AI-generated podcasts: Synthetic Intimacy and Cultural Translation in NotebookLM's Audio Overviews

The paper analyzes AI-generated podcasts from Google's NotebookLM, which features two AI hosts discussing user-uploaded documents. Unlike traditional podcasts that cater to specific communities, these podcasts follow a fixed template and translate cultural contexts into a standardized, middle-class American perspective. This shift represents a significant change in media consumption, moving away from diverse public spheres to a more homogenized format. The study highlights the implications of AI in shaping public discourse and cultural representation in media, raising questions about the authenticity and inclusivity of such content.