TikTok fears point to larger problem: Poor media literacy in the social media age

If the US wants to protect young people from misinformation and foreign influence, focusing on TikTok is barking up the wrong tree.

Nir Eisikovits, Professor of Philosophy and Director, Applied Ethics Center, UMass Boston • conversation
today ~8 min

AI chatbots refuse to produce ‘controversial’ output − why that’s a free speech problem

AI chatbot makers’ restrictive use policies hinder people’s access to information.

Jacob Mchangama, Research Professor of Political Science, Vanderbilt University • conversation
yesterday ~10 min


A new wave of wearable devices will collect a mountain on information on us – we need to get wise about the privacy implications

The development of wearables raises concerns about data privacy, but there are groups working on solutions to this.

Luis Quintero, Researcher in Data Science and Immersive Technologies, Stockholm University • conversation
April 17, 2024 ~7 min

In the age of cancel culture, shaming can be healthy for online communities – a political scientist explains when and how

There is no shortage of horror stories about online shaming, but it’s not always a bad thing. It comes down to who is doing the shaming and how cohesive the online community is.

Jennifer Forestal, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Loyola University Chicago • conversation
April 16, 2024 ~8 min

The hidden risk of letting AI decide – losing the skills to choose for ourselves

AI has the potential to diminish the human experience in several ways. One particularly concerning threat is to the ability to make thoughtful decisions.

Joe Árvai, Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology and Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
April 12, 2024 ~6 min

Body armour made from silk is being developed – but this apparently cutting-edge idea is centuries old

The concept goes back to a 17th century polymath who worked in Germany.

Lloyd Strickland, Professor of Philosophy and Intellectual History, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
April 9, 2024 ~7 min

Why batteries come in so many sizes and shapes

The reason batteries come in so many types has as much to do with history as innovation.

Wesley Chang, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University • conversation
April 5, 2024 ~7 min

AI may develop a huge carbon footprint, but it could also be a critical ally in the fight against climate change

AI needs careful monitoring and the right policies to ensure it can benefit the fight against climate change.

Alina Vaduva, Director of the Business Advice Centre for Post Graduate Students at UEL, Ambassador of the Centre for Innovation, Management and Enterprise, University of East London • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~6 min


Online child safety laws could help or hurt – 2 pediatricians explain what’s likely to work and what isn’t

Congress is considering bills to protect kids online. Some of what’s in those bills could help, but some elements could be harmful.

Jenny Radesky, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Michigan • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~11 min

Even hands-free, phones and their apps cause dangerously distracted driving

Technology has made driving safer in many ways, but also provided more opportunities for drivers to distract themselves.

Shannon Roberts, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, UMass Amherst • conversation
April 3, 2024 ~6 min

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