Essay on Elon Musk Talks Twitter, Tesla and How His Brain Works — Live at TED2022

Understanding Elon Musk’s journey to success can motivate many people. In this essay on “Elon Musk Talks Twitter, Tesla and How His Brain Works — Live at TED2022,” the author explains the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Elon Musks’s contributions to Tesla, plans to improve Twitter, and how his brain functions. The video not only explains the need to better utilize AI but also influences my attitude toward Twitter, supports efforts to protect freedom of speech and the use of clean energy, motivates viewers to read books, and surprisingly shows that Musk has Asperger’s syndrome.   

Main Point of the Video

The main point of the video relates to using AI technologies and improving manufacturing. For instance, Musk describes the need to further develop real-world AI and scale up manufacturing (TED 05:42-05:59). This technology can help to do useful things and improve lives. The speaker explains the importance of these aspects in Twitter and Tesla.

Personal Experiences

The video also can be related to my personal experiences. The move to use open-to-source algorithms for Twitter creates more confidence among users (TED 23:14-23:18). Today, I feel more comfortable using this platform as the algorithms do not interfere with my freedom of speech. Therefore, the speaker explains serious things that impact my life.

Importance of the Freedom of Speech

The video is important because it encourages efforts to protect the freedom of speech. Algorithms can be used to limit the freedom of speech, with a particular example of how algorithmic audiencing is used to determine who can or cannot access certain content (Riemer and Peter 2). These tools are used to demote or promote specific content to particular people. In the video, Musk explains that Twitter can use open-to-source algorithms and ensure that any action taken to emphasize or deemphasize any content is made clear (TED 13:05-13:18). Controversies on content shared can be addressed. This approach will help to protect the freedom of speech while abiding by the laws.

Significance of People’s Future

The video is also important because it supports efforts to attain a sustainable energy future. Musk explains that sustainable energy can be generated from several sources, including solar, wind, and nuclear, as a way to scale up (TED 39:55-40:02). Clean energy will help to transition the economy from being dependent on fossil fuels. Minimizing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions leads to more efficiency in the use of energy and resources and helps to stop the loss of biodiversity (UNEP par. 1). This approach is used to develop electric cars at Tesla. Thus, the video is important in encouraging viewers to use environmentally friendly energy sources.

Applying the Information

I can apply the information to focus on improving myself. For example, Musk explains the need to ask the ‘why’ question and read books on different areas to gain more knowledge (TED 49:22-49:45). I can apply this tactic in my life to better achieve my goals. Gaining more skills and knowledge can help me to attain personal and career growth.

Most Surprising Thing

The one thing that surprises me is that Musk experiences social difficulties. He states that he has Asperger’s syndrome (TED 43:12-43:17). This condition influences his social behaviors. Asperger’s syndrome is associated with social difficulties (Pérez-González et al. 37). Musk also admits that he experiences this problem. He explains that he had a problem understanding social cues when he was young (TED 44:00-44:02). Having little social interactions could have contributed to this problem. Despite his condition, he has achieved much success as a leader and inventor.

Summing Up

The video presentation describes the need to enhance the use of AI to address issues, such as scaling up manufacturing and protecting the freedom of speech. The video helps viewers to gain more confidence in using Twitter and encourages them to read more. It is even more motivating and surprising that Musk has achieved great success as a leader.

Works Cited

Pérez-González, Juan-Carlos, et al. Trait Emotional Intelligence: Foundations, Assessment, and Education. Frontiers Media SA, 2020.

Riemer, Kai, and Sandra Peter. “Algorithmic Audiencing: Why We Need to Rethink Free Speech on Social Media.” Journal of Information Technology, vol. 36, no. 4, 2021, pp. 1–18, doi:10.1177/02683962211013358.

TED. “Elon Musk Talks Twitter, Tesla and How His Brain Works — Live at TED2022.” TED Talks, www.ted.com/talks/elon_musk_elon_musk_talks_twitter_tesla_and_how_his_brain_works_live_at_ted2022.

UNEP. “Green Economy.” United Nations Environment Programme, 2024, www.unep.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/supporting-resource-efficiency/green-economy.