2. The Machine as Taste-Maker

Theatre critic Arifa Akbar explores whether the art of criticism is in crisis. From identity politics to the internet, social and technological change is challenging the ideals that have underpinned the work of critics for centuries. What does this mean for criticism and for culture at large?

Once, the critic was an almighty figure - a powerful voice able to assume a large audience, a tastemaker and gatekeeper, dispensing judgment on books, plays, exhibitions, film and television. Today it feels as the role is under intense scrutiny, as social change and contemporary cultural politics challenge the ideals on which criticism has rested for centuries - the authority and universality of the critic’s voice; even the need for, and value of, criticism itself.

In this episode, Arifa looks at how social media, algorithms and AI are shaping, and possibly undermining, the art of criticism. She meets the voices who are thriving in the digital space, and explores how they are rethinking the role and responsibilities of the critic on social media platforms. With the new pressures on culture criticism - from influencers, to algorithms, to Chat GPT, can the form survive in the digital age?

With Bernardine Evaristo, Jack Edwards, Phil Daoust, Barry Pierce, Gus Casely-Hayford, Anita Singh, Ashanti Omkar, AO Scott, Kyle Chayka and James Marriott.

Special thanks to the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Producers: Melissa FitzGerald & Sarah O'Reilly

Sound design by Tony Churnside

A Zinc Audio production for BBC Radio 4.