The story I want to tell is about the moments in our practices when doubt weasels its way into our brains. Call it intrusive thoughts or an everyday moment of self-doubt. At the end of the day, if this feeling steals your creative energy, you can call it a problem.
Doubt finds its opening in the cracks of rejection, sneaking in when validation is absent. For those of us who work in solitary practice, be it as a software engineer coding an application in the quiet or soft techno rhythms of headphones or a painter slowly and deliberately building up a masterpiece that will grace a beautiful wall, given fortune's good tidings, or a composer building the layers of an opera, these solitary creative pursuits are not without their moments of questioning.
We may have internalized the truth that no success, no victory, and no validation even, comes without a share far greater in size of rejection. We may know this in our bones, but that does not mean that those moments of doubt don't occasionally set us back, particularly when we have days or even weeks where our mental health is not at its peak. Perhaps it's just wintertime, and we have some winter blues, or it's the toll of the routine we've built for ourselves and the amount of structure we must employ to keep ourselves marching to the rhythm of our own drum and to the goal that we see ahead of us. Whether it's winter blues or the toll of our structured routines, these doubts can steal our beloved studio time right from under our noses. Continue this article via the button below.
In recent discussions around the application of AI and biometrics, various stakeholders have raised significant concerns, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that neither solely depends on technology nor unaided human judgment. House lawmakers have now formally requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to probe the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of AI and biometrics.
The conversation around using biometrics, particularly in law enforcement, further complicates the landscape. Critics argue that the issue with police use of facial recognition isn't necessarily the technology itself but the application context and the potential biases it amplifies. This criticism underscores the importance of incorporating robust oversight and clear ethical guidelines to prevent misuse and discrimination such as erroneous arrests based upon unverified AI identification.
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) highlights insider risks associated with AI use that present new challenges. AI insiders, similar to their human counterparts, can engage in a range of harmful activities like fraud, espionage, and sabotage. However, their capacity to ingest and analyze vast amounts of data makes them potentially more adept at evading detection. This evolving threat landscape requires that security practitioners adapt traditional insider risk management strategies to address the unique challenges posed by AI.
Amidst these technological and ethical debates, the Humanity Protocol has launched the Humanity Foundation, signaling a proactive step toward embedding humanistic values into technological advancements. This foundation aims to ensure that as AI and biometric technologies advance, they do so with a commitment to enhancing human welfare and dignity. Blending human insights with machine efficiency is crucial in framing our approach to AI and biometrics, ensuring that neither is relied upon in isolation.
TikTok & American Exports: Gun Fanaticism
RedNote, dubbed China's Instagram, is swiftly capturing the attention of American users as the threat of a TikTok ban looms; the Supreme Court may decide on the matter by today, Friday, January 17th. This app, blending e-commerce and social media, has skyrocketed in popularity, with significant downloads from U.S. users eager to explore new cultural and digital realms. Despite its potential for enriching cross-cultural interactions, RedNote faces challenges with censorship and privacy, which sparks broader concerns about data security and the influence of Chinese tech globally.
Amidst this shift, a concerning trend has emerged on RedNote involving tutorials on 3D printing untraceable firearms, known as "ghost guns." Despite China's stringent ammo regulations, this content underscores the difficulties in moderating international platforms where legal and cultural norms diverge sharply. This development poses significant implications for content moderation strategies and regulatory responses in China and the U.S., highlighting the complex dynamics as global tech platforms intersect with national security interests.
The World Bank's pilot project in Nigeria showcases how generative AI can transform educational outcomes. The program significantly improved students' English language skills, AI knowledge, and digital capabilities by employing AI as an after-school tutor. The most profound learning gains were (unsurprisingly) among students who consistently participated, regardless of initial skill levels. This approach not only boosted performance in the targeted areas but also enhanced overall academic achievement, suggesting the broader applicability of AI in education. This initiative underscores the potential of AI to bridge educational gaps and improve learning through personalized, technology-driven methods.
Better Results Through Partnerships
Google's Gemini AI and Mistral's Le Chat are expanding their capabilities through partnerships with major news agencies. Google's Gemini will incorporate up-to-date news from The Associated Press, enhancing its generative AI's ability to deliver reliable information while navigating the complexities of digital rights and data quality. Similarly, Mistral's Le Chat has teamed up with Agence France-Presse to provide its users with accurate, multilingual news content, bolstering trust and reliability in AI-driven communications. These collaborations highlight the growing intersection of AI and journalism, aiming to provide users with timely and factual information.
"Purr-fectly informed: Le Chat and AFP team up to deliver AI powered by news, providing Le Chat users with richer, more reliable and more accurate responses." Mistral AI Team, 16 Jan. 2025, https://futurism.com/the-byte/americans-rednote-3d-printed-guns.
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