When Developers Can’t Explain Their AI, Laws No Longer Apply
The hows and whys of the decisions of machine-learning algorithms are increasingly opaque, even to their programmers. That makes laws and norms increasingly difficult to apply.
Podcast #18: Catherine Steiner-Adair on Tech and Child Development
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Podcast #18: Catherine Steiner-Adair on Tech and Child Development
Catherine Steiner-Adair is a clinical psychologist whose empathic 2013 book The Big Disconnect warned us about the impacts of digital tech on child development and family relationships. She's been on a non-stop speaking tour ever since.
A River Divides Two Tanzanias
In a southern Tanzanian village, a river reveals a technological divide with cultural implications for the whole country.
From Vaping Mists and Myths, New Dangers Emerge
Vaping has been thought of as a healthier alternative to smoking, even as a stepping-stone to quitting. But with fast-rising use particularly among teens, new dangers are becoming apparent.
The Problems of Industrial Meat: A Primer
Industrial meat production has extraordinary costs to animal welfare, the environment, and human health. Acknowledging the immorality of these practices gives us an opportunity to align our behavior with our more humane ideals.
The Technoskeptic Ad Translator
Check out The Technoskeptic’s take on some particularly lampoonable technology ads.
He Started #DeleteFacebook… Nine Years Ago
Nine years ago, three artists created a controversial site to make a statement about Facebook’s practices. The company sued and accused them of scraping data. Oh, the irony.
New AI Paper Warns of Malicious Intent
A new report on AI examines what might happen when bad actors deliberately misuse the technology. Despite its importance, politicians may not be paying attention.
iPhone, Therefore I Am
Once we’re all parroting back Wikipedia entries to each other, what unique knowledge or wisdom do we have to offer?
The Informed Preference for Permanence (Principles of Technoskepticism, Part Three)
Our technological mindset leads to an “enforced impermanence” as the new is always prioritized over the old. The resultant rootlessness and churn contributes to a sense of disequilibrium while keeping us apart from the steadying forces of tradition and wisdom.