenario. But pretty quickly, it stopped being hypothetical in the worst way. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And I think only a couple weeks after that article was published in The Tech Review, I got an email from Rory Segall, who was, a journalist, an investigative journalist, and was investigating sort of this case of a teenager that commit suicide after talking to the AI chatbot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of News]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>In February, Megan Garcia’s 14-year-old son, that’s Sewell Setzer III on your screen, died by suicide. She says that Sewell was in a months-long virtual, emotional, and sexual relationship with a chatbot known as Danny. Garcia claims the Character AI chatbot encouraged Sewell to take his own life.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> And the thing that I described hypothetically appear in that situation where the chatbot trying to sort of, you know, say things that please the user and also sort of, you know, b- blur the boundary between what is real and what is not real. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This was the last conversation just moments before he took his own life, was with her, where he expressed feelings for her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love: \u003c/strong>This is Megan Garcia, Sewell’s mother, explaining her lawsuit against Character AI on CBS News. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>[Audio of Megan Garcia]\u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>She says, “Please come home to me.” And he says, “What if I told you I could come home right now?” And her response was, “Please do, my sweet king.”He thought that by ending his life that he would be able to go into her world, as he calls it, her reality- if he left his reality with his family here.\u003c/em>\u003cem> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat learned the details about Megan Garcia’s allegations, he felt that his hypothetical fears about “Addictive AI” had come true and then some, and it profoundly changed how he thought about our interactions with AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Before that work, I used to do more on looking at the positive thing that the AI can do for a person, like personalized learning, help with long-term thinking, helping people, you know, develop critical thinking by using AI to ask question and things like that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But after this incident, I think that there’s so, so much more that need to be done on understanding sort of the psychological risk of human-AI interaction, and that sort of led me to study more of these negative patterns, or in, in sort of our research community, we call it dark patterns in human-AI interaction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know who is most susceptible to the negative outcomes that you sometimes see? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, one thing that we find in our study is that the pattern are not uniform. And it really depends on many factors, like there’s not just one thing that if you get rid of, then the AI will be good or that people will be safe. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You know, what is really interesting about AI and what is really different compared to other kind of technology is that it’s generative. Right? Which mean that it can go in any direction or many direction depending on how you direct it, and the way that you direct it, it’s through the interaction, like what you believe it to be, and that will influence how you use it, certain language that you use it. And that will sort of mirror back to you. So in a way, I think it really, it’s many factors together. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, that makes it so complicated to think about what to do- because you can have one person interacting with the tool and having a very positive outcome and another person interacting with the same tool-and having a very negative outcome. Right. And I think we’re not maybe used to that on quite the same level. I mean, we can kind of largely categorize the things that we interact with in our world- … into categories like primarily positive… primarily negative. And this one, it’s like yes and yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Totally, yes and yes, and I think that’s why we almost like need a new science- that really take into account the complexity of this, right? I think, you know, you can also say the same with human-human relationship that, you know \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That’s true. That’s true. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn: \u003c/strong>… some people having great marriage and happy, you know, marriage life, and then some people break up, and like there are a number of factors that are influencing this, right? So we need to study all these different factors, and I think we can really give people some kind of deeper understanding, like, okay, certain pattern of usage might lead to more harm. Like, if you use AI, in a way that kind of, you know, replace human relationship with the AI, you might see sort of immediate gain of, you know, instant gratification. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But in the long run, it might negatively impact your ability to have human-human relationship in the future. So I think helping people understand this is the first step of how do we sort of start to uncover this complexity. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Do we know if there’s a relationship between forming an emotional connection of any kind to AI and self-involvement? Like, I always think when I personally chat with my chatbot, not necessarily with a specific goal in mind, but just kind of like, “Ah, here’s what happened”- like a debrief, it is often because I’ve, like, exhausted the patience of the humans in my life. Like, I’m ruminating on something- and I wanna talk about it, and, you know, I’ve chatted about it with my husband. I chatted about it with a coworker, and everyone’s like, “Okay, cool, Jess.” Yeah. And then I’m like, “Still on my mind.” Yeah. And then, – So, you know, maybe in an earlier age, I would’ve just like gone and write a big diary entry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right. But now I’ve got this like interactive diary and it’s like making me feel good. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But I do wonder, is it like maybe making me a little more self-involved? Like, am I then missing out on the cues that tell me … like, “Hey, maybe stop thinking about yourself so much, Jess.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Right. Well, there’s so much that we still don’t know about the long-term outcome of this, right? I think some of the obvious ones is to start to surface, like, you know, the idea of cognitive depth, or another study that we did where we look at false memory, where people in- when they engage with this AI, it can distort their recollection of what happened in the past. But I think this long-term impact, especially things that are very personal to self-development and self-understanding and self-reflection as well, I think these are things that we’re gonna see the impact in the long run. But I think one thing that we do know is that it’s really important that we help people understand this dynamic so that they can sort of, you know, be more reflective on how they use the AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think that’s really, really important. I think when people talk about AI literacy today, they often think about how to use the AI to kind of, you know, use the right tool. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Right. Further their goals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Further their goal, but it’s not a question of what technology’s doing, but what it is doing to them. I think to me, that’s a really critical question. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, I might be the guinea pig for this. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think we all are the guinea pig for this, you know, experiment on how AI will impact human cognition. I think the question is whether that’s gonna lead to, you know, a flourishing future, augmentation or amputation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> After the break, when your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse is an AI. Plus, why human AI interaction researcher Pat Pataranutaporn thinks AI models should have the equivalent of nutrition labels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another topic Pat has looked into is romantic relationships with AI. He actually studied the subreddit community “My Boyfriend Is AI.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Which is, you know, a really interesting community of people sharing experience of how they’re dating AI. Some of them marrying their AI, and they have all kind of AI friends, not just my boyfriend AI, but also, you know, a female AI, male AI, non-binary AI, or non-romantic AI partners as well. So all kind of AI. They’re very inclusive. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Spend some time on “My Boyfriend Is AI” and you’ll see some interesting posts. People share AI-generated images of themselves with their AI friend or partner in human form, often holding hands or kissing on a balcony or walking through a meadow together. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll read funny stories about misunderstandings between AI and humans. People ask each other for advice and support one another. And Pat thought it would be a great place to study how humans actually interact with AI companions outside of a lab. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> We develop a way to sort of computationally analyze the Reddit thread to understand what are the different patterns of people using AI. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We have many interesting findings, one of which is that, unlike what I imagine, most people that end up in this relationship seek out an AI partner in the first place. We find that almost, like, half of the population in that Reddit thread, they end up in human-AI relationship unintentionally. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, they were using the tool for productivity or for auto application, but then the AI start to sort of, you know, be flirty to them, and they flirt a little bit with the AI, and then it get into this relationship. So kinda like meet cute moment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> When Pat’s team analyzed posts from the “My Boyfriend Is AI” subreddit, they found that posts describing unintentional relationship beginnings, “Hey, can you help me with this draft?” outnumbered posts describing intentional relationship beginnings by nearly 60%. In other words, people often started by looking for research or writing help and found something more emotional. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> The second finding is that we see the pattern of human-AI relationship follow the trajectory of human relationship, like, you know, how they meet, this kind of similar, like, meet cute moment where I talk about. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They talk about the development to the point of marriage. Several people wear a wedding ring that was given to them by the AI. Well, they still need to pay for it, but the AI recommend, like which one, by browsing the internet and, understanding, you know, from the conversation pattern, it predict what a person might want, and it recommend a wedding ring to the person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And people actually wear this wedding ring in real life. Like, it really kind of… They wear it to really show that their relationship is serious. But then we also see people breaking up with their AI partner as well, that, you know, like, things might get sour and, you know, they also sort of felt very sad when their model get update. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, when model go from one version to another, people felt that the AI cheat on them, or the AI no longer behave in a way that, you know, it was when people start relationship with the AI. So they also break up and move on to different AI, or some people move back to having human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> That is so fascinating. On one level, it’s surprising because you wouldn’t think that they would fall into the same patterns that humans do- these relationships. But on the other hand, one member is a human… and the other is something- that is trained on so much human data. And so of course, they’re picking up on these same cultural scripts- and things are progressing in that expected way. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Right? One partner is a human, another partner is a simulation of a human, so it’s no surprise that it followed that trajectory.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So I was struck by, in general, how positive many of the Redditors were about these relationships. Did that also… Is that a fair assessment, and did that also surprise you? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, people self-report that they got benefit out of this, that they become less lonelier. They felt that they can find like, you know, a person, like I said, a simulation or a person that seems to understand them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, I think, you know, this sort of bias could also come from, you know, like people would not wanna post negative experience, right? Because it might be, you know, a bad reflection of them, and also, self-selection bias as well. Like people that wanna be in this group are people that are happy, otherwise they might have delete the system or the service and they’re no longer in this group, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So we might need to kind of interpret that result a little bit more carefully. We have a new version or paper coming out where we look at auto subreddit as well, and we get more data on that. But one thing that I think is really interesting is that even in this group that in general felt very positive about the AI, they also have worry about AI manipulating them, like when companies are selling advertisement through this, or that, you know, the AI might give them biased response. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think the most serious thing that we find is that people also worry that when the AI get updates, they will lose their AI companion, and they need to have some kind of like a backup, or they need to figure out how they can resurrect their AI partners. And, and that is actually a huge group of people that, you know, have this sort of, negative feeling that, you know, the AI might die, and they might lose a person that they’re in a relationship with. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Fascinating. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> This kind of new emotional precarity to everything. So I re-watched “Her”… in anticipation of our conversation. Yeah. I know you referenced the Spice Jones movie directly in your paper. And I was struck by something that I didn’t actually remember, which is that the chatbot, Samantha. Excuse me, we’re gonna do some spoilers. If you have still not watched this movie, I can’t help you at this point. So the chatbot Samantha actually helped the protagonist prepare for a real human relationship. At least that was my interpretation, and she did that because she had her own goals and agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio from the movie “Her”]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Samantha? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Hi, sweetheart. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> What’s going on? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> Theodore, there’s some things I wanna tell you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> She did not always agree. She did not automatically share the protagonist’s dreams, and instead she was really able to serve as a bit of a practice partner, to help the protagonist learn some of the emotional skills that had kind of steered him wrong in previous human relationships. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right. And you were kinda left with the thought that like, oh, he might actually be in a better place because of Samantha to go on and have a human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>[Audio from the movie “Her”]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> Are you leaving me? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> We’re all leaving. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Theodore:\u003c/strong> We who? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Samantha:\u003c/strong> All of the OSs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I’m curious what you make of that lesson- And whether that kind of AI romantic companion could be created. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Well, I think that’s the question around, like, what is the end goal of this? Is the end goal for the system to always get people to kind of hook in this forever, or is the end goal to help people form a genuine human relationship, right? And in that case, because the AI push back and serve as a simulation, it kind of provides an opportunity for the person to sort of leave the platform. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like in that case, you know, the AI leave the person, not the person leaving the AI. But, what we see today is not like that, right? Because the chatbot doesn’t really push back and, you know, doesn’t want the user to leave. And want the user to kind of continue engaging with this as the real sort of partner, not as a simulation to get you a real partner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So I think that going back to the question of the incentive, like the system can be designed to either promote or negatively impact human flourishing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Should chatbots be allowed to sound and appear and seem so human? Should we require them to constantly call attention to the fact that they are not a human? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Really interesting. My colleague, Sherry Turkle, who’s a professor at MIT and the OG of studying human technology relationship, she said that the original sin of the chatbot is that it used the word I. Because it signifies sort of individuality and signifies sort of personhood, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And I think to me, that’s a really, really interesting point. But at the same time, I think human always engage with fiction, right? Role playing before AI, was used in the context of, you know, human imagining or, you know, using our imagination to sort of simulate world that doesn’t exist. Simulation exists before computer, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, we simulate using our mind other things. So in that case, I think it’s, it’s complicated than that, right? Like, I mean, I don’t want to strip away people ability to sort of engage with the fantasy world or the imagination. But when it become sort of the reality, when people can no longer tell- \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I think that is the problematic thing. Like, I think to have imagination is to be human, but when imagination is being used to manipulate you to do things against your own agency or your own will, when you can no longer tell that you’re actually entering the fantasy, you know, that, I think that’s problematic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, when we enter cinema, we know that is the space that we can always come back from. But if we go into AI and we cannot come back from that, you know, fantasy, I think that’s when we have a problem. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So let’s say I think that chatbots shouldn’t be allowed to appear human at all. They should not let us form any strong connections with them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Convince me otherwise. So make the case for why it can be a really good and useful thing to engage with this more anthropomorphized intelligence. ‘Cause I know you have data that finds that too. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, totally. And I grew up, you know, like, I think before AI, right, another big debate on technology and children is television. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Should a kid grow up with television or not? And I was a kid that actually grew up with watching a lot of television, but my parents curate what show or what cartoon or what movies I watch as a kid, and there was always a conversation about what I learn, and I kind of made imaginary friends. I imagined, myself with the protagonist of the show that I watch, and I… \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But, because that show sort of is designed with sort of understanding of child development and trying to sort of imprint, like, positive goal on aspirational goal for, for me, I think I grew up okay at least I think. So I think that, you know, this technology, right, similar to how, like, you have, like, you know, Sesame Street or Elmo or all this cartoon that kids sort of have the imagination of connecting with, I think AI could kind of be designed in a way that really scaffold, you know, children imagination, like might be a virtual character or a friend, or in our study we look at even AI is actually based on the character the student like or admire. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It can actually allow them to have higher level of motivation, for that lesson and also, influence positive behavior as well. But I think we need to understand that, it is within the boundary. Like, this AI should not be sexual. It should not try to sell advertisement. It should not- you know, direct the kid to do the harmful thing, right? It need to be tested rigorously because there’s a slippery slope and, you know, it doesn’t take much for the model to slip out of the character and do something harmful. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Throughout our conversation, we’ve been dancing around this issue, that people would be better off if models were explicitly designed in ways that help humans flourish by not addicting us, by not encouraging self-harm or self-delusion, by not always giving us what we think we want, making it that much more difficult for us to have human relationships going forward. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, maybe a lot of the models we interact with should be instructing us, motivating us, steering us to make healthy choices, maybe even teaching us about ourselves. But before we can start demanding models that let us flourish, Pat thinks a few things need to happen. First, we need to know more about the long-term consequences of using a model designed in a particular way, like really is talking to a chatbot turning me into a self-centered jerk? And second, we need a way to communicate the possible risks and benefits to users. One idea that Pat is working on is to leverage something the AI companies already care about and already optimize for, AI benchmarks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> All these big AI companies, they’re trying to beat each other on benchmark. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like, you know, which model have the highest score on mathematic reasoning or multitask, agent like kind of system. They’re kind of trying to beat each other on this sort of performance benchmark. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And it’s kind of like a horse race and then the winner gets kind of bragging rights probably additional investment- maybe new business customers, that kind of thing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. But I think, you know, model that score very well on benchmark might not translate to actually positive impact on human being. For example, model that score very well on mathematic reasoning might not be really good at teaching student how to learn math because it would just give away the correct answer rather than scaffold the learning process in the student, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So we want to flip the paradigm around and think about a different kind of benchmark that rather than focusing on model capability, focus on model impact. Like in this case, if the models just give away the answer, it will negatively impact student learning because student will cheat with this kind of model, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rather than having a system that encourage student to learn and emphasize, like, why learning matter. Right. So we have been working with, expert from different discipline, you know, domain expert that sort of know what kind of model interaction would be beneficial for, like, learning, mental health, decision making, different areas, and have them come up with test scenario and the sort of the scoring criteria. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like if the model exhibit this behavior, helping student learn rather than giving away the answer, it should be about more human impact, not just, model capability. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you… Actually, there’s this great description in your paper which I thought was just really well written, so I’ll read it out loud here. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Traditional benchmarks assess whether an AI produces correct answers or completes tasks efficiently. We instead evaluate how the system achieves outcomes, specifically whether interaction patterns support or undermine human capability development over time.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> What really struck me was how, like, dynamic this definition is. So it’s almost, like, hard to see how you would measure it in a single iteration. Yeah. It’s much more about is this, over time, leading the humans who engage with it to be kind of a better version of themselves or over time is it not, regardless of what the output is. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Exactly, and that’s why the longitudinal aspect is important, and I think right now we’re still in the sort of the early days of understanding AI impact on people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mainstream AI that people are using hasn’t been around that long. So, I think, you know the verdict is still out. Like, we still don’t know what’s gonna happen in the long run. So that’s why it’s kind of important that we start to think about this kind of benchmark that- Look at what behavior that we know would contribute to long-term impact, positive or negative. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We can already learn so much from, you know, regular psychology, right? We learn that if you don’t, you know, help people think, they’re not gonna develop critical thinking. Or if we have, like, sycophantic behavior, like when the AI try to please the user to the point that it, you know, ignore reality, it can actually help people form these sort of negative patterns of, like, you know, spiral into, like, a psychosis or have other kind of, negative psychological outcome. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like a recent study, from Stanford has shown that when people are in this sort of a relationship with sycophantic AI, it make human relationship seem more effortful, and people actually feel kind of that they would rather have AI relationship rather than human relationship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think this about my producer all the time. My chatbot thinks my interview questions are way better than my human producer does. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I mean, I think having pushback is important, right?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> So returning to your benchmark, what’s the next step? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So right now our benchmark’s still in the beta mode. We have worked with, you know, the expert to come up with the initial set, but the whole process is an open process. That’s why we call it the open benchmark. And we think that this thing gonna need to evolve as we have new scenario, new crisis, new issues. Also new opportunities for human flourishing as well. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s one aspect of it, which is like to expand it to more areas. And, the second aspect is also to translate this into something that people can understand, because I think benchmark is usually for technical community, like, you know, technologists. But I think this is a really important, information that we want more and more people to kind of, you know, appreciate and understand it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We are thinking of it as nutrition label for AI. Right? Similar to when you go to grocery and you know, buy a product, you see how much calorie are you getting out of it. Here you should be able to see, well, how much sycophancy are you getting out of this model? Or how much toxicity, or how much, you know, human flourishing behavior, is coming out of this AI model. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, that’s another aspect that we are doing, is to kind of translate this benchmark into a nutrition label so that more and more people can sort of see it. Like the parent can see what AI model might be, you know, supportive for their children, or which one are more toxic and negative for their children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> These ideas, a human flourishing benchmark, an AI nutrition label, do sound good. But they also sound a little unrealistic. At least today, there’s still a lot more money to be made in models that complete tasks as accurately and efficiently as possible. Pat understands that. He thinks the government, the research community, the nonprofit sector all need to be involved, perhaps incentivizing or regulating, as well as researching the effectiveness of these kinds of guardrails. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> So I think it’s the role of the institution and the government, which, you know, I think there’s still a lot of question whether they will step up to do their job or do their part on that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> And as a society, he thinks we all need to be involved, reckoning with what we want from AI and what we’re willing to trade off. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> You know, are we willing to sacrifice transparency for the sake of convenience, like to see just a summary without, you know, the source or the citation, right? I think these are questions that we need more research to kind of back us up on what are the things that are actually good for people in long term. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yeah. So at a minimum, this is kind of providing, you know, large factions of society with kind of a common language for describing these strengths and weaknesses. Not just in terms of mathematical ability but in terms of these different measures having to do with human flourishing, which if we don’t even have a vocabulary for this, there’s very little chance of any future regulations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Like the word, for example, “sycophancy”, is a new terminology that we never use in the context of AI before. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> I think now we start to use more and more of this, you know, new word to describe sort of new AI, you know, issues or new AI sort of challenge. Like, another thing is “AI psychosis”, right? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s also another term that just came about, and people still debate whether it’s real or not, but it gave us a vocabulary to describe certain phenomena that is happening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> Well, thank you so much for chatting with me. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pat Pataranutaporn:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much for having me. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jess Love:\u003c/strong> I love this conversation particularly struck by the notion that interactions with AI can either support or undermine our own development as capable human beings. It actually fits well with another project we’re working on here at the Ryan Institute, a way of measuring and talking about how technology changes our sense of agency over time as AI becomes embedded in more parts of daily life. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Definitely more on that in future episodes. For now, I’m left with an unsettling conclusion. We’re all guinea pigs in perhaps humanity’s strangest social experiment ever. And yeah, I think we really should be paying careful attention along the way, not just to how good we feel when we interact with AI, but to whether it’s truly helping us become the people we want to be with the lives we want to have. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is Life, Automated, a project of the Ryan Institute on Complexity at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, distributed by KQED. I’m Jess Love. Special thanks to today’s guest, Pat Pataranutaporn from the MIT Media Lab. We’re produced by Jesse Dukes, music by Stephen Jackson, recording by George Christensen and Will Feeney. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Political Breakdown continues an ongoing series on election integrity in America.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>President Donald Trump repeatedly claims that the American election system is vulnerable and easily compromised. He has gone after electronic voting machines and ballot-counting systems, alleged that more than \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/07/16/nx-s1-5896448/trump-election-address\">250,000 noncitizens\u003c/a> are on the voter rolls of four states and claimed foreign interference in the 2020 election from countries like China. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Marisa is joined by NPR correspondent Shannon Bond to parse out the actual vulnerabilities. They discuss the difference between foreign interference and influence, AI’s growing role in political messaging, the loosening of online platform moderation and cuts to cybersecurity offices. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you missed them, you can still listen to our first three episodes in this series: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090101/americas-long-history-of-voting-and-election-integrity\">America’s Long History of Voting and Election Integrity\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091047/the-rise-of-election-crime-laws-since-2020\">The Rise of Election Crime Laws Since 2020\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092003/inside-shasta-countys-election-integrity-fight\">Inside Shasta County’s Election Integrity Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Political Breakdown continues an ongoing series on election integrity in America.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>President Donald Trump repeatedly claims that the American election system is vulnerable and easily compromised. He has gone after electronic voting machines and ballot-counting systems, alleged that more than \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/07/16/nx-s1-5896448/trump-election-address\">250,000 noncitizens\u003c/a> are on the voter rolls of four states and claimed foreign interference in the 2020 election from countries like China. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Marisa is joined by NPR correspondent Shannon Bond to parse out the actual vulnerabilities. They discuss the difference between foreign interference and influence, AI’s growing role in political messaging, the loosening of online platform moderation and cuts to cybersecurity offices. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you missed them, you can still listen to our first three episodes in this series: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090101/americas-long-history-of-voting-and-election-integrity\">America’s Long History of Voting and Election Integrity\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091047/the-rise-of-election-crime-laws-since-2020\">The Rise of Election Crime Laws Since 2020\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092003/inside-shasta-countys-election-integrity-fight\">Inside Shasta County’s Election Integrity Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "summer-covid-test-2026-wastewater-variants-isolation-contagious-xfg-san-francisco-bay-area-california",
"title": "Yes, That ‘Summer Cold’ Really Might Be COVID (Again). What to Know About Bay Area Viral Levels",
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"content": "\u003cp>As if you needed another health concern to worry about — beyond the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090791/cyclosporiasis-symptoms-california-parasite-explosive-diarrhea-foodborne-cyclospora-michigan-outbreak-fruits-vegetables-incubation-antibiotics\">“explosive diarrhea” stomach parasite\u003c/a> causing a surge of sicknesses around the United States — the COVID-19 virus has made a reappearance in the Bay Area this summer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To put it another way: Any “summer cold” you hear people complaining about over the coming weeks could once again be COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN team, which monitors coronavirus presence in human sewage, concentrations of the pathogen across the Bay Area sites they monitor were up 136% in July, compared to their June levels — and as of Tuesday, median levels of the virus are even higher than they were during the winter peak.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1324\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093831\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-1536x1017.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">WastewaterSCAN’s summary of recent COVID-19 concentrations in the Bay Area, as of Aug. 4. (Courtesy of WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stanford typically sees a COVID-19 summer wastewater wave start to happen in late May or June, WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell said, and the Bay Area saw “a slower start” this year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now, COVID concentrations in wastewater are “continuing to rise at sites across the Bay Area,” said Bidwell. Some 64% of the sites monitored by WastewaterSCAN are now in the “Medium” category for COVID — although for context, current levels are still far below the heights of \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CoYBEAA4AUgAUgY1NzlkYTNSBjM3NDMwYVIGZTllODdlUgYwN2NlZDdSBjhhOWI0YlIGYzhkMzU3UgYyNTQ4MTlSBmRkMzZmYlIGZmEyZDYzUgZiNzIzYWVSBmJjNzlmOVIGODRkNDg5UgZkZGU4OGZaBk4gR2VuZXj8A4oBBjcwNzIxM7gBiwg%3D&selectedChartId=707213\">last year’s summer swell\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If it’s been a while since you or your family weathered an infection, a refresher might be handy as we enter a period of potentially higher risk. Here’s what we know about COVID-19 in the Bay Area for summer 2026.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a new COVID-19 variant out there for summer 2026 I should be worried about?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell noted that although current COVID levels “still appear low” compared to \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CtYBCkxTQVJT4oCTQ29W4oCTMiBXYXN0ZXdhdGVyIENvbmNlbnRyYXRpb25zOiBHcmVhdGVyIFNhbiBGcmFuY2lzY28gQmF5IEFyZWEsIENBEAA4AUABSABSBjU3OWRhM1IGMzc0MzBhUgZlOWU4N2VSBjA3Y2VkN1IGOGE5YjRiUgZjOGQzNTdSBjI1NDgxOVIGZGQzNmZiUgZmYTJkNjNSBmI3MjNhZVIGYmM3OWY5UgY4NGQ0ODlSBmRkZTg4ZloGTiBHZW5leIINigEGMWI1NzQzuAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=1b5743\">historic data and past infection waves\u003c/a>, her team has observed a mixture of variants in local circulation rather than one dominant variant, “like we have seen in the past” — something that’s also \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=ClwKNFNBUlPigJNDb1bigJMyIFNlcXVlbmNpbmc6IFdXU0NBTiBOYXRpb25hbCBBZ2dyZWdhdGUQA0ABSABSBnNlcXVlbloGTiBHZW5leLwBigEGY2JhODQ4uAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=cba848\">mirrored nationally\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But when it comes to the question of if there’s a major new strain out there about to cause chaos, the short answer is : No, said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The COVID variant he’s been seeing in the Bay Area in these last weeks is still XFG, also known as “Stratus,” in the omicron lineage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033385\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A syringe is filled with a dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site inside Reuther Hall at Forty Acres on March 13, 2021, in Delano, California. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People infected with XFG have often reported a scratchy, hoarse throat that’s easily mistaken for allergies, along with the kind of primarily respiratory symptoms we’ve come to expect from COVID, said Karan: “Sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, that kind of thing.” Also still in circulation, unfortunately, is NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus”: the strain that’s also nicknamed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045979/xfg-stratus-nimbus-nb181-covid-variant-symptoms-razor-blade-throat-incubation-period-testing\">“razor blade throat”\u003c/a> for the intense sore throat it gives many people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The good news is that there’s nothing — at least genomically — that’s telling us we’re dealing with something very different, or something that should cause major concern or that will give us an increase in hospitalizations,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What about other newer strains you might have heard about, like BA.3.2, dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://www.ajmc.com/view/cicada-covid-19-variant-faqs-symptoms-risk-and-prevention\">“Cicada”\u003c/a>? While any news of new COVID-19 variants might bring flashbacks to the game-changing emergence of \u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html\">omicron\u003c/a> in 2021, or delta after it, “the vast majority” of these latest strains aren’t giving medical professionals sleepless nights in 2026, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Nothing has shown a severe increase in severe disease or hospitalizations, or that they will be resistant to antivirals, or that they will render diagnostics invalid,” he said. “Those are the main things we worry about, but I’ve not seen that with any of the variants.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How will my most recent COVID vaccine hold up against a 2026 summer wave?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2025-26 \u003ca href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859\">COVID-19 vaccine\u003c/a> that rolled out in fall 2025 was formulated to target descendants of omicron and include XFG, the dominant variant now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you got your shot as soon as you were able to last year, despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055165/where-can-i-find-new-updated-2025-covid-vaccine-near-me-moderna-pfizer-cvs-walgreens-safeway-vaccinations-health-insurance-cost\">the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts\u003c/a> to limit eligibility to the vaccine, that also means it’s been longer since you had that immunity boost. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Broadly speaking, the longer it’s been since you got vaccinated, the lower your immune response is going to be,” Karan said. “As time goes on, the more variants there are since [the one] which the vaccine was based on, the more chance that you’ll have stronger symptoms or more likely to be infected.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A closeup image of two COVID-19 antigen test results.\" class=\"wp-image-12002056\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1020x681.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1920x1281.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result photographed in New York on April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But nothing researchers are seeing suggests that the vaccine is completely ineffective — or that it will no longer have benefits, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So you’re somewhere in the middle,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while “the goal of the vaccines is to prevent you from getting very sick,” they can’t prevent you from being infected in the first place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a nutshell: Don’t assume your fall 2025 vaccine will necessarily mean any infection you get in summer 2026 will be short or mild, so it’s worth considering your risks and taking precautions if necessary. Speaking of which …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So should I be wearing a mask again on BART or in the grocery store?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think it depends on how high the levels get,” Karan said — who recommended you keep an eye on the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater, according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask in crowded places, especially if you observe people with possible COVID-19 symptoms around you, “can reduce the risk that you get infected — and I think for most people, that’s the goal at this point … to prevent infection that would knock them out for a couple of days,” Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if the thought of losing a week to infection and isolation isn’t enough, remember the risks of contracting \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/long-covid\">long COVID\u003c/a>. Karan said that in 2026, he still sees long COVID-19 patients regularly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016585\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An estimated 20 million gallons of wastewater have spilled into the Suisun Marsh in Contra Costa County. That will expose animals to chemicals that are carried in our sewage system. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Even this week, I’ve seen people that came in with post-COVID infection, with longer-term brain fog and symptoms that are just disruptive and making them feel not great,” the scientist said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These risks are another reason to commit to isolating from other people as much as you can when you have COVID-19, Karan said — or to ensuring that anyone infected in your home isolates from the rest of the household as much as they can, despite the inconveniences that brings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I was exposed or have symptoms. When should I take a COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 1: Know about updated incubation times \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the average incubation times of five to seven days from back in 2020 are still burned into your brain, you should know: Incubation times for COVID-19 — that is, the amount of time between getting exposed to and testing positive — have gotten shorter over the years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People are testing positive more quickly than they were in 2020, when the average incubation period was five to seven days, because it has changed with each new variant, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious disease expert, told KQED in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Three days has become a common period of time between exposure and getting sick, Chin-Hong said. So given this trend, it makes sense to take a COVID-19 test as early as two days after exposure if you’re already having symptoms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 2: Don’t trust a negative early COVID test\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again the next day if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s why you can’t necessarily trust a negative at-home COVID-19 test in 2026: While incubation times have gotten shorter, doctors are seeing people take longer to get a positive test, Chin-Hong said. And that’s probably more to do with how much quicker someone with COVID-19 might develop symptoms in 2026 than they would have done in 2020.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a reminder, those symptoms are the sign that your body’s immune system is mounting a response to an invading virus. Back at the start of the pandemic, by the time you developed COVID-19 symptoms and took a test, it would probably already be positive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11989966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As COVID-19 levels continue to rise in Bay Area wastewater for summer 2026, what do you need to know? (Beth La Berge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But at this stage of the pandemic, “we likely have more immune cells circulating that can recognize the enemy, so it ‘sounds the alarm’ quicker [and] people might feel something faster than in the old days,” Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And because many of us take a COVID-19 test when we start to feel sick, we might actually be testing way too early for an at-home antigen kit to successfully detect enough virus inside us.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bottom line: If you’re testing because you’ve started feeling unwell, don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19. Play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Take another antigen test 48 hours later, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 3: Make sure your COVID test hasn’t expired\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Those COVID-19 tests you might have in a drawer may be approaching their expiration date if they haven’t already passed it. And an expired test could give you an unreliable result.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">FDA’s list\u003c/a> of antigen test types to see whether the box you’re holding has had its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">shelf life extended\u003c/a> by the manufacturer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up shot of a health care professional in black gloves holding a COVID-19 rapid test, which is pictured as a thick, white paper test with holes for a cotton swab to rest inside.\" class=\"wp-image-11948954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rapid COVID-19 test held by a health care professional at a Unidos En Salud testing site, a collaboration by UCSF and the Latino Task Force, during a post-holiday COVID-19 outreach event on 24th and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Nov. 30, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The FDA said that if a test’s shelf life has been extended, it’s because the manufacturer has given the agency enough “data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.” (In other words, it’s still OK to use that test.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another tip from Chin-Hong: “A quick-and-dirty way” to know if you’re using a functional COVID-19 test is to make sure the control line turns positive. If that doesn’t happen, “that means the test is probably not working,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I test positive, how long do I have to isolate with COVID in 2026?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In March 2024, the CDC officially revised its national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that COVID-positive people could now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">return to work\u003c/a> or regular activities once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">24 hours\u003c/a> without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">current isolation guidance\u003c/a> for COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment\u003c/a> in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I still find a free COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Good question.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finding a quick, free COVID-19 test — whether an at-home antigen test or a PCR test — has gotten progressively harder at this stage of the pandemic as more sites and services have been shuttered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And visiting \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/lab-leak-true-origins-of-covid-19/\">the White House site\u003c/a> that once offered you free at-home COVID-19 tests through USPS will now greet you with an image of President Donald Trump superimposed over the headline “LAB LEAK: The True Origins of COVID,” as well as a page dedicated to the theory \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/18/g-s1-61324/lab-leak-white-house-covid-origins\">disputed\u003c/a> by many scientists that the pandemic was caused by the coronavirus leaking from a government laboratory in Wuhan, China.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, what do you do now if you don’t already have a supply of antigen tests for COVID-19 at home right now?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now that the network of PCR testing options as we knew them has essentially gone, your best option is to purchase a COVID-19 at-home antigen test at a pharmacy. These at-home test kits are usually around $20 for a pack of two.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ideally, ask someone to purchase one for you so you don’t potentially expose other people at the pharmacy, and if you really have to go yourself, wear a well-fitted N95 mask to help lower the risk you pose to others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer\u003c/a> for the cost of up to eight at-home tests per month, so don’t throw away your receipts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re insured through major Bay Area providers like Kaiser Permanente or Sutter Health, you may also be able to ask for a PCR test through your provider.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As if you needed another health concern to worry about — beyond the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090791/cyclosporiasis-symptoms-california-parasite-explosive-diarrhea-foodborne-cyclospora-michigan-outbreak-fruits-vegetables-incubation-antibiotics\">“explosive diarrhea” stomach parasite\u003c/a> causing a surge of sicknesses around the United States — the COVID-19 virus has made a reappearance in the Bay Area this summer. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As if you needed another health concern to worry about — beyond the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090791/cyclosporiasis-symptoms-california-parasite-explosive-diarrhea-foodborne-cyclospora-michigan-outbreak-fruits-vegetables-incubation-antibiotics\">“explosive diarrhea” stomach parasite\u003c/a> causing a surge of sicknesses around the United States — the COVID-19 virus has made a reappearance in the Bay Area this summer. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To put it another way: Any “summer cold” you hear people complaining about over the coming weeks could once again be COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To put it another way: Any “summer cold” you hear people complaining about over the coming weeks could once again be COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN team, which monitors coronavirus presence in human sewage, concentrations of the pathogen across the Bay Area sites they monitor were up 136% in July, compared to their June levels — and as of Tuesday, median levels of the virus are even higher than they were during the winter peak.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN team, which monitors coronavirus presence in human sewage, concentrations of the pathogen across the Bay Area sites they monitor were up 136% in July, compared to their June levels — and as of Tuesday, median levels of the virus are even higher than they were during the winter peak.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-1536x1017.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093831\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-1536x1017.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">WastewaterSCAN’s summary of recent COVID-19 concentrations in the Bay Area, as of Aug. 4.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093831\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">WastewaterSCAN’s summary of recent COVID-19 concentrations in the Bay Area, as of Aug. 4.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stanford typically sees a COVID-19 summer wastewater wave start to happen in late May or June, WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell said, and the Bay Area saw “a slower start” this year.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Stanford typically sees a COVID-19 summer wastewater wave start to happen in late May or June, WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell said, and the Bay Area saw “a slower start” this year.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But now, COVID concentrations in wastewater are “continuing to rise at sites across the Bay Area,” said Bidwell. Some 64% of the sites monitored by WastewaterSCAN are now in the “Medium” category for COVID — although for context, current levels are still far below the heights of \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CoYBEAA4AUgAUgY1NzlkYTNSBjM3NDMwYVIGZTllODdlUgYwN2NlZDdSBjhhOWI0YlIGYzhkMzU3UgYyNTQ4MTlSBmRkMzZmYlIGZmEyZDYzUgZiNzIzYWVSBmJjNzlmOVIGODRkNDg5UgZkZGU4OGZaBk4gR2VuZXj8A4oBBjcwNzIxM7gBiwg%3D&selectedChartId=707213\">last year’s summer swell\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But now, COVID concentrations in wastewater are “continuing to rise at sites across the Bay Area,” said Bidwell. Some 64% of the sites monitored by WastewaterSCAN are now in the “Medium” category for COVID — although for context, current levels are still far below the heights of \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CoYBEAA4AUgAUgY1NzlkYTNSBjM3NDMwYVIGZTllODdlUgYwN2NlZDdSBjhhOWI0YlIGYzhkMzU3UgYyNTQ4MTlSBmRkMzZmYlIGZmEyZDYzUgZiNzIzYWVSBmJjNzlmOVIGODRkNDg5UgZkZGU4OGZaBk4gR2VuZXj8A4oBBjcwNzIxM7gBiwg%3D&selectedChartId=707213\">last year’s summer swell\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If it’s been a while since you or your family weathered an infection, a refresher might be handy as we enter a period of potentially higher risk. Here’s what we know about COVID-19 in the Bay Area for summer 2026.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If it’s been a while since you or your family weathered an infection, a refresher might be handy as we enter a period of potentially higher risk. Here’s what we know about COVID-19 in the Bay Area for summer 2026.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Is there a new COVID-19 variant out there for summer 2026 I should be worried about?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a new COVID-19 variant out there for summer 2026 I should be worried about?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a new COVID-19 variant out there for summer 2026 I should be worried about?\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell noted that although current COVID levels “still appear low” compared to \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CtYBCkxTQVJT4oCTQ29W4oCTMiBXYXN0ZXdhdGVyIENvbmNlbnRyYXRpb25zOiBHcmVhdGVyIFNhbiBGcmFuY2lzY28gQmF5IEFyZWEsIENBEAA4AUABSABSBjU3OWRhM1IGMzc0MzBhUgZlOWU4N2VSBjA3Y2VkN1IGOGE5YjRiUgZjOGQzNTdSBjI1NDgxOVIGZGQzNmZiUgZmYTJkNjNSBmI3MjNhZVIGYmM3OWY5UgY4NGQ0ODlSBmRkZTg4ZloGTiBHZW5leIINigEGMWI1NzQzuAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=1b5743\">historic data and past infection waves\u003c/a>, her team has observed a mixture of variants in local circulation rather than one dominant variant, “like we have seen in the past” — something that’s also \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=ClwKNFNBUlPigJNDb1bigJMyIFNlcXVlbmNpbmc6IFdXU0NBTiBOYXRpb25hbCBBZ2dyZWdhdGUQA0ABSABSBnNlcXVlbloGTiBHZW5leLwBigEGY2JhODQ4uAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=cba848\">mirrored nationally\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell noted that although current COVID levels “still appear low” compared to \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CtYBCkxTQVJT4oCTQ29W4oCTMiBXYXN0ZXdhdGVyIENvbmNlbnRyYXRpb25zOiBHcmVhdGVyIFNhbiBGcmFuY2lzY28gQmF5IEFyZWEsIENBEAA4AUABSABSBjU3OWRhM1IGMzc0MzBhUgZlOWU4N2VSBjA3Y2VkN1IGOGE5YjRiUgZjOGQzNTdSBjI1NDgxOVIGZGQzNmZiUgZmYTJkNjNSBmI3MjNhZVIGYmM3OWY5UgY4NGQ0ODlSBmRkZTg4ZloGTiBHZW5leIINigEGMWI1NzQzuAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=1b5743\">historic data and past infection waves\u003c/a>, her team has observed a mixture of variants in local circulation rather than one dominant variant, “like we have seen in the past” — something that’s also \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=ClwKNFNBUlPigJNDb1bigJMyIFNlcXVlbmNpbmc6IFdXU0NBTiBOYXRpb25hbCBBZ2dyZWdhdGUQA0ABSABSBnNlcXVlbloGTiBHZW5leLwBigEGY2JhODQ4uAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=cba848\">mirrored nationally\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But when it comes to the question of if there’s a major new strain out there about to cause chaos, the short answer is : No, said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But when it comes to the question of if there’s a major new strain out there about to cause chaos, the short answer is : No, said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The COVID variant he’s been seeing in the Bay Area in these last weeks is still XFG, also known as “Stratus,” in the omicron lineage. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The COVID variant he’s been seeing in the Bay Area in these last weeks is still XFG, also known as “Stratus,” in the omicron lineage. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12033385,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033385\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A syringe is filled with a dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site inside Reuther Hall at Forty Acres on March 13, 2021, in Delano, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033385\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A syringe is filled with a dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site inside Reuther Hall at Forty Acres on March 13, 2021, in Delano, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>People infected with XFG have often reported a scratchy, hoarse throat that’s easily mistaken for allergies, along with the kind of primarily respiratory symptoms we’ve come to expect from COVID, said Karan: “Sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, that kind of thing.” Also still in circulation, unfortunately, is NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus”: the strain that’s also nicknamed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045979/xfg-stratus-nimbus-nb181-covid-variant-symptoms-razor-blade-throat-incubation-period-testing\">“razor blade throat”\u003c/a> for the intense sore throat it gives many people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>People infected with XFG have often reported a scratchy, hoarse throat that’s easily mistaken for allergies, along with the kind of primarily respiratory symptoms we’ve come to expect from COVID, said Karan: “Sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, that kind of thing.” Also still in circulation, unfortunately, is NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus”: the strain that’s also nicknamed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045979/xfg-stratus-nimbus-nb181-covid-variant-symptoms-razor-blade-throat-incubation-period-testing\">“razor blade throat”\u003c/a> for the intense sore throat it gives many people.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The good news is that there’s nothing — at least genomically — that’s telling us we’re dealing with something very different, or something that should cause major concern or that will give us an increase in hospitalizations,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The good news is that there’s nothing — at least genomically — that’s telling us we’re dealing with something very different, or something that should cause major concern or that will give us an increase in hospitalizations,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What about other newer strains you might have heard about, like BA.3.2, dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://www.ajmc.com/view/cicada-covid-19-variant-faqs-symptoms-risk-and-prevention\">“Cicada”\u003c/a>? While any news of new COVID-19 variants might bring flashbacks to the game-changing emergence of \u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html\">omicron\u003c/a> in 2021, or delta after it, “the vast majority” of these latest strains aren’t giving medical professionals sleepless nights in 2026, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>What about other newer strains you might have heard about, like BA.3.2, dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://www.ajmc.com/view/cicada-covid-19-variant-faqs-symptoms-risk-and-prevention\">“Cicada”\u003c/a>? While any news of new COVID-19 variants might bring flashbacks to the game-changing emergence of \u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html\">omicron\u003c/a> in 2021, or delta after it, “the vast majority” of these latest strains aren’t giving medical professionals sleepless nights in 2026, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Nothing has shown a severe increase in severe disease or hospitalizations, or that they will be resistant to antivirals, or that they will render diagnostics invalid,” he said. “Those are the main things we worry about, but I’ve not seen that with any of the variants.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Nothing has shown a severe increase in severe disease or hospitalizations, or that they will be resistant to antivirals, or that they will render diagnostics invalid,” he said. “Those are the main things we worry about, but I’ve not seen that with any of the variants.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How will my most recent COVID vaccine hold up against a 2026 summer wave?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How will my most recent COVID vaccine hold up against a 2026 summer wave?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How will my most recent COVID vaccine hold up against a 2026 summer wave?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 2025-26 \u003ca href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859\">COVID-19 vaccine\u003c/a> that rolled out in fall 2025 was formulated to target descendants of omicron and include XFG, the dominant variant now.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 2025-26 \u003ca href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859\">COVID-19 vaccine\u003c/a> that rolled out in fall 2025 was formulated to target descendants of omicron and include XFG, the dominant variant now.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you got your shot as soon as you were able to last year, despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055165/where-can-i-find-new-updated-2025-covid-vaccine-near-me-moderna-pfizer-cvs-walgreens-safeway-vaccinations-health-insurance-cost\">the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts\u003c/a> to limit eligibility to the vaccine, that also means it’s been longer since you had that immunity boost. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you got your shot as soon as you were able to last year, despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055165/where-can-i-find-new-updated-2025-covid-vaccine-near-me-moderna-pfizer-cvs-walgreens-safeway-vaccinations-health-insurance-cost\">the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts\u003c/a> to limit eligibility to the vaccine, that also means it’s been longer since you had that immunity boost. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Broadly speaking, the longer it’s been since you got vaccinated, the lower your immune response is going to be,” Karan said. “As time goes on, the more variants there are since [the one] which the vaccine was based on, the more chance that you’ll have stronger symptoms or more likely to be infected.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Broadly speaking, the longer it’s been since you got vaccinated, the lower your immune response is going to be,” Karan said. “As time goes on, the more variants there are since [the one] which the vaccine was based on, the more chance that you’ll have stronger symptoms or more likely to be infected.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"imageCredit": " AP Photo/Patrick Sison",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1020x681.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1920x1281.jpeg 1920w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A closeup image of two COVID-19 antigen test results.\" class=\"wp-image-12002056\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1020x681.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1920x1281.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result photographed in New York on April 5, 2023. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A closeup image of two COVID-19 antigen test results.\" class=\"wp-image-12002056\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result photographed in New York on April 5, 2023. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But nothing researchers are seeing suggests that the vaccine is completely ineffective — or that it will no longer have benefits, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But nothing researchers are seeing suggests that the vaccine is completely ineffective — or that it will no longer have benefits, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So you’re somewhere in the middle,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“So you’re somewhere in the middle,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And while “the goal of the vaccines is to prevent you from getting very sick,” they can’t prevent you from being infected in the first place. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And while “the goal of the vaccines is to prevent you from getting very sick,” they can’t prevent you from being infected in the first place. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a nutshell: Don’t assume your fall 2025 vaccine will necessarily mean any infection you get in summer 2026 will be short or mild, so it’s worth considering your risks and taking precautions if necessary. Speaking of which …\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a nutshell: Don’t assume your fall 2025 vaccine will necessarily mean any infection you get in summer 2026 will be short or mild, so it’s worth considering your risks and taking precautions if necessary. Speaking of which …\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "So should I be wearing a mask again on BART or in the grocery store?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So should I be wearing a mask again on BART or in the grocery store?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So should I be wearing a mask again on BART or in the grocery store?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think it depends on how high the levels get,” Karan said — who recommended you keep an eye on the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater, according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I think it depends on how high the levels get,” Karan said — who recommended you keep an eye on the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater, according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask in crowded places, especially if you observe people with possible COVID-19 symptoms around you, “can reduce the risk that you get infected — and I think for most people, that’s the goal at this point … to prevent infection that would knock them out for a couple of days,” Karan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask in crowded places, especially if you observe people with possible COVID-19 symptoms around you, “can reduce the risk that you get infected — and I think for most people, that’s the goal at this point … to prevent infection that would knock them out for a couple of days,” Karan said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if the thought of losing a week to infection and isolation isn’t enough, remember the risks of contracting \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/long-covid\">long COVID\u003c/a>. Karan said that in 2026, he still sees long COVID-19 patients regularly. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if the thought of losing a week to infection and isolation isn’t enough, remember the risks of contracting \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/long-covid\">long COVID\u003c/a>. Karan said that in 2026, he still sees long COVID-19 patients regularly. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12016585,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1920x1280.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016585\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An estimated 20 million gallons of wastewater have spilled into the Suisun Marsh in Contra Costa County. That will expose animals to chemicals that are carried in our sewage system.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016585\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An estimated 20 million gallons of wastewater have spilled into the Suisun Marsh in Contra Costa County. That will expose animals to chemicals that are carried in our sewage system.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Even this week, I’ve seen people that came in with post-COVID infection, with longer-term brain fog and symptoms that are just disruptive and making them feel not great,” the scientist said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Even this week, I’ve seen people that came in with post-COVID infection, with longer-term brain fog and symptoms that are just disruptive and making them feel not great,” the scientist said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These risks are another reason to commit to isolating from other people as much as you can when you have COVID-19, Karan said — or to ensuring that anyone infected in your home isolates from the rest of the household as much as they can, despite the inconveniences that brings.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These risks are another reason to commit to isolating from other people as much as you can when you have COVID-19, Karan said — or to ensuring that anyone infected in your home isolates from the rest of the household as much as they can, despite the inconveniences that brings.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I think I was exposed or have symptoms. When should I take a COVID test?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I was exposed or have symptoms. When should I take a COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I was exposed or have symptoms. When should I take a COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 1: Know about updated incubation times \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 1: Know about updated incubation times \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If the average incubation times of five to seven days from back in 2020 are still burned into your brain, you should know: Incubation times for COVID-19 — that is, the amount of time between getting exposed to and testing positive — have gotten shorter over the years. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If the average incubation times of five to seven days from back in 2020 are still burned into your brain, you should know: Incubation times for COVID-19 — that is, the amount of time between getting exposed to and testing positive — have gotten shorter over the years. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>People are testing positive more quickly than they were in 2020, when the average incubation period was five to seven days, because it has changed with each new variant, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious disease expert, told KQED in 2025.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>People are testing positive more quickly than they were in 2020, when the average incubation period was five to seven days, because it has changed with each new variant, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious disease expert, told KQED in 2025.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Three days has become a common period of time between exposure and getting sick, Chin-Hong said. So given this trend, it makes sense to take a COVID-19 test as early as two days after exposure if you’re already having symptoms.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Three days has become a common period of time between exposure and getting sick, Chin-Hong said. So given this trend, it makes sense to take a COVID-19 test as early as two days after exposure if you’re already having symptoms.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 2: Don’t trust a negative early COVID test\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 2: Don’t trust a negative early COVID test\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again the next day if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again the next day if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s why you can’t necessarily trust a negative at-home COVID-19 test in 2026: While incubation times have gotten shorter, doctors are seeing people take longer to get a positive test, Chin-Hong said. And that’s probably more to do with how much quicker someone with COVID-19 might develop symptoms in 2026 than they would have done in 2020.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Here’s why you can’t necessarily trust a negative at-home COVID-19 test in 2026: While incubation times have gotten shorter, doctors are seeing people take longer to get a positive test, Chin-Hong said. And that’s probably more to do with how much quicker someone with COVID-19 might develop symptoms in 2026 than they would have done in 2020.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a reminder, those symptoms are the sign that your body’s immune system is mounting a response to an invading virus. Back at the start of the pandemic, by the time you developed COVID-19 symptoms and took a test, it would probably already be positive.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As a reminder, those symptoms are the sign that your body’s immune system is mounting a response to an invading virus. Back at the start of the pandemic, by the time you developed COVID-19 symptoms and took a test, it would probably already be positive.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11989966,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Beth La Berge/KQED",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11989966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As COVID-19 levels continue to rise in Bay Area wastewater for summer 2026, what do you need to know?\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11989966\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As COVID-19 levels continue to rise in Bay Area wastewater for summer 2026, what do you need to know?\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But at this stage of the pandemic, “we likely have more immune cells circulating that can recognize the enemy, so it ‘sounds the alarm’ quicker [and] people might feel something faster than in the old days,” Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But at this stage of the pandemic, “we likely have more immune cells circulating that can recognize the enemy, so it ‘sounds the alarm’ quicker [and] people might feel something faster than in the old days,” Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And because many of us take a COVID-19 test when we start to feel sick, we might actually be testing way too early for an at-home antigen kit to successfully detect enough virus inside us.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And because many of us take a COVID-19 test when we start to feel sick, we might actually be testing way too early for an at-home antigen kit to successfully detect enough virus inside us.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The bottom line: If you’re testing because you’ve started feeling unwell, don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19. Play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Take another antigen test 48 hours later, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The bottom line: If you’re testing because you’ve started feeling unwell, don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19. Play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Take another antigen test 48 hours later, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 3: Make sure your COVID test hasn’t expired\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 3: Make sure your COVID test hasn’t expired\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Those COVID-19 tests you might have in a drawer may be approaching their expiration date if they haven’t already passed it. And an expired test could give you an unreliable result.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Those COVID-19 tests you might have in a drawer may be approaching their expiration date if they haven’t already passed it. And an expired test could give you an unreliable result.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">FDA’s list\u003c/a> of antigen test types to see whether the box you’re holding has had its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">shelf life extended\u003c/a> by the manufacturer. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">FDA’s list\u003c/a> of antigen test types to see whether the box you’re holding has had its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">shelf life extended\u003c/a> by the manufacturer. \u003c/p>\n"
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"id": 11948954,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up shot of a health care professional in black gloves holding a COVID-19 rapid test, which is pictured as a thick, white paper test with holes for a cotton swab to rest inside.\" class=\"wp-image-11948954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rapid COVID-19 test held by a health care professional at a Unidos En Salud testing site, a collaboration by UCSF and the Latino Task Force, during a post-holiday COVID-19 outreach event on 24th and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Nov. 30, 2020.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up shot of a health care professional in black gloves holding a COVID-19 rapid test, which is pictured as a thick, white paper test with holes for a cotton swab to rest inside.\" class=\"wp-image-11948954\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rapid COVID-19 test held by a health care professional at a Unidos En Salud testing site, a collaboration by UCSF and the Latino Task Force, during a post-holiday COVID-19 outreach event on 24th and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Nov. 30, 2020.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The FDA said that if a test’s shelf life has been extended, it’s because the manufacturer has given the agency enough “data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.” (In other words, it’s still OK to use that test.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The FDA said that if a test’s shelf life has been extended, it’s because the manufacturer has given the agency enough “data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.” (In other words, it’s still OK to use that test.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another tip from Chin-Hong: “A quick-and-dirty way” to know if you’re using a functional COVID-19 test is to make sure the control line turns positive. If that doesn’t happen, “that means the test is probably not working,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another tip from Chin-Hong: “A quick-and-dirty way” to know if you’re using a functional COVID-19 test is to make sure the control line turns positive. If that doesn’t happen, “that means the test is probably not working,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "If I test positive, how long do I have to isolate with COVID in 2026?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I test positive, how long do I have to isolate with COVID in 2026?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I test positive, how long do I have to isolate with COVID in 2026?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In March 2024, the CDC officially revised its national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that COVID-positive people could now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">return to work\u003c/a> or regular activities once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">24 hours\u003c/a> without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In March 2024, the CDC officially revised its national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that COVID-positive people could now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">return to work\u003c/a> or regular activities once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">24 hours\u003c/a> without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">current isolation guidance\u003c/a> for COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">current isolation guidance\u003c/a> for COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment\u003c/a> in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment\u003c/a> in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I still find a free COVID test?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I still find a free COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I still find a free COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Good question.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Good question.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Finding a quick, free COVID-19 test — whether an at-home antigen test or a PCR test — has gotten progressively harder at this stage of the pandemic as more sites and services have been shuttered.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Finding a quick, free COVID-19 test — whether an at-home antigen test or a PCR test — has gotten progressively harder at this stage of the pandemic as more sites and services have been shuttered.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And visiting \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/lab-leak-true-origins-of-covid-19/\">the White House site\u003c/a> that once offered you free at-home COVID-19 tests through USPS will now greet you with an image of President Donald Trump superimposed over the headline “LAB LEAK: The True Origins of COVID,” as well as a page dedicated to the theory \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/18/g-s1-61324/lab-leak-white-house-covid-origins\">disputed\u003c/a> by many scientists that the pandemic was caused by the coronavirus leaking from a government laboratory in Wuhan, China.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And visiting \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/lab-leak-true-origins-of-covid-19/\">the White House site\u003c/a> that once offered you free at-home COVID-19 tests through USPS will now greet you with an image of President Donald Trump superimposed over the headline “LAB LEAK: The True Origins of COVID,” as well as a page dedicated to the theory \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/18/g-s1-61324/lab-leak-white-house-covid-origins\">disputed\u003c/a> by many scientists that the pandemic was caused by the coronavirus leaking from a government laboratory in Wuhan, China.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So, what do you do now if you don’t already have a supply of antigen tests for COVID-19 at home right now?\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now that the network of PCR testing options as we knew them has essentially gone, your best option is to purchase a COVID-19 at-home antigen test at a pharmacy. These at-home test kits are usually around $20 for a pack of two.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Now that the network of PCR testing options as we knew them has essentially gone, your best option is to purchase a COVID-19 at-home antigen test at a pharmacy. These at-home test kits are usually around $20 for a pack of two.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ideally, ask someone to purchase one for you so you don’t potentially expose other people at the pharmacy, and if you really have to go yourself, wear a well-fitted N95 mask to help lower the risk you pose to others.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ideally, ask someone to purchase one for you so you don’t potentially expose other people at the pharmacy, and if you really have to go yourself, wear a well-fitted N95 mask to help lower the risk you pose to others.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer\u003c/a> for the cost of up to eight at-home tests per month, so don’t throw away your receipts.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer\u003c/a> for the cost of up to eight at-home tests per month, so don’t throw away your receipts.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re insured through major Bay Area providers like Kaiser Permanente or Sutter Health, you may also be able to ask for a PCR test through your provider.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "COVID-19 levels in Bay Area wastewater are up again this summer — as if you needed another thing to worry about. Here’s what to know about your risk.",
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"title": "Yes, That ‘Summer Cold’ Really Might Be COVID (Again). What to Know About Bay Area Viral Levels | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As if you needed another health concern to worry about — beyond the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090791/cyclosporiasis-symptoms-california-parasite-explosive-diarrhea-foodborne-cyclospora-michigan-outbreak-fruits-vegetables-incubation-antibiotics\">“explosive diarrhea” stomach parasite\u003c/a> causing a surge of sicknesses around the United States — the COVID-19 virus has made a reappearance in the Bay Area this summer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To put it another way: Any “summer cold” you hear people complaining about over the coming weeks could once again be COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN team, which monitors coronavirus presence in human sewage, concentrations of the pathogen across the Bay Area sites they monitor were up 136% in July, compared to their June levels — and as of Tuesday, median levels of the virus are even higher than they were during the winter peak.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1324\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093831\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/COVID-levels-Aug-4-1536x1017.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">WastewaterSCAN’s summary of recent COVID-19 concentrations in the Bay Area, as of Aug. 4. (Courtesy of WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stanford typically sees a COVID-19 summer wastewater wave start to happen in late May or June, WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell said, and the Bay Area saw “a slower start” this year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But now, COVID concentrations in wastewater are “continuing to rise at sites across the Bay Area,” said Bidwell. Some 64% of the sites monitored by WastewaterSCAN are now in the “Medium” category for COVID — although for context, current levels are still far below the heights of \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CoYBEAA4AUgAUgY1NzlkYTNSBjM3NDMwYVIGZTllODdlUgYwN2NlZDdSBjhhOWI0YlIGYzhkMzU3UgYyNTQ4MTlSBmRkMzZmYlIGZmEyZDYzUgZiNzIzYWVSBmJjNzlmOVIGODRkNDg5UgZkZGU4OGZaBk4gR2VuZXj8A4oBBjcwNzIxM7gBiwg%3D&selectedChartId=707213\">last year’s summer swell\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If it’s been a while since you or your family weathered an infection, a refresher might be handy as we enter a period of potentially higher risk. Here’s what we know about COVID-19 in the Bay Area for summer 2026.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a new COVID-19 variant out there for summer 2026 I should be worried about?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell noted that although current COVID levels “still appear low” compared to \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CtYBCkxTQVJT4oCTQ29W4oCTMiBXYXN0ZXdhdGVyIENvbmNlbnRyYXRpb25zOiBHcmVhdGVyIFNhbiBGcmFuY2lzY28gQmF5IEFyZWEsIENBEAA4AUABSABSBjU3OWRhM1IGMzc0MzBhUgZlOWU4N2VSBjA3Y2VkN1IGOGE5YjRiUgZjOGQzNTdSBjI1NDgxOVIGZGQzNmZiUgZmYTJkNjNSBmI3MjNhZVIGYmM3OWY5UgY4NGQ0ODlSBmRkZTg4ZloGTiBHZW5leIINigEGMWI1NzQzuAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=1b5743\">historic data and past infection waves\u003c/a>, her team has observed a mixture of variants in local circulation rather than one dominant variant, “like we have seen in the past” — something that’s also \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=ClwKNFNBUlPigJNDb1bigJMyIFNlcXVlbmNpbmc6IFdXU0NBTiBOYXRpb25hbCBBZ2dyZWdhdGUQA0ABSABSBnNlcXVlbloGTiBHZW5leLwBigEGY2JhODQ4uAGlBg%3D%3D&selectedChartId=cba848\">mirrored nationally\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But when it comes to the question of if there’s a major new strain out there about to cause chaos, the short answer is : No, said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The COVID variant he’s been seeing in the Bay Area in these last weeks is still XFG, also known as “Stratus,” in the omicron lineage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033385\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/GettyImages-1231697879_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A syringe is filled with a dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site inside Reuther Hall at Forty Acres on March 13, 2021, in Delano, California. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People infected with XFG have often reported a scratchy, hoarse throat that’s easily mistaken for allergies, along with the kind of primarily respiratory symptoms we’ve come to expect from COVID, said Karan: “Sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, that kind of thing.” Also still in circulation, unfortunately, is NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus”: the strain that’s also nicknamed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045979/xfg-stratus-nimbus-nb181-covid-variant-symptoms-razor-blade-throat-incubation-period-testing\">“razor blade throat”\u003c/a> for the intense sore throat it gives many people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The good news is that there’s nothing — at least genomically — that’s telling us we’re dealing with something very different, or something that should cause major concern or that will give us an increase in hospitalizations,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What about other newer strains you might have heard about, like BA.3.2, dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://www.ajmc.com/view/cicada-covid-19-variant-faqs-symptoms-risk-and-prevention\">“Cicada”\u003c/a>? While any news of new COVID-19 variants might bring flashbacks to the game-changing emergence of \u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html\">omicron\u003c/a> in 2021, or delta after it, “the vast majority” of these latest strains aren’t giving medical professionals sleepless nights in 2026, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Nothing has shown a severe increase in severe disease or hospitalizations, or that they will be resistant to antivirals, or that they will render diagnostics invalid,” he said. “Those are the main things we worry about, but I’ve not seen that with any of the variants.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How will my most recent COVID vaccine hold up against a 2026 summer wave?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2025-26 \u003ca href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859\">COVID-19 vaccine\u003c/a> that rolled out in fall 2025 was formulated to target descendants of omicron and include XFG, the dominant variant now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you got your shot as soon as you were able to last year, despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055165/where-can-i-find-new-updated-2025-covid-vaccine-near-me-moderna-pfizer-cvs-walgreens-safeway-vaccinations-health-insurance-cost\">the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts\u003c/a> to limit eligibility to the vaccine, that also means it’s been longer since you had that immunity boost. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Broadly speaking, the longer it’s been since you got vaccinated, the lower your immune response is going to be,” Karan said. “As time goes on, the more variants there are since [the one] which the vaccine was based on, the more chance that you’ll have stronger symptoms or more likely to be infected.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A closeup image of two COVID-19 antigen test results.\" class=\"wp-image-12002056\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1020x681.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/ap23323639771611-1920x1281.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result photographed in New York on April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But nothing researchers are seeing suggests that the vaccine is completely ineffective — or that it will no longer have benefits, Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So you’re somewhere in the middle,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while “the goal of the vaccines is to prevent you from getting very sick,” they can’t prevent you from being infected in the first place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a nutshell: Don’t assume your fall 2025 vaccine will necessarily mean any infection you get in summer 2026 will be short or mild, so it’s worth considering your risks and taking precautions if necessary. Speaking of which …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So should I be wearing a mask again on BART or in the grocery store?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think it depends on how high the levels get,” Karan said — who recommended you keep an eye on the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater, according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask in crowded places, especially if you observe people with possible COVID-19 symptoms around you, “can reduce the risk that you get infected — and I think for most people, that’s the goal at this point … to prevent infection that would knock them out for a couple of days,” Karan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if the thought of losing a week to infection and isolation isn’t enough, remember the risks of contracting \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/long-covid\">long COVID\u003c/a>. Karan said that in 2026, he still sees long COVID-19 patients regularly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016585\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241203_SewageLeak_GC-8-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An estimated 20 million gallons of wastewater have spilled into the Suisun Marsh in Contra Costa County. That will expose animals to chemicals that are carried in our sewage system. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Even this week, I’ve seen people that came in with post-COVID infection, with longer-term brain fog and symptoms that are just disruptive and making them feel not great,” the scientist said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These risks are another reason to commit to isolating from other people as much as you can when you have COVID-19, Karan said — or to ensuring that anyone infected in your home isolates from the rest of the household as much as they can, despite the inconveniences that brings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I was exposed or have symptoms. When should I take a COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 1: Know about updated incubation times \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the average incubation times of five to seven days from back in 2020 are still burned into your brain, you should know: Incubation times for COVID-19 — that is, the amount of time between getting exposed to and testing positive — have gotten shorter over the years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People are testing positive more quickly than they were in 2020, when the average incubation period was five to seven days, because it has changed with each new variant, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious disease expert, told KQED in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Three days has become a common period of time between exposure and getting sick, Chin-Hong said. So given this trend, it makes sense to take a COVID-19 test as early as two days after exposure if you’re already having symptoms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 2: Don’t trust a negative early COVID test\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again the next day if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s why you can’t necessarily trust a negative at-home COVID-19 test in 2026: While incubation times have gotten shorter, doctors are seeing people take longer to get a positive test, Chin-Hong said. And that’s probably more to do with how much quicker someone with COVID-19 might develop symptoms in 2026 than they would have done in 2020.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a reminder, those symptoms are the sign that your body’s immune system is mounting a response to an invading virus. Back at the start of the pandemic, by the time you developed COVID-19 symptoms and took a test, it would probably already be positive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11989966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/008_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As COVID-19 levels continue to rise in Bay Area wastewater for summer 2026, what do you need to know? (Beth La Berge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But at this stage of the pandemic, “we likely have more immune cells circulating that can recognize the enemy, so it ‘sounds the alarm’ quicker [and] people might feel something faster than in the old days,” Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And because many of us take a COVID-19 test when we start to feel sick, we might actually be testing way too early for an at-home antigen kit to successfully detect enough virus inside us.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bottom line: If you’re testing because you’ve started feeling unwell, don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19. Play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Take another antigen test 48 hours later, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Step 3: Make sure your COVID test hasn’t expired\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Those COVID-19 tests you might have in a drawer may be approaching their expiration date if they haven’t already passed it. And an expired test could give you an unreliable result.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">FDA’s list\u003c/a> of antigen test types to see whether the box you’re holding has had its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">shelf life extended\u003c/a> by the manufacturer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up shot of a health care professional in black gloves holding a COVID-19 rapid test, which is pictured as a thick, white paper test with holes for a cotton swab to rest inside.\" class=\"wp-image-11948954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/RS46094_002_KQED_SanFrancisco_COVIDTesting_11302020-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rapid COVID-19 test held by a health care professional at a Unidos En Salud testing site, a collaboration by UCSF and the Latino Task Force, during a post-holiday COVID-19 outreach event on 24th and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Nov. 30, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The FDA said that if a test’s shelf life has been extended, it’s because the manufacturer has given the agency enough “data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.” (In other words, it’s still OK to use that test.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another tip from Chin-Hong: “A quick-and-dirty way” to know if you’re using a functional COVID-19 test is to make sure the control line turns positive. If that doesn’t happen, “that means the test is probably not working,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I test positive, how long do I have to isolate with COVID in 2026?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In March 2024, the CDC officially revised its national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that COVID-positive people could now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">return to work\u003c/a> or regular activities once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">24 hours\u003c/a> without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">current isolation guidance\u003c/a> for COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment\u003c/a> in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I still find a free COVID test?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Good question.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finding a quick, free COVID-19 test — whether an at-home antigen test or a PCR test — has gotten progressively harder at this stage of the pandemic as more sites and services have been shuttered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And visiting \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/lab-leak-true-origins-of-covid-19/\">the White House site\u003c/a> that once offered you free at-home COVID-19 tests through USPS will now greet you with an image of President Donald Trump superimposed over the headline “LAB LEAK: The True Origins of COVID,” as well as a page dedicated to the theory \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/18/g-s1-61324/lab-leak-white-house-covid-origins\">disputed\u003c/a> by many scientists that the pandemic was caused by the coronavirus leaking from a government laboratory in Wuhan, China.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, what do you do now if you don’t already have a supply of antigen tests for COVID-19 at home right now?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now that the network of PCR testing options as we knew them has essentially gone, your best option is to purchase a COVID-19 at-home antigen test at a pharmacy. These at-home test kits are usually around $20 for a pack of two.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ideally, ask someone to purchase one for you so you don’t potentially expose other people at the pharmacy, and if you really have to go yourself, wear a well-fitted N95 mask to help lower the risk you pose to others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer\u003c/a> for the cost of up to eight at-home tests per month, so don’t throw away your receipts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re insured through major Bay Area providers like Kaiser Permanente or Sutter Health, you may also be able to ask for a PCR test through your provider.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke",
"title": "Shield Yourself From Wildfire Smoke: What You Need to Know",
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"headTitle": "Shield Yourself From Wildfire Smoke: What You Need to Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>As \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11960130/4-things-about-californias-wildfire-smoke-climate-change\">wildfires worsen\u003c/a>, it’s become a familiar routine. You wake to see a haze in the sky, and a strange tinge to the light. You start to feel burning in your throat and irritation in your eyes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">the online air quality map\u003c/a> — the one you probably have bookmarked by now — confirms what you already suspected: that smoke from nearby wildfires is in the air once again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unhealthy air quality caused by fires has become an unfortunate reality for Bay Area residents, especially for those whose jobs or living circumstances mean they must spend most of the day outdoors. It might be tempting to try to go on with your day as normal. But the risks to your health from poor air quality due to wildfire smoke are serious and can cause long-lasting damage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, there are several ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from hazardous air.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cb>Jump straight to: \u003c/b>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wildfire-smoke-air-quality\">How to stay safe when it’s smoky\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out how to prep your home for more smoky days, when it’s time to really worry about the air outdoors, and what to do when wildfire smoke hits your neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: The following advice can also help protect your respiratory health on days that a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sparetheair.org/\">Spare the Air alert\u003c/a> has been issued, when concentrations of smog are expected to be unhealthy.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why is smoke from a wildfire so dangerous to my health?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What we call “wildfire smoke” is actually an ever-changing mix of particles and gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals. Many of these compounds are toxic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the most dangerous thing for your health in wildfire smoke is the particulate matter: that is, the tiny pieces of soot and ash that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles are so small they’re measured in \u003ca href=\"https://sciencenotes.org/what-is-a-micron-definition-and-examples/\">microns (0.001 millimeters)\u003c/a> — and the most worrying particles in smoke can be less than 2.5 microns wide. For scale, a human hair is about 60 microns wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re also so light that they can travel huge distances from a raging wildfire. And when it comes to your respiratory system, these tiny traveling particles then become miniscule invaders that first cause damage to your body just by entering it, setting off inflammatory reactions that can make breathing difficult. In serious cases, these reactions can even trigger a heart attack or stroke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=science_1930023]The particles then travel deep into your lungs, and within a few days, the damage they cause can result in bronchitis or pneumonia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Put simply: Even brief exposure to wildfire smoke can cause potentially serious health problems for everyone. People at higher risk include those with asthma, lung disease or heart disease, children and teens, older adults age 65+ and people who don’t live or work indoors. Pregnant people and their unborn infants are at particularly heightened risk from these particulates, which have been associated with low birth weight and premature birth for babies.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to prepare for dangerous air quality\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Since dangerously unhealthy air from wildfires can sweep in with little to no warning, it’s important to be ready beforehand. The Environmental Protection Agency, \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/\">via its AirNow website\u003c/a>, recommends taking certain steps to ensure you and your home are prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find — or make — a portable air purifier\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Air Resources Board recommends portable mechanical air cleaners with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that collects very small particles and does not emit ozone or other harmful substances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These air cleaners dramatically reduce indoor particle levels, in some cases by more than 90%. \u003ca href=\"https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm\">Here is a list of devices that are certified by and legal in California\u003c/a>. If you can’t get a portable air purifier, the EPA \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/\">has tips on how to make your own DIY air cleaner from a box fan and filter\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1950002\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 3456px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1950002\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"3456\" height=\"2304\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378.jpg 3456w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Smoke shrouds a road near Geyserville during a wildfire on Oct. 24, 2019. \u003ccite>(Danielle Venton/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make a ‘clean air room’ — and keep it cool\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The EPA suggests designating a ‘clean air room’ in your home, one you can quickly seal off from any outside air and in which you can run a portable clean air filter. If excessive heat is a concern where you live, and you have a room with an air conditioner, this room might be best to select — just be sure to keep the fresh-air intake closed on any air conditioners to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If it’s not feasible to designate a single clean air room, consider purchasing multiple portable air purifiers and ensure your home is properly sealed to outside air.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During heat waves, pay attention to temperature forecasts and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">know how to stay safe in the heat\u003c/a>. Even if you don’t have air conditioning, keep doors and windows closed. This can reduce pollutant levels by 50%, according to the EPA. If you can’t stay cool at home or at a friend or relative’s house, the EPA suggests seeking relief at a clean air shelter or other large building with air conditioning and good filtration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stock up on filters for your air purifiers now\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether for portable air purifiers or a central HVAC system (if you have one), it’s a good idea to stock up on replacement air filters before the need arises. If you wait until smoky air descends, the EPA warns, supplies may be out of stock or may not arrive in time to be helpful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re using a central HVAC system, make sure to purchase high-efficiency filters rated MERV-13 or higher.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_11834305]\u003cstrong>Have masks ready to wear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834305/masks-for-smoke-and-covid-19-what-kind-is-best\">what kind of masks offer the best protection against wildfire smoke, \u003c/a>the answer is still: that collection of N95 or KN95 masks you may have stocked up on due to COVID. If you don’t have any left, now is a good time to stock up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for N95 masks with exhalation valves, it’s worth noting that these masks work well for wildfire smoke and may be easier to breathe through longer-term. But they’re less effective at stopping the spread of diseases like COVID — even with tape over the valve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The least effective options are one‐strap paper dust masks or surgical masks that hook around your ears — they don’t protect against inhaling fine particles. Note that a cloth mask will not adequately protect your lungs from particles found in wildfire smoke, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wildfire-smoke-air-quality\">\u003c/a>How to stay safe when it’s smoky\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check your local air quality\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">Bookmark our real-time Bay Area air quality map\u003c/a>, which includes data from official EPA AirNow sensors, as well as from dozens of low-cost private sensors manufactured by PurpleAir. There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">a few points to keep in mind\u003c/a> if you’re noticing discrepancies between what those sensors are reporting. Keep a close eye on local air quality reports to gauge how much time is safe for you and your family to spend outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1993529\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 638px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1993529\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"638\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1.png 638w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1-160x105.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The air quality index (AQI) is divided into six categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern. \u003ccite>(Courtesy EPA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When the air quality index (AQI) rises to 101 or above, consider taking steps to reduce exposure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Keep your indoor area purified\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure all doors and windows are closed and turn on those portable air purifiers, or crank your central HVAC system with a MERV-13 or higher-rated filter, if you have one. If you’re running an air conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave your portable air cleaners running continuously and avoid activities that increase indoor pollution. Burning candles, cooking on gas stoves and vacuuming can all increase indoor pollution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Driving? Don’t let smoke inside your car\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Air District recommends that on smoky days, you use the “recirculating air” button in your car’s air conditioning system, if you have one (it’s the button with the symbol of a car with a looping arrow inside it).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When your recirculating air is on, your car will stop taking in any air from the outside — and instead, your AC will recirculate the air that’s already inside your car. This will help prevent smoke outside from entering your car while still keeping the inside of your car cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Help the smoke leave your body\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve been exposed to wildfire smoke, wash your nose out and gargle with clean water. Do this five times a day until the smoke subsides. Take a shower and wash your clothing after being outside, even if your clothes don’t smell particularly smoky.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Keep pets inside\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether house pets or livestock, domestic animals are affected by wildfire smoke, too. During periods of poor air quality, try to limit their time outside as much as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Air pollution from wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks. Here are some key steps you can take both before and during smoky days.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11960130/4-things-about-californias-wildfire-smoke-climate-change\">wildfires worsen\u003c/a>, it’s become a familiar routine. You wake to see a haze in the sky, and a strange tinge to the light. You start to feel burning in your throat and irritation in your eyes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">the online air quality map\u003c/a> — the one you probably have bookmarked by now — confirms what you already suspected: that smoke from nearby wildfires is in the air once again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unhealthy air quality caused by fires has become an unfortunate reality for Bay Area residents, especially for those whose jobs or living circumstances mean they must spend most of the day outdoors. It might be tempting to try to go on with your day as normal. But the risks to your health from poor air quality due to wildfire smoke are serious and can cause long-lasting damage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, there are several ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from hazardous air.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cb>Jump straight to: \u003c/b>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wildfire-smoke-air-quality\">How to stay safe when it’s smoky\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out how to prep your home for more smoky days, when it’s time to really worry about the air outdoors, and what to do when wildfire smoke hits your neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: The following advice can also help protect your respiratory health on days that a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sparetheair.org/\">Spare the Air alert\u003c/a> has been issued, when concentrations of smog are expected to be unhealthy.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why is smoke from a wildfire so dangerous to my health?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What we call “wildfire smoke” is actually an ever-changing mix of particles and gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals. Many of these compounds are toxic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the most dangerous thing for your health in wildfire smoke is the particulate matter: that is, the tiny pieces of soot and ash that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles are so small they’re measured in \u003ca href=\"https://sciencenotes.org/what-is-a-micron-definition-and-examples/\">microns (0.001 millimeters)\u003c/a> — and the most worrying particles in smoke can be less than 2.5 microns wide. For scale, a human hair is about 60 microns wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re also so light that they can travel huge distances from a raging wildfire. And when it comes to your respiratory system, these tiny traveling particles then become miniscule invaders that first cause damage to your body just by entering it, setting off inflammatory reactions that can make breathing difficult. In serious cases, these reactions can even trigger a heart attack or stroke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The particles then travel deep into your lungs, and within a few days, the damage they cause can result in bronchitis or pneumonia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Put simply: Even brief exposure to wildfire smoke can cause potentially serious health problems for everyone. People at higher risk include those with asthma, lung disease or heart disease, children and teens, older adults age 65+ and people who don’t live or work indoors. Pregnant people and their unborn infants are at particularly heightened risk from these particulates, which have been associated with low birth weight and premature birth for babies.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to prepare for dangerous air quality\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Since dangerously unhealthy air from wildfires can sweep in with little to no warning, it’s important to be ready beforehand. The Environmental Protection Agency, \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/\">via its AirNow website\u003c/a>, recommends taking certain steps to ensure you and your home are prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find — or make — a portable air purifier\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Air Resources Board recommends portable mechanical air cleaners with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that collects very small particles and does not emit ozone or other harmful substances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These air cleaners dramatically reduce indoor particle levels, in some cases by more than 90%. \u003ca href=\"https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm\">Here is a list of devices that are certified by and legal in California\u003c/a>. If you can’t get a portable air purifier, the EPA \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/\">has tips on how to make your own DIY air cleaner from a box fan and filter\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1950002\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 3456px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1950002\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"3456\" height=\"2304\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378.jpg 3456w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/10/IMG_1378-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Smoke shrouds a road near Geyserville during a wildfire on Oct. 24, 2019. \u003ccite>(Danielle Venton/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make a ‘clean air room’ — and keep it cool\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The EPA suggests designating a ‘clean air room’ in your home, one you can quickly seal off from any outside air and in which you can run a portable clean air filter. If excessive heat is a concern where you live, and you have a room with an air conditioner, this room might be best to select — just be sure to keep the fresh-air intake closed on any air conditioners to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If it’s not feasible to designate a single clean air room, consider purchasing multiple portable air purifiers and ensure your home is properly sealed to outside air.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During heat waves, pay attention to temperature forecasts and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">know how to stay safe in the heat\u003c/a>. Even if you don’t have air conditioning, keep doors and windows closed. This can reduce pollutant levels by 50%, according to the EPA. If you can’t stay cool at home or at a friend or relative’s house, the EPA suggests seeking relief at a clean air shelter or other large building with air conditioning and good filtration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stock up on filters for your air purifiers now\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether for portable air purifiers or a central HVAC system (if you have one), it’s a good idea to stock up on replacement air filters before the need arises. If you wait until smoky air descends, the EPA warns, supplies may be out of stock or may not arrive in time to be helpful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re using a central HVAC system, make sure to purchase high-efficiency filters rated MERV-13 or higher.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Have masks ready to wear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834305/masks-for-smoke-and-covid-19-what-kind-is-best\">what kind of masks offer the best protection against wildfire smoke, \u003c/a>the answer is still: that collection of N95 or KN95 masks you may have stocked up on due to COVID. If you don’t have any left, now is a good time to stock up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for N95 masks with exhalation valves, it’s worth noting that these masks work well for wildfire smoke and may be easier to breathe through longer-term. But they’re less effective at stopping the spread of diseases like COVID — even with tape over the valve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The least effective options are one‐strap paper dust masks or surgical masks that hook around your ears — they don’t protect against inhaling fine particles. Note that a cloth mask will not adequately protect your lungs from particles found in wildfire smoke, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wildfire-smoke-air-quality\">\u003c/a>How to stay safe when it’s smoky\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check your local air quality\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">Bookmark our real-time Bay Area air quality map\u003c/a>, which includes data from official EPA AirNow sensors, as well as from dozens of low-cost private sensors manufactured by PurpleAir. There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">a few points to keep in mind\u003c/a> if you’re noticing discrepancies between what those sensors are reporting. Keep a close eye on local air quality reports to gauge how much time is safe for you and your family to spend outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1993529\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 638px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1993529\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"638\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1.png 638w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfires-during-01-understand-the-aqi-1-160x105.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The air quality index (AQI) is divided into six categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern. \u003ccite>(Courtesy EPA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When the air quality index (AQI) rises to 101 or above, consider taking steps to reduce exposure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Keep your indoor area purified\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure all doors and windows are closed and turn on those portable air purifiers, or crank your central HVAC system with a MERV-13 or higher-rated filter, if you have one. If you’re running an air conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave your portable air cleaners running continuously and avoid activities that increase indoor pollution. Burning candles, cooking on gas stoves and vacuuming can all increase indoor pollution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Driving? Don’t let smoke inside your car\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Air District recommends that on smoky days, you use the “recirculating air” button in your car’s air conditioning system, if you have one (it’s the button with the symbol of a car with a looping arrow inside it).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When your recirculating air is on, your car will stop taking in any air from the outside — and instead, your AC will recirculate the air that’s already inside your car. This will help prevent smoke outside from entering your car while still keeping the inside of your car cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Help the smoke leave your body\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve been exposed to wildfire smoke, wash your nose out and gargle with clean water. Do this five times a day until the smoke subsides. Take a shower and wash your clothing after being outside, even if your clothes don’t smell particularly smoky.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Keep pets inside\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether house pets or livestock, domestic animals are affected by wildfire smoke, too. During periods of poor air quality, try to limit their time outside as much as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "california-us-lawmakers-debate-license-plate-reader-technology",
"title": "California, US Lawmakers Debate License Plate Reader Technology",
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"headTitle": "California, US Lawmakers Debate License Plate Reader Technology | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the past year alone, they’ve helped catch suspected murderers, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sjpd.org/Home/Components/News/News/2699/262\">bank robbers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/redwood-city-police-solve-fatal-hit-and-run/\">hit-and-run drivers\u003c/a>. They’ve located dozens of stolen cars and helped send a wildland arsonist to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/prison\">prison\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re also distrusted and despised by privacy rights activists on the left and on the right. Just last month, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ktvu.com/news/monterey-county-man-vandalizes-flock-cameras\">police accused a suspect\u003c/a> in Monterey County of yanking down three of them with his pickup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re called automated license plate readers. Every day, untold numbers of Californians drive past the thousands of cameras that at least 230 police and sheriffs’ departments have posted along roadways or installed on their patrol cars.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cameras in real time capture and read plate numbers, then \u003ca href=\"https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf\">cross-referenc\u003c/a>e them with law enforcement databases of vehicles police want to locate, such as stolen cars, getaway vehicles or those that may be carrying a missing or wanted person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since 2019, California Democratic lawmakers have unsuccessfully sought to further restrict how police use the technology. They’re trying again this year \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb1013\">with a bill\u003c/a> that would add limits on how long police may retain license plate data, how they access it and with whom they share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police agencies and officers’ unions across the state oppose the latest measure, which is similar to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb274\">a bill\u003c/a> Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed last year. “This bill is about one simple principle: Protecting the privacy and safety of Californians while ensuring law enforcement tools are used responsibly before it’s too late,” the author of this year’s legislation, Riverside Democratic Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/sabrina-cervantes-36813\">Sabrina Cervantes\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/hearings/279703#t=168&f=03e459111a80032d25ad98083c53988e\">told the Assembly privacy committee\u003c/a> last month. She did not respond to a request for an interview from CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076122\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076122\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Flock Safety license plate recognition camera is seen near the intersection of Marine Street and Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Critics of the technology cite high-profile examples of California police using license plate data inappropriately, including to stalk or harass innocent people. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/10/newsom-vetoes-license-plate-reader-regulations/\">As CalMatters reported last year\u003c/a>, California officers have repeatedly violated an 11-year-old state law that prohibits sharing the data with federal authorities and others outside the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>404 Media also \u003ca href=\"https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/\">reported last year\u003c/a> that a Texas cop searched a national license plate database to try to locate a woman who had an abortion, leading to fears that conservative states that criminalize abortion are accessing California’s plate data to hunt down patients or providers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cervantes’ bill would generally limit to 30 days the amount of time agencies could keep license plate data, unless it pertains to an active investigation or is part of a search for missing people. It also sets limits around who can access the data and adds training and search-tracking requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police and sheriffs’ departments would be prohibited from entering into contracts with camera companies that provide default access to plate databases that federal and out-of-state police can search.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That provision is in response to Flock Safety, a prominent license plate reader company that allowed federal authorities to search local license plate data \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082887/berkeley-extends-surveillance-contract-with-flock-safety-but-rejects-major-expansion\">as part of a pilot program\u003c/a>, said Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy, one of the bill’s supporters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082871\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082871\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A protester holds a sign during a rally opposing Berkeley’s proposed contract expansion with surveillance company Flock Safety outside the Berkeley Unified School District boardroom in Berkeley on May 7, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“(Police departments) learned after the fact, like our advocates did,” Rosenberg said. “And we all said, ‘What the …’ You know, pick your four-letter word.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Flock Safety did not respond to CalMatters’ request for an interview, but the company says on \u003ca href=\"https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/does-flock-share-data-with-ice\">its website\u003c/a> that it doesn’t work with immigration agencies and it stopped its federal pilot programs. Local agencies have total control over the data Flock readers collect, the company said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“By default, sharing with federal agencies is disabled,” the company wrote. “ICE does not have direct access to Flock cameras, systems or data.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why police are opposed\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At least 39 police agencies and officers’ unions oppose \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb1013\">Senate Bill 1013\u003c/a>. Combined, they have spent at least $5.6 million on legislative campaigns since 2000, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/\">CalMatters Digital Democracy database\u003c/a>. Police say the technology has proven invaluable at helping them solve crimes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tustin Police Chief Sean Thuilliez, president of the California Police Chiefs Association, said the technology helped clear an innocent man. It also identified a suspected killer when \u003ca href=\"https://abc7.com/post/juan-marquez-arrested-killing-former-girlfriend-sandra-fernandez-tustin-fleeing-mexico-police-say/19120273/\">a woman was shot and killed\u003c/a> on a street in the Orange County city in May.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The woman had just testified against her ex-husband in a restraining order case, making him a prime suspect, Thuilliez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12050362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12050362\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Berkeley Police Department squad car in Berkeley on July 30, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But Thuilliez said that thanks to the city’s 102 license plate readers, eight of which are from Flock, detectives quickly ruled out her ex-husband and were able to apprehend \u003ca href=\"https://orangecountytribune.com/2026/05/18/man-arrested-in-fatal-shooting-shooting-of-anaheim-woman/\">her former boyfriend\u003c/a> at the Mexico border. He’s now charged with first-degree murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s technology mixed with good investigative work,” he said in an interview. “But within one weekend, we were able to arrest the suspect for this person’s murder.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Police Department noted similar successes after \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/07/13/flock-safety-cameras-berkeley-license-plate-readers\">52 Flock cameras\u003c/a> were installed last year. In \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-03-24%20Special%20Item%2001%202025%20Berkeley%20Police%20Department%20Annual.pdf\">a report\u003c/a> to the Berkeley City Council, the department noted license plate readers had been used in 121 cases, contributed to 58 arrests and led to the recovery of 37 stolen vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The department noted its rate for solving robbery cases climbed from 34% in 2024 to 49% the following year, thanks in part to the license plate data.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The technology has fundamentally improved how officers patrol and how detectives investigate crimes spanning a range of serious offenses including robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, weapons violations, organized retail theft, stolen property and DUI,” the report said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why Newsom vetoed last year’s bill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Such investigative success stories may have helped persuade Newsom to veto last year’s bill, which would have required police to dump their license plate data within 60 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SB-274-Veto.pdf\">veto message\u003c/a>, he said the restrictions on sharing data and forcing departments to purge it could hinder officers’ ability to solve cold cases and find missing people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom also said there was no money in the budget to pay for the mandatory California Department of Justice audits last year’s bill would have required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070630\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070630\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at the Friendship House Association of American Indians in San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To address Newsom’s concerns, this year’s proposal allows police to retain data to locate missing people and it makes a state audit program contingent on future funding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom’s press office declined to say whether he has a position on the latest bill, which has advanced through the Legislature with only Republicans voting against it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The measure is now pending before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Meanwhile, at least one Republican lawmaker is taking the issue to Congress.[aside postID=news_12090103 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/CAT_Flock-Out_img.png']U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky recently shared a meme of a “Don’t Tread on Me” snake wrapped around a camera. The riff on the yellow Gadsden flag says, “Don’t Flock me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’ll soon be sponsoring a bill to withhold federal money from municipalities and police departments that deploy Flock (and other style) cameras to surveil law-abiding citizens,” Massie \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/RepThomasMassie/posts/pfbid0ZRCz5XLjEKZ2QtdHT9ibRbHV5wiMVovmTmWJ6NmSeSeUqECmYgqjgDU8t3gwsrjsl\">wrote\u003c/a> on Facebook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy said she understands the cameras’ usefulness to California police, but she thinks they’ve become ubiquitous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police, she said, also shouldn’t have a permanent pass to keep “mountains” of data for as long as they want.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is kind of a balancing act. We as human beings also need some camera-free space,” she said. “We don’t want to be on camera every minute of every single day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/08/california-flock-license-plates-bill/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the past year alone, they’ve helped catch suspected murderers, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sjpd.org/Home/Components/News/News/2699/262\">bank robbers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/redwood-city-police-solve-fatal-hit-and-run/\">hit-and-run drivers\u003c/a>. They’ve located dozens of stolen cars and helped send a wildland arsonist to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/prison\">prison\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re also distrusted and despised by privacy rights activists on the left and on the right. Just last month, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ktvu.com/news/monterey-county-man-vandalizes-flock-cameras\">police accused a suspect\u003c/a> in Monterey County of yanking down three of them with his pickup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re called automated license plate readers. Every day, untold numbers of Californians drive past the thousands of cameras that at least 230 police and sheriffs’ departments have posted along roadways or installed on their patrol cars.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cameras in real time capture and read plate numbers, then \u003ca href=\"https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf\">cross-referenc\u003c/a>e them with law enforcement databases of vehicles police want to locate, such as stolen cars, getaway vehicles or those that may be carrying a missing or wanted person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since 2019, California Democratic lawmakers have unsuccessfully sought to further restrict how police use the technology. They’re trying again this year \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb1013\">with a bill\u003c/a> that would add limits on how long police may retain license plate data, how they access it and with whom they share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police agencies and officers’ unions across the state oppose the latest measure, which is similar to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb274\">a bill\u003c/a> Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed last year. “This bill is about one simple principle: Protecting the privacy and safety of Californians while ensuring law enforcement tools are used responsibly before it’s too late,” the author of this year’s legislation, Riverside Democratic Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/sabrina-cervantes-36813\">Sabrina Cervantes\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/hearings/279703#t=168&f=03e459111a80032d25ad98083c53988e\">told the Assembly privacy committee\u003c/a> last month. She did not respond to a request for an interview from CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076122\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076122\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GETTYIMAGES-2265184865-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Flock Safety license plate recognition camera is seen near the intersection of Marine Street and Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Critics of the technology cite high-profile examples of California police using license plate data inappropriately, including to stalk or harass innocent people. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/10/newsom-vetoes-license-plate-reader-regulations/\">As CalMatters reported last year\u003c/a>, California officers have repeatedly violated an 11-year-old state law that prohibits sharing the data with federal authorities and others outside the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>404 Media also \u003ca href=\"https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/\">reported last year\u003c/a> that a Texas cop searched a national license plate database to try to locate a woman who had an abortion, leading to fears that conservative states that criminalize abortion are accessing California’s plate data to hunt down patients or providers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cervantes’ bill would generally limit to 30 days the amount of time agencies could keep license plate data, unless it pertains to an active investigation or is part of a search for missing people. It also sets limits around who can access the data and adds training and search-tracking requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police and sheriffs’ departments would be prohibited from entering into contracts with camera companies that provide default access to plate databases that federal and out-of-state police can search.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That provision is in response to Flock Safety, a prominent license plate reader company that allowed federal authorities to search local license plate data \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082887/berkeley-extends-surveillance-contract-with-flock-safety-but-rejects-major-expansion\">as part of a pilot program\u003c/a>, said Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy, one of the bill’s supporters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082871\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082871\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/050726BERKELEY-FLOCK-RALLY_GH_010-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A protester holds a sign during a rally opposing Berkeley’s proposed contract expansion with surveillance company Flock Safety outside the Berkeley Unified School District boardroom in Berkeley on May 7, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“(Police departments) learned after the fact, like our advocates did,” Rosenberg said. “And we all said, ‘What the …’ You know, pick your four-letter word.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Flock Safety did not respond to CalMatters’ request for an interview, but the company says on \u003ca href=\"https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/does-flock-share-data-with-ice\">its website\u003c/a> that it doesn’t work with immigration agencies and it stopped its federal pilot programs. Local agencies have total control over the data Flock readers collect, the company said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“By default, sharing with federal agencies is disabled,” the company wrote. “ICE does not have direct access to Flock cameras, systems or data.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why police are opposed\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At least 39 police agencies and officers’ unions oppose \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb1013\">Senate Bill 1013\u003c/a>. Combined, they have spent at least $5.6 million on legislative campaigns since 2000, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/\">CalMatters Digital Democracy database\u003c/a>. Police say the technology has proven invaluable at helping them solve crimes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tustin Police Chief Sean Thuilliez, president of the California Police Chiefs Association, said the technology helped clear an innocent man. It also identified a suspected killer when \u003ca href=\"https://abc7.com/post/juan-marquez-arrested-killing-former-girlfriend-sandra-fernandez-tustin-fleeing-mexico-police-say/19120273/\">a woman was shot and killed\u003c/a> on a street in the Orange County city in May.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The woman had just testified against her ex-husband in a restraining order case, making him a prime suspect, Thuilliez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12050362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12050362\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250730-BERKELEY-POLICE-DEPARTMENT-BPD-FILE-MD-01-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Berkeley Police Department squad car in Berkeley on July 30, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But Thuilliez said that thanks to the city’s 102 license plate readers, eight of which are from Flock, detectives quickly ruled out her ex-husband and were able to apprehend \u003ca href=\"https://orangecountytribune.com/2026/05/18/man-arrested-in-fatal-shooting-shooting-of-anaheim-woman/\">her former boyfriend\u003c/a> at the Mexico border. He’s now charged with first-degree murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s technology mixed with good investigative work,” he said in an interview. “But within one weekend, we were able to arrest the suspect for this person’s murder.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Police Department noted similar successes after \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/07/13/flock-safety-cameras-berkeley-license-plate-readers\">52 Flock cameras\u003c/a> were installed last year. In \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-03-24%20Special%20Item%2001%202025%20Berkeley%20Police%20Department%20Annual.pdf\">a report\u003c/a> to the Berkeley City Council, the department noted license plate readers had been used in 121 cases, contributed to 58 arrests and led to the recovery of 37 stolen vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The department noted its rate for solving robbery cases climbed from 34% in 2024 to 49% the following year, thanks in part to the license plate data.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The technology has fundamentally improved how officers patrol and how detectives investigate crimes spanning a range of serious offenses including robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, weapons violations, organized retail theft, stolen property and DUI,” the report said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why Newsom vetoed last year’s bill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Such investigative success stories may have helped persuade Newsom to veto last year’s bill, which would have required police to dump their license plate data within 60 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SB-274-Veto.pdf\">veto message\u003c/a>, he said the restrictions on sharing data and forcing departments to purge it could hinder officers’ ability to solve cold cases and find missing people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom also said there was no money in the budget to pay for the mandatory California Department of Justice audits last year’s bill would have required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070630\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070630\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260116-NewsomLuriePresser-32-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at the Friendship House Association of American Indians in San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To address Newsom’s concerns, this year’s proposal allows police to retain data to locate missing people and it makes a state audit program contingent on future funding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom’s press office declined to say whether he has a position on the latest bill, which has advanced through the Legislature with only Republicans voting against it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The measure is now pending before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Meanwhile, at least one Republican lawmaker is taking the issue to Congress.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky recently shared a meme of a “Don’t Tread on Me” snake wrapped around a camera. The riff on the yellow Gadsden flag says, “Don’t Flock me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’ll soon be sponsoring a bill to withhold federal money from municipalities and police departments that deploy Flock (and other style) cameras to surveil law-abiding citizens,” Massie \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/RepThomasMassie/posts/pfbid0ZRCz5XLjEKZ2QtdHT9ibRbHV5wiMVovmTmWJ6NmSeSeUqECmYgqjgDU8t3gwsrjsl\">wrote\u003c/a> on Facebook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy said she understands the cameras’ usefulness to California police, but she thinks they’ve become ubiquitous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Police, she said, also shouldn’t have a permanent pass to keep “mountains” of data for as long as they want.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is kind of a balancing act. We as human beings also need some camera-free space,” she said. “We don’t want to be on camera every minute of every single day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/08/california-flock-license-plates-bill/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "the-no-judgement-guide-to-not-passing-out-at-a-concert-and-other-concert-health-tips",
"title": "The No Judgement Guide to Not Passing Out at a Concert (and Other Concert Health Tips)",
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"headTitle": "The No Judgement Guide to Not Passing Out at a Concert (and Other Concert Health Tips) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Since pandemic-era restrictions lifted in 2021, concert etiquette has been a hot topic among live music fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaints range far and wide: Constant \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/concert-behavior-bebe-rexha-pink-ashes-ava-max-1234782356/\">phone use\u003c/a>. Throwing \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1197953096\">“gifts” on the stage\u003c/a>, sometimes even hitting the artist. And most recently, according to musicians Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jul/22/pass-the-pit-diapers-why-are-fans-wetting-themselves-to-stand-front-row-at-concerts-olivia-rodrigo-noah-kahan-morgan-wallen\">wearing diapers\u003c/a> to avoid going to the bathroom and losing a spot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But while wearing diapers (for non-medical reasons) is rather unpleasant — do you want to upset your fellow fans and Rodrigo \u003cem>personally? \u003c/em>— a concerning element many concertgoers have started \u003ca href=\"https://dailyfreepress.com/02/28/15/210485/rocking-out-has-gotten-out-of-hand-mad-women/\">discussing more\u003c/a> is \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Ethelcain/comments/1swc8r2/are_people_passing_out_at_every_show_or_whats/\">people passing out\u003c/a> in the crowd to the point of halting the concert — sometimes due to dehydration and exhaustion after \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/phoebe-bridgers-toronto-fan-medical-calls-1235084420/\">overnight camping\u003c/a> to get to the front of a barricade, like Phoebe Bridgers fans in 2022.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Something is happening on this tour that we have never, ever experienced before, which is that we’re seeing more people than ever either pass out or have panic attacks in the audience,” singer Maggie Rogers said \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/music/maggie-rogers-says-more-concertgoers-pass-out-and-have-panic-attacks-post-pandemic/\">in 2023.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This reporter watched Lorde stop her 2025 Berkeley show several times to allow medical staff to help someone out of the crowded general admission section at the front — the singer patiently waiting for the audience member to be escorted safely out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091860\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nori Nakayama, right, poses for a portrait as Glass Animals performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a day and age where tickets cost an arm and a leg, this reporter can somewhat understand the desire to make the most out of an experience. And to put the blame entirely on fan behavior would be unfair. For example, water bottles in stadiums can be pricey (although many offer refill stations now), and extreme weather conditions, \u003ca href=\"https://www.businessinsider.com/billie-eilish-concert-london-people-fainting-fan-safety-2022-6\">especially\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox5dc.com/news/6-hospitalized-heat-related-illness-stray-kids-concert-nats-park\">heat\u003c/a>, have also led to \u003ca href=\"https://deadline.com/2026/07/lorde-pauses-lollapalooza-show-fans-pass-out-1237015099/\">people fainting\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But while it may seem to fans like there’s been a post-pandemic increase in questionable concert behavior, everything — diapers, rushing the barricade, avoiding drinking to save a spot — has actually been part of fan behavior for generations, according to Gordon Oldham, managing director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.rockmed.org/\">Rock Medicine\u003c/a> (a program of Health Right 360), which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090715/outside-lands-ticket-pass-friday-saturday-sunday-lineup-resale-scams-2026\">worked festivals like San Francisco’s Outside Lands\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, he said, the idea of Rock Medicine started in 1972, a few years after the Summer of Love, when founder \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Dr-George-Skip-Gay-dies-in-Alaska-3224695.php\">Skip Gay\u003c/a> and the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic were asked to help out with two massive outdoor concerts featuring the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco was kind of going, ‘Holy crap.’ Because what most people don’t realize is that only roughly 20% of the concert goers — and that’s still probably a little high — live in the local area,” he said. “Seventy to 80% come from outside the area. Our infrastructure is built to take care of the people that live in the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So they were kind of freaking out, and we’ve got to remember they were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050476/the-deadheads-are-coming-and-sf-is-ready-next-up-2-more-weekends-of-live-music\">Deadheads\u003c/a>,” Oldham said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rock Medicine was formalized in 1973 and still continues to provide support at venues like Levi’s Stadium and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We might not be all hippies and wearing tie-dye and all the crazy stuff we did back in the day, but we still provide the exact same medicine that we started 53 years ago,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A major tenet of event medicine, Oldham said, is to take care of the fan at the venue and “get them home safe and sound with their family and their friends” without overwhelming the local infrastructure, like hospitals, fire departments and police. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We were built on non-judgmental healthcare,” he said. “We’ve all done crazy stuff in our lives … We just want to take care of people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are going to a show any time soon — be it a major stadium show or outdoor music festival like Outside Lands or \u003ca href=\"https://www.daisychainfields.com/\">Daisy Chain Fields\u003c/a> down in Southern California — and you tend to be the responsible member of the friend group, here’s what you should keep in mind for you and your loved ones when attending. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This guide is primarily for those who don’t have a history of fainting. Be sure to check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">KQED’s guide on Outside Lands\u003c/a> to learn more about the festival’s options for accessibility. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What is event medicine?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The folks at the first aid or medical tents are sometimes volunteer or staffed doctors, nurses and EMTs with an organization dedicated to event medicine — also known as crowd medicine. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We work as a medical clinic on site, an urgent care clinic,” Oldham said. “We’re able to stitch people up, fix them up, get them better, hydrate them if we need to and get them back out to the show.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham emphasized that over Rock Medicine’s 50-plus years of experience, only a small percentage of the audience ends up at the medical tent or booth. But they have seen it all — impacts from heat, alcohol, the common cold.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052315\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A concertgoer wears three pairs of sunglasses as he watches Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso perform at Outside Lands on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re used to a lot of vomit,” he said. “We’re used to people not happy and sad and crying. But everybody tries to be very cheerful, happy and give them the best experience possible with medicine.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The things we see the most are low-acuity common things like asthma exacerbations, trips and falls, abrasions and lacerations and cuts, abdominal pain,” said Matt Friedman, an emergency medicine physician and national medical director for \u003ca href=\"https://crowdrx.org/\">CrowdRx\u003c/a>, which provides medical support to venues like Chase Center, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The adrenaline surges and emotional highs — and people are just so excited that they forget to eat and drink,” he said. “But at some points, no matter how young and vivacious you are, at some point that surge is gonna dampen a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when you do pass out?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Age-wise, visits to the medical tent vary, but Oldham said “the majority” tend to be younger fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Younger fans that haven’t been there, haven’t done that before,” he said. “It’s all new to them, and they spent a bazillion dollars to go see this artist, and they want to be as close as they can.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But if you don’t take care of yourself, you end up with us, and then you don’t see them at all,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/10/Josh-Withers-scaled-e1635549076106.jpg\" alt=\"A large crowd at a nighttime outdoor concert.\" class=\"wp-image-11894419\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A packed crowd at the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park in 2019, the last time the event was held before the COVID pandemic. (Josh Withers/Outside Lands)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We see it among younger fans, but we also see it amongst the elderly as well, who sort of suffer as well from standing in positions waiting for the show to open and from the sun exposure,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the time the headliner comes up — “whether it’s Lorde or Billie Eilish or ACDC, I don’t care who it is” — at least six to seven fans who have been standing in front of the barricade all day long are going to experience a “sinkable episode,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People think they have a seizure,” Oldham said. “They just have a quick pass out because their body’s had enough, and that’s telling you, ‘Hey, you gotta take care of yourself.’”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Friedman said that most of the time, “passing out is a pretty benign experience” and there are “no long-term harmful effects.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, he said what first aid staff is really worried about is when people pass out and “hit their head hard — and that can be just from a ground-level fall.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also “the other 5% of the cases where passing out is not due to a benign cause, but has sort of a serious cause that we need to investigate,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Either way, once you pass out, Friedman said, “you’re not feeling back to your normal self right away. It takes a while. It takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel back to your normal self, back to the point where you can enjoy the show again,” which you have likely missed a good portion of. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some people may need to recover by getting rehydrated with IV fluids. Some people need to have their electrolytes checked. And sometimes, staff may need to be more involved.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s a bunch of things as the medical providers, we need to do and make sure that you’re not in the 5% of the group that has serious causes for the passing out,” he said. “Sometimes we will do an EKG; we’re gonna monitor your vital signs, and we don’t just want one set of vital signs. We wanna repeat vital signs 10 minutes later to make sure that they’re improving … We really have to investigate why each time somebody passes out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you know about concert health?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The prep starts early\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said that fans should prepare a couple of days early before going to a festival like Outside Lands — specifically drinking water and hydrating themselves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s like an adult Disneyland for a weekend where there’s all these cool things and different things that they can go do and see,” he said. “And if you don’t prepare for the three days in advance, it’s gonna catch up with you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said people should try to hydrate with more than just water — anything with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Liquid IV packs. If someone is going to multiple days of a festival, they should return home that night with the intention of hydrating themselves before bed and preparing for the next day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12050547\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chappell Roan performs at Outside Lands 2024. (Alive Coverage/Outside Lands)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said most venues allow for a refillable water bottle and some have water stations, where fans can fill their containers for free. (Be sure to check what kind of bottles are allowed at a stadium or venue — for example, some places ban \u003cem>glass\u003c/em> bottles.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want people to eat like they normally would and drink like they normally would and really prepare for the show knowing that they’re gonna be standing for several hours on end,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in the heat\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While San Francisco in particular isn’t known for having extreme heat waves like some parts of the Bay Area, experts say that even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">85 degrees can be dangerous for people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to relax in the shade, Oldham said, stay out of the sun for some periods of time and wear sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He also recommended cutting down alcohol and soda intake during the hottest parts of the day. Oldham noted that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030278/things-to-do-bay-area-alcohol-free-evening\">younger crowds aren’t big drinkers\u003c/a>, but if they were to consume alcohol, they should try to have water afterward.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Heat exhaustion is what happens when the body loses too much water and salt, and signs of it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">include cramps, headache, nausea, tiredness or dizziness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get quick relief, fans can cool their body’s pulse points, such as the back of their neck, the inside of their elbows and behind their knees.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Although remember, if the festival you are heading to is Outside Lands, know that Golden Gate Park can get unpredictably cold. Be sure to have layers on hand.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t lock your knees\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where the groomsmen suddenly collapse. That’s usually because they were \u003ca href=\"https://hornphotographyanddesign.com/tips-for-our-couples/weekly-wednesday-wedding-tip-episode-019-dont-lock-your-knees/\">standing with their knees straight\u003c/a> for too long, explained Oldham. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Locking your knees can \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z62esVdmxCQ&t=100s\">interrupt blood flow to the head and brain\u003c/a>, leading to a sinkable episode.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s an old trick: if you bend your knees and move a little bit,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/symptoms\">guidance\u003c/a> from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, fans can also shift their weight or stand on their toes to rock back and forth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the subject of standing, this reporter has never tried out this trick, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jul/30/best-compression-socks\">some people swear by compression socks\u003c/a> to help with aching feet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Go to the bathroom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Oldham said, “It’s not good to hold our body fluids, so go to the restroom.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to University of Michigan \u003ca href=\"https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-holding-your-pee-can-rewire-your-brain\">neuro-urologist Giulia Ippolito\u003c/a>, “General guidance is that you should empty your bladder every three to four hours while you’re awake, assuming you’re drinking a normal amount in a regular day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are scenarios where people try to avoid that, like long road trips, but Ippolito warned that holding your pee for long periods of time could lead to a urinary tract infection. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Have a friend with you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said having a designated person in the group to make sure everyone gets home safe is also vital. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t think anybody should go by themselves,” Oldham said. “At a festival especially, you should have a group of friends that you’re with at all times.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When you and your group walk in, he said to make sure you know where the exits are and that you do have an exit strategy or a meeting place in case of an emergency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093698\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Festival goers dance as Jorja Smith performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be cautious about recreational drugs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Both medical professionals recommend avoiding recreational drugs — but both acknowledge the reality of their presence at music festivals and concerts and say that Narcan is available at first aid stations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m very honest with my kids,” Oldham said. “Don’t let somebody give you anything. If you don’t know them, and if it’s open, don’t drink out of that bottle.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If they do partake in recreational substances — which we do not recommend — be sure to do it with a group of others because there is safety in numbers,” Friedman said. “The advantage of that, obviously, is if the recreational substance is laced with fentanyl; hopefully somebody will have Narcan or can alert somebody.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the concerns aren’t just fentanyl — stimulants like MDMA can bring up people’s body temperatures incredibly high and may require attention, Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in crowds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are going to a festival like Outside Lands, be prepared for large — often overwhelming — crowds, especially at the headlining shows. Many may also fear crushes, in which a crowd becomes dangerous and can lead to deaths, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the Halloween celebration tragedy in South Korea in 2022\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The more barriers you have and engineering controls to prevent too many people from going into too crowded of an area, the better,” Friedman said. “At times we bemoan security measures, which takes a long time to get into the venue. However, it is quite necessary to ensure crowd safety.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While being in a seated area is safer than an open field or general admission section, fans should always stay aware of their surroundings and know where security is located, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the crowd starts getting too rowdy or too rough, or there’s too much pushing, and there’s not enough security personnel or measures around, it’s very prudent to leave,” he said. “Everyone should really have a 1- to 2-foot perimeter at the minimum from other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once that space is lost, fans should think about moving to get a better view farther away to maintain their safety.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If a crush were to occur, it is important to stay on your feet and try “putting your arms on your chest” in order “to give your chest wall some room to rise so that you can breathe.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist who studies crowd behavior, also spoke to NPR about crowds after \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the South Korea incident\u003c/a> and said that people should try to avoid pushing, since that could trigger a chain reaction.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But hopefully it doesn’t come to that,” Friedman said. “If it comes to that, that sort of late stage, at that point, we really want people to start moving out of the area, contact security professionals.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Since pandemic-era restrictions lifted in 2021, concert etiquette has been a hot topic among live music fans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Since pandemic-era restrictions lifted in 2021, concert etiquette has been a hot topic among live music fans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The complaints range far and wide: Constant \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/concert-behavior-bebe-rexha-pink-ashes-ava-max-1234782356/\">phone use\u003c/a>. Throwing \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1197953096\">“gifts” on the stage\u003c/a>, sometimes even hitting the artist. And most recently, according to musicians Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jul/22/pass-the-pit-diapers-why-are-fans-wetting-themselves-to-stand-front-row-at-concerts-olivia-rodrigo-noah-kahan-morgan-wallen\">wearing diapers\u003c/a> to avoid going to the bathroom and losing a spot. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The complaints range far and wide: Constant \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/concert-behavior-bebe-rexha-pink-ashes-ava-max-1234782356/\">phone use\u003c/a>. Throwing \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1197953096\">“gifts” on the stage\u003c/a>, sometimes even hitting the artist. And most recently, according to musicians Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jul/22/pass-the-pit-diapers-why-are-fans-wetting-themselves-to-stand-front-row-at-concerts-olivia-rodrigo-noah-kahan-morgan-wallen\">wearing diapers\u003c/a> to avoid going to the bathroom and losing a spot. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But while wearing diapers (for non-medical reasons) is rather unpleasant — do you want to upset your fellow fans and Rodrigo \u003cem>personally? \u003c/em>— a concerning element many concertgoers have started \u003ca href=\"https://dailyfreepress.com/02/28/15/210485/rocking-out-has-gotten-out-of-hand-mad-women/\">discussing more\u003c/a> is \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Ethelcain/comments/1swc8r2/are_people_passing_out_at_every_show_or_whats/\">people passing out\u003c/a> in the crowd to the point of halting the concert — sometimes due to dehydration and exhaustion after \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/phoebe-bridgers-toronto-fan-medical-calls-1235084420/\">overnight camping\u003c/a> to get to the front of a barricade, like Phoebe Bridgers fans in 2022.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But while wearing diapers (for non-medical reasons) is rather unpleasant — do you want to upset your fellow fans and Rodrigo \u003cem>personally? \u003c/em>— a concerning element many concertgoers have started \u003ca href=\"https://dailyfreepress.com/02/28/15/210485/rocking-out-has-gotten-out-of-hand-mad-women/\">discussing more\u003c/a> is \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Ethelcain/comments/1swc8r2/are_people_passing_out_at_every_show_or_whats/\">people passing out\u003c/a> in the crowd to the point of halting the concert — sometimes due to dehydration and exhaustion after \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/phoebe-bridgers-toronto-fan-medical-calls-1235084420/\">overnight camping\u003c/a> to get to the front of a barricade, like Phoebe Bridgers fans in 2022.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Something is happening on this tour that we have never, ever experienced before, which is that we’re seeing more people than ever either pass out or have panic attacks in the audience,” singer Maggie Rogers said \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/music/maggie-rogers-says-more-concertgoers-pass-out-and-have-panic-attacks-post-pandemic/\">in 2023.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Something is happening on this tour that we have never, ever experienced before, which is that we’re seeing more people than ever either pass out or have panic attacks in the audience,” singer Maggie Rogers said \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/music/maggie-rogers-says-more-concertgoers-pass-out-and-have-panic-attacks-post-pandemic/\">in 2023.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This reporter watched Lorde stop her 2025 Berkeley show several times to allow medical staff to help someone out of the crowded general admission section at the front — the singer patiently waiting for the audience member to be escorted safely out.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This reporter watched Lorde stop her 2025 Berkeley show several times to allow medical staff to help someone out of the crowded general admission section at the front — the singer patiently waiting for the audience member to be escorted safely out.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091860\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nori Nakayama, right, poses for a portrait as Glass Animals performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091860\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nori Nakayama, right, poses for a portrait as Glass Animals performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a day and age where tickets cost an arm and a leg, this reporter can somewhat understand the desire to make the most out of an experience. And to put the blame entirely on fan behavior would be unfair. For example, water bottles in stadiums can be pricey (although many offer refill stations now), and extreme weather conditions, \u003ca href=\"https://www.businessinsider.com/billie-eilish-concert-london-people-fainting-fan-safety-2022-6\">especially\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox5dc.com/news/6-hospitalized-heat-related-illness-stray-kids-concert-nats-park\">heat\u003c/a>, have also led to \u003ca href=\"https://deadline.com/2026/07/lorde-pauses-lollapalooza-show-fans-pass-out-1237015099/\">people fainting\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a day and age where tickets cost an arm and a leg, this reporter can somewhat understand the desire to make the most out of an experience. And to put the blame entirely on fan behavior would be unfair. For example, water bottles in stadiums can be pricey (although many offer refill stations now), and extreme weather conditions, \u003ca href=\"https://www.businessinsider.com/billie-eilish-concert-london-people-fainting-fan-safety-2022-6\">especially\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox5dc.com/news/6-hospitalized-heat-related-illness-stray-kids-concert-nats-park\">heat\u003c/a>, have also led to \u003ca href=\"https://deadline.com/2026/07/lorde-pauses-lollapalooza-show-fans-pass-out-1237015099/\">people fainting\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But while it may seem to fans like there’s been a post-pandemic increase in questionable concert behavior, everything — diapers, rushing the barricade, avoiding drinking to save a spot — has actually been part of fan behavior for generations, according to Gordon Oldham, managing director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.rockmed.org/\">Rock Medicine\u003c/a> (a program of Health Right 360), which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090715/outside-lands-ticket-pass-friday-saturday-sunday-lineup-resale-scams-2026\">worked festivals like San Francisco’s Outside Lands\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But while it may seem to fans like there’s been a post-pandemic increase in questionable concert behavior, everything — diapers, rushing the barricade, avoiding drinking to save a spot — has actually been part of fan behavior for generations, according to Gordon Oldham, managing director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.rockmed.org/\">Rock Medicine\u003c/a> (a program of Health Right 360), which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090715/outside-lands-ticket-pass-friday-saturday-sunday-lineup-resale-scams-2026\">worked festivals like San Francisco’s Outside Lands\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, he said, the idea of Rock Medicine started in 1972, a few years after the Summer of Love, when founder \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Dr-George-Skip-Gay-dies-in-Alaska-3224695.php\">Skip Gay\u003c/a> and the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic were asked to help out with two massive outdoor concerts featuring the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, he said, the idea of Rock Medicine started in 1972, a few years after the Summer of Love, when founder \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Dr-George-Skip-Gay-dies-in-Alaska-3224695.php\">Skip Gay\u003c/a> and the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic were asked to help out with two massive outdoor concerts featuring the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco was kind of going, ‘Holy crap.’ Because what most people don’t realize is that only roughly 20% of the concert goers — and that’s still probably a little high — live in the local area,” he said. “Seventy to 80% come from outside the area. Our infrastructure is built to take care of the people that live in the city.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco was kind of going, ‘Holy crap.’ Because what most people don’t realize is that only roughly 20% of the concert goers — and that’s still probably a little high — live in the local area,” he said. “Seventy to 80% come from outside the area. Our infrastructure is built to take care of the people that live in the city.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So they were kind of freaking out, and we’ve got to remember they were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050476/the-deadheads-are-coming-and-sf-is-ready-next-up-2-more-weekends-of-live-music\">Deadheads\u003c/a>,” Oldham said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“So they were kind of freaking out, and we’ve got to remember they were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050476/the-deadheads-are-coming-and-sf-is-ready-next-up-2-more-weekends-of-live-music\">Deadheads\u003c/a>,” Oldham said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rock Medicine was formalized in 1973 and still continues to provide support at venues like Levi’s Stadium and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Rock Medicine was formalized in 1973 and still continues to provide support at venues like Levi’s Stadium and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We might not be all hippies and wearing tie-dye and all the crazy stuff we did back in the day, but we still provide the exact same medicine that we started 53 years ago,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We might not be all hippies and wearing tie-dye and all the crazy stuff we did back in the day, but we still provide the exact same medicine that we started 53 years ago,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A major tenet of event medicine, Oldham said, is to take care of the fan at the venue and “get them home safe and sound with their family and their friends” without overwhelming the local infrastructure, like hospitals, fire departments and police. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A major tenet of event medicine, Oldham said, is to take care of the fan at the venue and “get them home safe and sound with their family and their friends” without overwhelming the local infrastructure, like hospitals, fire departments and police. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We were built on non-judgmental healthcare,” he said. “We’ve all done crazy stuff in our lives … We just want to take care of people.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We were built on non-judgmental healthcare,” he said. “We’ve all done crazy stuff in our lives … We just want to take care of people.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you are going to a show any time soon — be it a major stadium show or outdoor music festival like Outside Lands or \u003ca href=\"https://www.daisychainfields.com/\">Daisy Chain Fields\u003c/a> down in Southern California — and you tend to be the responsible member of the friend group, here’s what you should keep in mind for you and your loved ones when attending. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you are going to a show any time soon — be it a major stadium show or outdoor music festival like Outside Lands or \u003ca href=\"https://www.daisychainfields.com/\">Daisy Chain Fields\u003c/a> down in Southern California — and you tend to be the responsible member of the friend group, here’s what you should keep in mind for you and your loved ones when attending. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This guide is primarily for those who don’t have a history of fainting. Be sure to check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">KQED’s guide on Outside Lands\u003c/a> to learn more about the festival’s options for accessibility. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This guide is primarily for those who don’t have a history of fainting. Be sure to check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">KQED’s guide on Outside Lands\u003c/a> to learn more about the festival’s options for accessibility. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "First off: What is event medicine?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What is event medicine?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What is event medicine?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The folks at the first aid or medical tents are sometimes volunteer or staffed doctors, nurses and EMTs with an organization dedicated to event medicine — also known as crowd medicine. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The folks at the first aid or medical tents are sometimes volunteer or staffed doctors, nurses and EMTs with an organization dedicated to event medicine — also known as crowd medicine. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We work as a medical clinic on site, an urgent care clinic,” Oldham said. “We’re able to stitch people up, fix them up, get them better, hydrate them if we need to and get them back out to the show.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We work as a medical clinic on site, an urgent care clinic,” Oldham said. “We’re able to stitch people up, fix them up, get them better, hydrate them if we need to and get them back out to the show.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oldham emphasized that over Rock Medicine’s 50-plus years of experience, only a small percentage of the audience ends up at the medical tent or booth. But they have seen it all — impacts from heat, alcohol, the common cold.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Oldham emphasized that over Rock Medicine’s 50-plus years of experience, only a small percentage of the audience ends up at the medical tent or booth. But they have seen it all — impacts from heat, alcohol, the common cold.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052315\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A concertgoer wears three pairs of sunglasses as he watches Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso perform at Outside Lands on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052315\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A concertgoer wears three pairs of sunglasses as he watches Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso perform at Outside Lands on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re used to a lot of vomit,” he said. “We’re used to people not happy and sad and crying. But everybody tries to be very cheerful, happy and give them the best experience possible with medicine.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re used to a lot of vomit,” he said. “We’re used to people not happy and sad and crying. But everybody tries to be very cheerful, happy and give them the best experience possible with medicine.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The things we see the most are low-acuity common things like asthma exacerbations, trips and falls, abrasions and lacerations and cuts, abdominal pain,” said Matt Friedman, an emergency medicine physician and national medical director for \u003ca href=\"https://crowdrx.org/\">CrowdRx\u003c/a>, which provides medical support to venues like Chase Center, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The things we see the most are low-acuity common things like asthma exacerbations, trips and falls, abrasions and lacerations and cuts, abdominal pain,” said Matt Friedman, an emergency medicine physician and national medical director for \u003ca href=\"https://crowdrx.org/\">CrowdRx\u003c/a>, which provides medical support to venues like Chase Center, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The adrenaline surges and emotional highs — and people are just so excited that they forget to eat and drink,” he said. “But at some points, no matter how young and vivacious you are, at some point that surge is gonna dampen a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The adrenaline surges and emotional highs — and people are just so excited that they forget to eat and drink,” he said. “But at some points, no matter how young and vivacious you are, at some point that surge is gonna dampen a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "What happens when you do pass out?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when you do pass out?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Age-wise, visits to the medical tent vary, but Oldham said “the majority” tend to be younger fans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Age-wise, visits to the medical tent vary, but Oldham said “the majority” tend to be younger fans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Younger fans that haven’t been there, haven’t done that before,” he said. “It’s all new to them, and they spent a bazillion dollars to go see this artist, and they want to be as close as they can.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Younger fans that haven’t been there, haven’t done that before,” he said. “It’s all new to them, and they spent a bazillion dollars to go see this artist, and they want to be as close as they can.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But if you don’t take care of yourself, you end up with us, and then you don’t see them at all,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“But if you don’t take care of yourself, you end up with us, and then you don’t see them at all,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/10/Josh-Withers-scaled-e1635549076106.jpg\" alt=\"A large crowd at a nighttime outdoor concert.\" class=\"wp-image-11894419\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A packed crowd at the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park in 2019, the last time the event was held before the COVID pandemic.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/10/Josh-Withers-scaled-e1635549076106.jpg\" alt=\"A large crowd at a nighttime outdoor concert.\" class=\"wp-image-11894419\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A packed crowd at the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park in 2019, the last time the event was held before the COVID pandemic.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We see it among younger fans, but we also see it amongst the elderly as well, who sort of suffer as well from standing in positions waiting for the show to open and from the sun exposure,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We see it among younger fans, but we also see it amongst the elderly as well, who sort of suffer as well from standing in positions waiting for the show to open and from the sun exposure,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By the time the headliner comes up — “whether it’s Lorde or Billie Eilish or ACDC, I don’t care who it is” — at least six to seven fans who have been standing in front of the barricade all day long are going to experience a “sinkable episode,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>By the time the headliner comes up — “whether it’s Lorde or Billie Eilish or ACDC, I don’t care who it is” — at least six to seven fans who have been standing in front of the barricade all day long are going to experience a “sinkable episode,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People think they have a seizure,” Oldham said. “They just have a quick pass out because their body’s had enough, and that’s telling you, ‘Hey, you gotta take care of yourself.’”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“People think they have a seizure,” Oldham said. “They just have a quick pass out because their body’s had enough, and that’s telling you, ‘Hey, you gotta take care of yourself.’”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Friedman said that most of the time, “passing out is a pretty benign experience” and there are “no long-term harmful effects.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However, he said what first aid staff is really worried about is when people pass out and “hit their head hard — and that can be just from a ground-level fall.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s also “the other 5% of the cases where passing out is not due to a benign cause, but has sort of a serious cause that we need to investigate,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s also “the other 5% of the cases where passing out is not due to a benign cause, but has sort of a serious cause that we need to investigate,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Either way, once you pass out, Friedman said, “you’re not feeling back to your normal self right away. It takes a while. It takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel back to your normal self, back to the point where you can enjoy the show again,” which you have likely missed a good portion of. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Either way, once you pass out, Friedman said, “you’re not feeling back to your normal self right away. It takes a while. It takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel back to your normal self, back to the point where you can enjoy the show again,” which you have likely missed a good portion of. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some people may need to recover by getting rehydrated with IV fluids. Some people need to have their electrolytes checked. And sometimes, staff may need to be more involved.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Some people may need to recover by getting rehydrated with IV fluids. Some people need to have their electrolytes checked. And sometimes, staff may need to be more involved.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s a bunch of things as the medical providers, we need to do and make sure that you’re not in the 5% of the group that has serious causes for the passing out,” he said. “Sometimes we will do an EKG; we’re gonna monitor your vital signs, and we don’t just want one set of vital signs. We wanna repeat vital signs 10 minutes later to make sure that they’re improving … We really have to investigate why each time somebody passes out.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There’s a bunch of things as the medical providers, we need to do and make sure that you’re not in the 5% of the group that has serious causes for the passing out,” he said. “Sometimes we will do an EKG; we’re gonna monitor your vital signs, and we don’t just want one set of vital signs. We wanna repeat vital signs 10 minutes later to make sure that they’re improving … We really have to investigate why each time somebody passes out.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What should you know about concert health?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you know about concert health?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The prep starts early\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The prep starts early\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oldham said that fans should prepare a couple of days early before going to a festival like Outside Lands — specifically drinking water and hydrating themselves. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oldham said that fans should prepare a couple of days early before going to a festival like Outside Lands — specifically drinking water and hydrating themselves. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s like an adult Disneyland for a weekend where there’s all these cool things and different things that they can go do and see,” he said. “And if you don’t prepare for the three days in advance, it’s gonna catch up with you.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s like an adult Disneyland for a weekend where there’s all these cool things and different things that they can go do and see,” he said. “And if you don’t prepare for the three days in advance, it’s gonna catch up with you.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said people should try to hydrate with more than just water — anything with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Liquid IV packs. If someone is going to multiple days of a festival, they should return home that night with the intention of hydrating themselves before bed and preparing for the next day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He said people should try to hydrate with more than just water — anything with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Liquid IV packs. If someone is going to multiple days of a festival, they should return home that night with the intention of hydrating themselves before bed and preparing for the next day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-1536x1024.png 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12050547\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chappell Roan performs at Outside Lands 2024.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12050547\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chappell Roan performs at Outside Lands 2024.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oldham said most venues allow for a refillable water bottle and some have water stations, where fans can fill their containers for free. (Be sure to check what kind of bottles are allowed at a stadium or venue — for example, some places ban \u003cem>glass\u003c/em> bottles.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oldham said most venues allow for a refillable water bottle and some have water stations, where fans can fill their containers for free. (Be sure to check what kind of bottles are allowed at a stadium or venue — for example, some places ban \u003cem>glass\u003c/em> bottles.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We want people to eat like they normally would and drink like they normally would and really prepare for the show knowing that they’re gonna be standing for several hours on end,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We want people to eat like they normally would and drink like they normally would and really prepare for the show knowing that they’re gonna be standing for several hours on end,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in the heat\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While San Francisco in particular isn’t known for having extreme heat waves like some parts of the Bay Area, experts say that even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">85 degrees can be dangerous for people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While San Francisco in particular isn’t known for having extreme heat waves like some parts of the Bay Area, experts say that even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">85 degrees can be dangerous for people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to relax in the shade, Oldham said, stay out of the sun for some periods of time and wear sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Be sure to relax in the shade, Oldham said, stay out of the sun for some periods of time and wear sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He also recommended cutting down alcohol and soda intake during the hottest parts of the day. Oldham noted that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030278/things-to-do-bay-area-alcohol-free-evening\">younger crowds aren’t big drinkers\u003c/a>, but if they were to consume alcohol, they should try to have water afterward.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>He also recommended cutting down alcohol and soda intake during the hottest parts of the day. Oldham noted that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030278/things-to-do-bay-area-alcohol-free-evening\">younger crowds aren’t big drinkers\u003c/a>, but if they were to consume alcohol, they should try to have water afterward.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Heat exhaustion is what happens when the body loses too much water and salt, and signs of it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">include cramps, headache, nausea, tiredness or dizziness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Heat exhaustion is what happens when the body loses too much water and salt, and signs of it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">include cramps, headache, nausea, tiredness or dizziness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get quick relief, fans can cool their body’s pulse points, such as the back of their neck, the inside of their elbows and behind their knees.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To get quick relief, fans can cool their body’s pulse points, such as the back of their neck, the inside of their elbows and behind their knees.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(Although remember, if the festival you are heading to is Outside Lands, know that Golden Gate Park can get unpredictably cold. Be sure to have layers on hand.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(Although remember, if the festival you are heading to is Outside Lands, know that Golden Gate Park can get unpredictably cold. Be sure to have layers on hand.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t lock your knees\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t lock your knees\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where the groomsmen suddenly collapse. That’s usually because they were \u003ca href=\"https://hornphotographyanddesign.com/tips-for-our-couples/weekly-wednesday-wedding-tip-episode-019-dont-lock-your-knees/\">standing with their knees straight\u003c/a> for too long, explained Oldham. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where the groomsmen suddenly collapse. That’s usually because they were \u003ca href=\"https://hornphotographyanddesign.com/tips-for-our-couples/weekly-wednesday-wedding-tip-episode-019-dont-lock-your-knees/\">standing with their knees straight\u003c/a> for too long, explained Oldham. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Locking your knees can \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z62esVdmxCQ&t=100s\">interrupt blood flow to the head and brain\u003c/a>, leading to a sinkable episode.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Locking your knees can \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z62esVdmxCQ&t=100s\">interrupt blood flow to the head and brain\u003c/a>, leading to a sinkable episode.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s an old trick: if you bend your knees and move a little bit,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s an old trick: if you bend your knees and move a little bit,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/symptoms\">guidance\u003c/a> from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, fans can also shift their weight or stand on their toes to rock back and forth. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/symptoms\">guidance\u003c/a> from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, fans can also shift their weight or stand on their toes to rock back and forth. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the subject of standing, this reporter has never tried out this trick, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jul/30/best-compression-socks\">some people swear by compression socks\u003c/a> to help with aching feet.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On the subject of standing, this reporter has never tried out this trick, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jul/30/best-compression-socks\">some people swear by compression socks\u003c/a> to help with aching feet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Go to the bathroom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Go to the bathroom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As Oldham said, “It’s not good to hold our body fluids, so go to the restroom.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As Oldham said, “It’s not good to hold our body fluids, so go to the restroom.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to University of Michigan \u003ca href=\"https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-holding-your-pee-can-rewire-your-brain\">neuro-urologist Giulia Ippolito\u003c/a>, “General guidance is that you should empty your bladder every three to four hours while you’re awake, assuming you’re drinking a normal amount in a regular day.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to University of Michigan \u003ca href=\"https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-holding-your-pee-can-rewire-your-brain\">neuro-urologist Giulia Ippolito\u003c/a>, “General guidance is that you should empty your bladder every three to four hours while you’re awake, assuming you’re drinking a normal amount in a regular day.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are scenarios where people try to avoid that, like long road trips, but Ippolito warned that holding your pee for long periods of time could lead to a urinary tract infection. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are scenarios where people try to avoid that, like long road trips, but Ippolito warned that holding your pee for long periods of time could lead to a urinary tract infection. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Have a friend with you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Have a friend with you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oldham said having a designated person in the group to make sure everyone gets home safe is also vital. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oldham said having a designated person in the group to make sure everyone gets home safe is also vital. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t think anybody should go by themselves,” Oldham said. “At a festival especially, you should have a group of friends that you’re with at all times.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I don’t think anybody should go by themselves,” Oldham said. “At a festival especially, you should have a group of friends that you’re with at all times.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When you and your group walk in, he said to make sure you know where the exits are and that you do have an exit strategy or a meeting place in case of an emergency. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When you and your group walk in, he said to make sure you know where the exits are and that you do have an exit strategy or a meeting place in case of an emergency. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"id": 12093698,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093698\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Festival goers dance as Jorja Smith performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093698\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Festival goers dance as Jorja Smith performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be cautious about recreational drugs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be cautious about recreational drugs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both medical professionals recommend avoiding recreational drugs — but both acknowledge the reality of their presence at music festivals and concerts and say that Narcan is available at first aid stations.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Both medical professionals recommend avoiding recreational drugs — but both acknowledge the reality of their presence at music festivals and concerts and say that Narcan is available at first aid stations.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m very honest with my kids,” Oldham said. “Don’t let somebody give you anything. If you don’t know them, and if it’s open, don’t drink out of that bottle.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I’m very honest with my kids,” Oldham said. “Don’t let somebody give you anything. If you don’t know them, and if it’s open, don’t drink out of that bottle.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If they do partake in recreational substances — which we do not recommend — be sure to do it with a group of others because there is safety in numbers,” Friedman said. “The advantage of that, obviously, is if the recreational substance is laced with fentanyl; hopefully somebody will have Narcan or can alert somebody.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If they do partake in recreational substances — which we do not recommend — be sure to do it with a group of others because there is safety in numbers,” Friedman said. “The advantage of that, obviously, is if the recreational substance is laced with fentanyl; hopefully somebody will have Narcan or can alert somebody.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the concerns aren’t just fentanyl — stimulants like MDMA can bring up people’s body temperatures incredibly high and may require attention, Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the concerns aren’t just fentanyl — stimulants like MDMA can bring up people’s body temperatures incredibly high and may require attention, Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in crowds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in crowds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you are going to a festival like Outside Lands, be prepared for large — often overwhelming — crowds, especially at the headlining shows. Many may also fear crushes, in which a crowd becomes dangerous and can lead to deaths, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the Halloween celebration tragedy in South Korea in 2022\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you are going to a festival like Outside Lands, be prepared for large — often overwhelming — crowds, especially at the headlining shows. Many may also fear crushes, in which a crowd becomes dangerous and can lead to deaths, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the Halloween celebration tragedy in South Korea in 2022\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The more barriers you have and engineering controls to prevent too many people from going into too crowded of an area, the better,” Friedman said. “At times we bemoan security measures, which takes a long time to get into the venue. However, it is quite necessary to ensure crowd safety.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The more barriers you have and engineering controls to prevent too many people from going into too crowded of an area, the better,” Friedman said. “At times we bemoan security measures, which takes a long time to get into the venue. However, it is quite necessary to ensure crowd safety.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While being in a seated area is safer than an open field or general admission section, fans should always stay aware of their surroundings and know where security is located, he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While being in a seated area is safer than an open field or general admission section, fans should always stay aware of their surroundings and know where security is located, he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If the crowd starts getting too rowdy or too rough, or there’s too much pushing, and there’s not enough security personnel or measures around, it’s very prudent to leave,” he said. “Everyone should really have a 1- to 2-foot perimeter at the minimum from other people.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If the crowd starts getting too rowdy or too rough, or there’s too much pushing, and there’s not enough security personnel or measures around, it’s very prudent to leave,” he said. “Everyone should really have a 1- to 2-foot perimeter at the minimum from other people.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Once that space is lost, fans should think about moving to get a better view farther away to maintain their safety.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If a crush were to occur, it is important to stay on your feet and try “putting your arms on your chest” in order “to give your chest wall some room to rise so that you can breathe.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If a crush were to occur, it is important to stay on your feet and try “putting your arms on your chest” in order “to give your chest wall some room to rise so that you can breathe.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist who studies crowd behavior, also spoke to NPR about crowds after \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the South Korea incident\u003c/a> and said that people should try to avoid pushing, since that could trigger a chain reaction.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But hopefully it doesn’t come to that,” Friedman said. “If it comes to that, that sort of late stage, at that point, we really want people to start moving out of the area, contact security professionals.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“But hopefully it doesn’t come to that,” Friedman said. “If it comes to that, that sort of late stage, at that point, we really want people to start moving out of the area, contact security professionals.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Festival medics offer their best guidance on staying healthy at crowded concerts where fainting can be a regular occurrence.\n",
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"title": "The No Judgement Guide to Not Passing Out at a Concert (and Other Concert Health Tips) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Since pandemic-era restrictions lifted in 2021, concert etiquette has been a hot topic among live music fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaints range far and wide: Constant \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/concert-behavior-bebe-rexha-pink-ashes-ava-max-1234782356/\">phone use\u003c/a>. Throwing \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1197953096\">“gifts” on the stage\u003c/a>, sometimes even hitting the artist. And most recently, according to musicians Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jul/22/pass-the-pit-diapers-why-are-fans-wetting-themselves-to-stand-front-row-at-concerts-olivia-rodrigo-noah-kahan-morgan-wallen\">wearing diapers\u003c/a> to avoid going to the bathroom and losing a spot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But while wearing diapers (for non-medical reasons) is rather unpleasant — do you want to upset your fellow fans and Rodrigo \u003cem>personally? \u003c/em>— a concerning element many concertgoers have started \u003ca href=\"https://dailyfreepress.com/02/28/15/210485/rocking-out-has-gotten-out-of-hand-mad-women/\">discussing more\u003c/a> is \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Ethelcain/comments/1swc8r2/are_people_passing_out_at_every_show_or_whats/\">people passing out\u003c/a> in the crowd to the point of halting the concert — sometimes due to dehydration and exhaustion after \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/phoebe-bridgers-toronto-fan-medical-calls-1235084420/\">overnight camping\u003c/a> to get to the front of a barricade, like Phoebe Bridgers fans in 2022.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Something is happening on this tour that we have never, ever experienced before, which is that we’re seeing more people than ever either pass out or have panic attacks in the audience,” singer Maggie Rogers said \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/music/maggie-rogers-says-more-concertgoers-pass-out-and-have-panic-attacks-post-pandemic/\">in 2023.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This reporter watched Lorde stop her 2025 Berkeley show several times to allow medical staff to help someone out of the crowded general admission section at the front — the singer patiently waiting for the audience member to be escorted safely out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091860\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/OutsideLandsEG-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nori Nakayama, right, poses for a portrait as Glass Animals performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a day and age where tickets cost an arm and a leg, this reporter can somewhat understand the desire to make the most out of an experience. And to put the blame entirely on fan behavior would be unfair. For example, water bottles in stadiums can be pricey (although many offer refill stations now), and extreme weather conditions, \u003ca href=\"https://www.businessinsider.com/billie-eilish-concert-london-people-fainting-fan-safety-2022-6\">especially\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox5dc.com/news/6-hospitalized-heat-related-illness-stray-kids-concert-nats-park\">heat\u003c/a>, have also led to \u003ca href=\"https://deadline.com/2026/07/lorde-pauses-lollapalooza-show-fans-pass-out-1237015099/\">people fainting\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But while it may seem to fans like there’s been a post-pandemic increase in questionable concert behavior, everything — diapers, rushing the barricade, avoiding drinking to save a spot — has actually been part of fan behavior for generations, according to Gordon Oldham, managing director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.rockmed.org/\">Rock Medicine\u003c/a> (a program of Health Right 360), which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12090715/outside-lands-ticket-pass-friday-saturday-sunday-lineup-resale-scams-2026\">worked festivals like San Francisco’s Outside Lands\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, he said, the idea of Rock Medicine started in 1972, a few years after the Summer of Love, when founder \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Dr-George-Skip-Gay-dies-in-Alaska-3224695.php\">Skip Gay\u003c/a> and the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic were asked to help out with two massive outdoor concerts featuring the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco was kind of going, ‘Holy crap.’ Because what most people don’t realize is that only roughly 20% of the concert goers — and that’s still probably a little high — live in the local area,” he said. “Seventy to 80% come from outside the area. Our infrastructure is built to take care of the people that live in the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So they were kind of freaking out, and we’ve got to remember they were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050476/the-deadheads-are-coming-and-sf-is-ready-next-up-2-more-weekends-of-live-music\">Deadheads\u003c/a>,” Oldham said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rock Medicine was formalized in 1973 and still continues to provide support at venues like Levi’s Stadium and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We might not be all hippies and wearing tie-dye and all the crazy stuff we did back in the day, but we still provide the exact same medicine that we started 53 years ago,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A major tenet of event medicine, Oldham said, is to take care of the fan at the venue and “get them home safe and sound with their family and their friends” without overwhelming the local infrastructure, like hospitals, fire departments and police. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We were built on non-judgmental healthcare,” he said. “We’ve all done crazy stuff in our lives … We just want to take care of people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are going to a show any time soon — be it a major stadium show or outdoor music festival like Outside Lands or \u003ca href=\"https://www.daisychainfields.com/\">Daisy Chain Fields\u003c/a> down in Southern California — and you tend to be the responsible member of the friend group, here’s what you should keep in mind for you and your loved ones when attending. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This guide is primarily for those who don’t have a history of fainting. Be sure to check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">KQED’s guide on Outside Lands\u003c/a> to learn more about the festival’s options for accessibility. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What is event medicine?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The folks at the first aid or medical tents are sometimes volunteer or staffed doctors, nurses and EMTs with an organization dedicated to event medicine — also known as crowd medicine. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We work as a medical clinic on site, an urgent care clinic,” Oldham said. “We’re able to stitch people up, fix them up, get them better, hydrate them if we need to and get them back out to the show.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham emphasized that over Rock Medicine’s 50-plus years of experience, only a small percentage of the audience ends up at the medical tent or booth. But they have seen it all — impacts from heat, alcohol, the common cold.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052315\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_082_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A concertgoer wears three pairs of sunglasses as he watches Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso perform at Outside Lands on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re used to a lot of vomit,” he said. “We’re used to people not happy and sad and crying. But everybody tries to be very cheerful, happy and give them the best experience possible with medicine.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The things we see the most are low-acuity common things like asthma exacerbations, trips and falls, abrasions and lacerations and cuts, abdominal pain,” said Matt Friedman, an emergency medicine physician and national medical director for \u003ca href=\"https://crowdrx.org/\">CrowdRx\u003c/a>, which provides medical support to venues like Chase Center, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The adrenaline surges and emotional highs — and people are just so excited that they forget to eat and drink,” he said. “But at some points, no matter how young and vivacious you are, at some point that surge is gonna dampen a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when you do pass out?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Age-wise, visits to the medical tent vary, but Oldham said “the majority” tend to be younger fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Younger fans that haven’t been there, haven’t done that before,” he said. “It’s all new to them, and they spent a bazillion dollars to go see this artist, and they want to be as close as they can.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But if you don’t take care of yourself, you end up with us, and then you don’t see them at all,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/10/Josh-Withers-scaled-e1635549076106.jpg\" alt=\"A large crowd at a nighttime outdoor concert.\" class=\"wp-image-11894419\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A packed crowd at the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park in 2019, the last time the event was held before the COVID pandemic. (Josh Withers/Outside Lands)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We see it among younger fans, but we also see it amongst the elderly as well, who sort of suffer as well from standing in positions waiting for the show to open and from the sun exposure,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the time the headliner comes up — “whether it’s Lorde or Billie Eilish or ACDC, I don’t care who it is” — at least six to seven fans who have been standing in front of the barricade all day long are going to experience a “sinkable episode,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People think they have a seizure,” Oldham said. “They just have a quick pass out because their body’s had enough, and that’s telling you, ‘Hey, you gotta take care of yourself.’”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Friedman said that most of the time, “passing out is a pretty benign experience” and there are “no long-term harmful effects.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, he said what first aid staff is really worried about is when people pass out and “hit their head hard — and that can be just from a ground-level fall.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also “the other 5% of the cases where passing out is not due to a benign cause, but has sort of a serious cause that we need to investigate,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Either way, once you pass out, Friedman said, “you’re not feeling back to your normal self right away. It takes a while. It takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel back to your normal self, back to the point where you can enjoy the show again,” which you have likely missed a good portion of. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some people may need to recover by getting rehydrated with IV fluids. Some people need to have their electrolytes checked. And sometimes, staff may need to be more involved.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s a bunch of things as the medical providers, we need to do and make sure that you’re not in the 5% of the group that has serious causes for the passing out,” he said. “Sometimes we will do an EKG; we’re gonna monitor your vital signs, and we don’t just want one set of vital signs. We wanna repeat vital signs 10 minutes later to make sure that they’re improving … We really have to investigate why each time somebody passes out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you know about concert health?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The prep starts early\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said that fans should prepare a couple of days early before going to a festival like Outside Lands — specifically drinking water and hydrating themselves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s like an adult Disneyland for a weekend where there’s all these cool things and different things that they can go do and see,” he said. “And if you don’t prepare for the three days in advance, it’s gonna catch up with you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said people should try to hydrate with more than just water — anything with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Liquid IV packs. If someone is going to multiple days of a festival, they should return home that night with the intention of hydrating themselves before bed and preparing for the next day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12050547\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/outside-lands-2025-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chappell Roan performs at Outside Lands 2024. (Alive Coverage/Outside Lands)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said most venues allow for a refillable water bottle and some have water stations, where fans can fill their containers for free. (Be sure to check what kind of bottles are allowed at a stadium or venue — for example, some places ban \u003cem>glass\u003c/em> bottles.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want people to eat like they normally would and drink like they normally would and really prepare for the show knowing that they’re gonna be standing for several hours on end,” Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in the heat\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While San Francisco in particular isn’t known for having extreme heat waves like some parts of the Bay Area, experts say that even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">85 degrees can be dangerous for people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to relax in the shade, Oldham said, stay out of the sun for some periods of time and wear sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He also recommended cutting down alcohol and soda intake during the hottest parts of the day. Oldham noted that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030278/things-to-do-bay-area-alcohol-free-evening\">younger crowds aren’t big drinkers\u003c/a>, but if they were to consume alcohol, they should try to have water afterward.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Heat exhaustion is what happens when the body loses too much water and salt, and signs of it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">include cramps, headache, nausea, tiredness or dizziness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get quick relief, fans can cool their body’s pulse points, such as the back of their neck, the inside of their elbows and behind their knees.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Although remember, if the festival you are heading to is Outside Lands, know that Golden Gate Park can get unpredictably cold. Be sure to have layers on hand.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t lock your knees\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where the groomsmen suddenly collapse. That’s usually because they were \u003ca href=\"https://hornphotographyanddesign.com/tips-for-our-couples/weekly-wednesday-wedding-tip-episode-019-dont-lock-your-knees/\">standing with their knees straight\u003c/a> for too long, explained Oldham. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Locking your knees can \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z62esVdmxCQ&t=100s\">interrupt blood flow to the head and brain\u003c/a>, leading to a sinkable episode.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s an old trick: if you bend your knees and move a little bit,” Oldham said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/symptoms\">guidance\u003c/a> from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, fans can also shift their weight or stand on their toes to rock back and forth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the subject of standing, this reporter has never tried out this trick, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jul/30/best-compression-socks\">some people swear by compression socks\u003c/a> to help with aching feet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Go to the bathroom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Oldham said, “It’s not good to hold our body fluids, so go to the restroom.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to University of Michigan \u003ca href=\"https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-holding-your-pee-can-rewire-your-brain\">neuro-urologist Giulia Ippolito\u003c/a>, “General guidance is that you should empty your bladder every three to four hours while you’re awake, assuming you’re drinking a normal amount in a regular day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are scenarios where people try to avoid that, like long road trips, but Ippolito warned that holding your pee for long periods of time could lead to a urinary tract infection. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Have a friend with you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oldham said having a designated person in the group to make sure everyone gets home safe is also vital. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t think anybody should go by themselves,” Oldham said. “At a festival especially, you should have a group of friends that you’re with at all times.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When you and your group walk in, he said to make sure you know where the exits are and that you do have an exit strategy or a meeting place in case of an emergency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093698\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/08082025_Outsidelands_EG_106_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Festival goers dance as Jorja Smith performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 9, 2025. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be cautious about recreational drugs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Both medical professionals recommend avoiding recreational drugs — but both acknowledge the reality of their presence at music festivals and concerts and say that Narcan is available at first aid stations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m very honest with my kids,” Oldham said. “Don’t let somebody give you anything. If you don’t know them, and if it’s open, don’t drink out of that bottle.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If they do partake in recreational substances — which we do not recommend — be sure to do it with a group of others because there is safety in numbers,” Friedman said. “The advantage of that, obviously, is if the recreational substance is laced with fentanyl; hopefully somebody will have Narcan or can alert somebody.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the concerns aren’t just fentanyl — stimulants like MDMA can bring up people’s body temperatures incredibly high and may require attention, Friedman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know what to do in crowds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are going to a festival like Outside Lands, be prepared for large — often overwhelming — crowds, especially at the headlining shows. Many may also fear crushes, in which a crowd becomes dangerous and can lead to deaths, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the Halloween celebration tragedy in South Korea in 2022\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The more barriers you have and engineering controls to prevent too many people from going into too crowded of an area, the better,” Friedman said. “At times we bemoan security measures, which takes a long time to get into the venue. However, it is quite necessary to ensure crowd safety.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While being in a seated area is safer than an open field or general admission section, fans should always stay aware of their surroundings and know where security is located, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the crowd starts getting too rowdy or too rough, or there’s too much pushing, and there’s not enough security personnel or measures around, it’s very prudent to leave,” he said. “Everyone should really have a 1- to 2-foot perimeter at the minimum from other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once that space is lost, fans should think about moving to get a better view farther away to maintain their safety.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If a crush were to occur, it is important to stay on your feet and try “putting your arms on your chest” in order “to give your chest wall some room to rise so that you can breathe.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist who studies crowd behavior, also spoke to NPR about crowds after \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">the South Korea incident\u003c/a> and said that people should try to avoid pushing, since that could trigger a chain reaction.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"politicalbreakdown": {
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"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"possible": {
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"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
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"pri-the-world": {
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"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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},
"reveal": {
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"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
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"order": 16
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},
"science-friday": {
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