Category: Computers

What Role Do Algorithms Play In Your Life?

As computers, and the software they run, grow ever more sophisticated and commonplace, more and more of our lives are impacted by them. What are some examples of the way algorithms influence you?

In the online world, it is fairly easy to see the effect that algorithms have. All the major websites have sophisticated computer programs to determine which videos, status updates, ads, or products to display to you based on your browsing history.

This can have an upside. For example, based on music that you have listened to and liked, a music streaming service might recommend a similar artist. If you are unfamiliar with them, you might discover some cool new music!

Unfortunately, there are also downsides. Viewing ever more extreme videos — as recommended by an algorithm — individuals are more likely to become radicalized and potentially dangerous.

Many social media companies program their software to maximize engagement. A computer program will learn quickly that the best way to achieve this goal is through promoting fear and anger. As a result, users are increasingly suspicious and isolationist, even if that was not the initial intent.

However, as artificial intelligence grows in ability and usefulness, it is being deployed and used more regularly in non-online settings as well. For instance, a bank might use a computer to determine if a customer is likely to default on a loan. Sports teams can use facial recognition software to deny entry to unruly fans. Rather than have faculty or staff sift through college applications, a computer can do it more thoroughly and without requiring breaks.

Can you think of ways that an algorithm is making decisions about your life, either online or off? Ultimately, do you think it is a good thing or bad?

Related questions: How accurate is your algorithm? What do you think about artificial intelligence? Will technology save us?

How Can We Make The Internet A Better Place?

While the Internet has many good features, it is also a place filled with people behaving badly. How can we make it better?

The Internet is amazing. We carry in our pocket a portal to most of our species’ accumulated knowledge, as well as a way to communicate with people from around the world in real time.

However, there are times when the Internet is not a good place to be.

While social interaction might be good in theory, in many cases, online behavior can be shockingly negative. People can be insulting, dismissive, and just generally rude. Some share personal information like addresses, pictures, or videos not meant for public consumption. The comments section in online newspapers, message boards, and social media sites can be toxic.

There is also the threat of scammers, people looking for any opportunity to steal your money and/or identity, or to infect your computer with viruses. You have to be hyper-vigilant about what links you follow, in emails or on websites.

There are also programmed ‘bots that pretend to be individuals. These can be created and run by agents of foreign governments, who are looking to spread misinformation and sow distrust and division in everyday life.

On top of that, there are companies that collect our personal information, which then can be sold to someone who might use it to try and manipulate us.

With all of these bad actors, the Internet can provide an unpleasant experience.

However, there are some places on the web that aren’t like this. Those sites provide a much better overall experience, and might even fulfill some of the potential for positive change that the Internet offers.

How might we make more places like this? Can we curb the trolls and scammers, and encourage collaboration and creativity? How can we make the Internet a better place?

Related questions: How can you be more responsible online? Why does social media often bring out the worst in us? How can we encourage meaningful conversation?

How Can You Be More Responsible Online?

These days, we all live a significant amount of our lives online. That naturally raises the question: how can we be responsible in our online lives?

Despite the fact that we have steadily increased the amount of time we spend online, not much good has come of it.

On a personal basis, the promise of the internet was to bring people together, even if separated by thousands of miles. While that happens, an increasing percentage of users feel more lonely and isolated than ever before. It is also true that it is remarkably easy to have your identity stolen.

Things aren’t much better on a societal level, either. On the plus side, anyone with an internet connection has access to a remarkable amount of information. Unfortunately, there is also more misinformation available as well. Rumors, lies, and conspiracy theories spread more quickly online than does the truth.

So what can we do about it?

One thing is for each of us to be more responsible in our online lives. This responsibility extends to how we protect our own information, how we behave to other online users, and what information we consume and share with others.

What, specifically, do you do to guard your personal information? What do you do to see someone as an individual when all they are to you is pixels on a screen? And how do you make sure you are not falling prey to hoaxes and lies that you might encounter on your internet travels?

Related questions: Can an internet friend be a true companion? Why does social media often bring out the worst in us? Are you addicted to your phone? What is your bubble?

A.I.-Generated Text Or A.I.-Generated Images?

Do you think artificial intelligence does a better job with generated text or images? Which is more useful, do you think?

Share why if you wish.

A.I.-Generated Text Or A.I.-Generated Images?
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Have You Used An Artificial Intelligence Platform?

Have you used Chat-GPT, or any other artificial intelligence platform, for text, images, audio, or other types?

Share why if you wish.