Deepak Chopra: 'Technology is Neutral, It's Up to Us How We Use It'
*By Chloe Aiello*
The internet can be a toxic place ー but it doesn't have to be, according to Deepak Chopra.
The bestselling author and new age advocate is helping to build a healthier internet through a new Amazon ($AMZN) Alexa skill that delivers his daily "intentions." The skill is a result of a partnership with A.I.-provider LivePerson's innovation lab, LivePerson Studios.
"Technology right now is the global brain. If you want to see the human condition, just go on the internet. Divine, diabolical, sinner, saint ー it is all there. We can rewire the global brain if we want for a more peaceful, just sustainable, healthier and joyful world," Chopra told Cheddar on Friday.
"Alexa, Open Deepak's reflections." That's all enthusiasts of Amazon's assistant need to say to access 30 seconds of Chopra's private shower thoughts, and just maybe kick off the day on a more mindful note. And these are no canned responses. Deepak actually records them daily himself, according to LivePerson.
"I just shoot the breeze and people seem to enjoy. I don't have any conscious intention, other than, you know, we should all have ... joyful, energetic body; loving, compassionate heart; clear mind; lightness of being," Chopra said. "It's like I'm singing in the bathroom and people like the song."
"Now it's on Amazon Alexa," he chuckled.
LivePerson CEO and founder Robert Locascio says the new skill is one way of taking back technology for good ー of connecting and engaging users, rather than targeting them.
"I think we gotta take it back. I've been in technology for 20 years, we went off a road. And technology companies ー even what we see with social ー it's hurting our society in many ways," he said.
"It's about connectivity, it \[should never have been\] about influencing people and corrupting their brains," he added.
This is LivePerson's innovation lab LivePerson Studios' first partnership with an influencer, but Locascio said he plans to do more in the future. He also hopes to expand to other platforms, like Facebook ($FB) Messenger, iMessage and more.
"Technology is neutral, its up to us how we use it," Chopra added.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/now-you-can-hear-deepak-chopra-any-time-on-amazon-alexa).
U.S. markets opened lower as disappointing Meta earnings dragged down the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Today, investors will be watching for Amazon's Q4 earnings report set for release after the market close. Greg Swenson, Founding Partner, Brigg Macadam joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Markets opened mostly higher led by gains in the tech sector on strong Q4 earnings. It comes after a tumultuous January which saw stocks suffer one of their worst months since the early days of the pandemic. Jim Worden, Chief Investment Officer, Wealth Consulting Group joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss early market activity.
CLMBR is hoping to become the next big thing in connected fitness. The brand offers a high intensity, low impact workout with on-demand, instructor-led classes. Avrum Elmakis, CLMBR's CEO and founder, joined Cheddar to discuss where the company is heading next.
Peloton is reportedly drawing interest from multiple suitors. According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon is considering acquiring the exercise bike company as it looks to expand into the health and wellness technology industry. Hatem Dhiab, managing partner at Gerber Kawasaki, joined Cheddar to discuss Peloton's future and which company might be its best bet as a buyer.
Amazon shares jumped north of 13 percent in after-hours trading as the E-commerce giant posted a beat on earnings in its fourth quarter. Amazon saw particular success in its cloud computing business, as well as its stake in EV startup, Rivian after its massive IPO. Deren Baker, CEO, Edge by Ascential joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Google parent company Alphabet reporting a beat on its Q4 earnings report, with revenue up 32%. The company's strong quarter was thanks to success in its cloud and advertising businesses, which both saw solid year-over-year growth. Angelo Zino, Senior Industry Analyst, CFRA Research joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss the tech giant's blowout results.
'Pixstory' is an integrity-based social media platform providing a space for healthy dialogue. It was designed to fight misinformation, hate speech, and other forms of toxicity. NBA champion and Pixstory brand ambassador, Dwight Howard, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
