Wikipedia's 25th anniversary sparked a discussion of its evolution as a research tool and how it compares with AI systems. The discussion by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet explores academic attitudes toward Wikipedia, the need to teach responsible source verification, and how AI is reshaping classrooms and workplaces. The panel also debates whether AI truly boosts productivity and reacts to new ChatGPT subscription tiers that introduce ads.

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Show Notes:

Chapters:

0:09 Wikipedia's 25th anniversary and community support
0:56 Reliability of Wikipedia in academic settings
4:16 Teaching responsible use of research tools
9:08 Value of Wikipedia for niche and obscure topics
10:27 AI policies and syllabus guidelines in academia
16:44 AI adoption and controls in the business world
23:58 Does AI improve productivity or just speed?
29:13 New ChatGPT pricing tiers and advertising
34:08 OpenAI's evolving business model

Links:

Wikipedia turns 25 today but faces more threats than ever before
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/15/wikipedia-turns-25-today-but-faces-more-threats-than-ever-before/

OpenAI launches cheaper ChatGPT subscription, says ads are coming next
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/16/openai-launches-cheaper-chatgpt-subscription-says-ads-are-coming-next/

Guests:

Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky.

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet.

David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.