“Manufactured Division”: How Social Media Is Driving Anger and Polarization | Pivot

Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway

  • Oct 7, 2025
  • 1:05:17
  • Full Episode

Kara and Scott discuss Trump's escalating immigration crackdowns in Chicago and Portland, and Apple and Google's decision to pull ICE-tracking apps. Then, OpenAI does an about-face on its copyright opt-out policy, and says it will give creators more control in Sora. Plus, Elon leads a Netflix boycott, and a new report says Instagram's safety features for kids are "woefully ineffective."

We're going on tour! Get your tickets at https://pivottour.com

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 9:47 Trump’s Immigration Crackdown 26:43 OpenAI Changes Copyright Stance 29:13 Hollywood Struggles 39:26 The Latest with Elon 46:25 Instagram Safety Features “Ineffective” 51:26 Wins and Fails

Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin

Video Producer: Jim Mackil

Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa

Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]

Brief Summary

Scott and Cara discuss gender roles, Trump's immigration policies, tech company influence, and OpenAI's copyright changes.

Key points

  • Gender Roles at a Mermaid Party. A discussion on gender roles emerges from a children's party where boys and girls dress differently.
  • The Reality of Private Membership Clubs. A heated debate on the exclusivity and dynamics of private membership clubs in New York.
  • Trump's Immigration Crackdown. President Trump's immigration policies escalate with the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago.
  • Pope Urges Compassion for Migrants. Pope Leo calls for kindness towards migrants during a recent mass, highlighting their inhumane treatment.
  • OpenAI's Copyright Policy Change. OpenAI reverses its stance on copyright for its new AI video app, Sora.
  • Elon Musk's Netflix Boycott. Elon Musk urges followers to cancel Netflix subscriptions over a trans character in a show.

Episode highlights

Tension

65/ 100Some tension

More from Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway