Open To Debate Talks to Wikipedia Founder About AI & Volunteer Moderators

 In this week's episode of the podcast Open to Debate, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales discusses, among other things, how Wikipedia can integrate Artificial Intelligence and responds to backlash from its volunteer moderators.

"When I heard about this proposal to put AI summaries at the top of articles, I thought, 'Well, that sounds like a terrible idea.'" he says. "But actually, where I think it's interesting is, are there things that aren't that fun or interesting for humans to do that we could get a little support?"

He goes into a lot more detail in the episode, and also talks about his new book, The Seven Rules of Trust.

Listen/watch the episode at YouTube, opentodebate.org, or wherever you get podcasts. 

Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. 

"We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded individuals to engage with others who hold opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate."

 

Debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audiences changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations, including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open To Debate won Best Podcast Of The Year in the 2025 Ear Worthy Awards.

Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.