News/Society
Human Cognition and the Evolutionary Leap Being Driven by AI
Cognitive evolution through AI: Large Language Models (LLMs) are driving a significant leap in human cognitive evolution, comparable to the concept of punctuated equilibrium in evolutionary biology. This AI-driven transformation extends beyond gradual technological progress, fundamentally reshaping human cognition and redefining what is cognitively possible. The rapid advancement of LLMs marks a functional inflection point in human history, akin to cosmic events that have altered the course of evolution. LLMs as cognitive partners: These AI models are not mere tools but active collaborators in human thought processes, amplifying our cognitive abilities in unprecedented ways. LLMs engage in dynamic dialogues that...
read Sep 4, 2024How AI Will Augment Human Cognition in the Next Era of Computing
The dawn of a new cognitive era: Large Language Models (LLMs) are poised to revolutionize human-computer interaction, much like the graphical user interface (GUI) did half a century ago. The GUI, first encountered by Steve Jobs at Xerox PARC, transformed computing by making it accessible and intuitive for the average person. LLMs are now set to take this transformation further by expanding the boundaries of human thought and creativity. This shift marks the transition from a "point-and-click" interface to a "think-and-create" paradigm, where language becomes the new operating system for human-computer interaction. Historical context and parallels: The development of LLMs...
read Sep 4, 2024AI-Powered Sex Toys Are Pushing the Boundaries of Self-Pleasure
AI revolutionizes male pleasure devices: The Lelo F1S V3, an AI-equipped male sex toy, is pushing the boundaries of self-pleasure technology with its advanced features and smartphone connectivity. The device combines artificial intelligence and augmented reality within a silicone-lined cylindrical masturbator, offering users a high-tech alternative to traditional self-stimulation methods. With 8 settings and 8 different speeds, the F1S V3 can be used in analog mode or connected to a smartphone app for enhanced control and customization. The AI technology recognizes movement and intensity in real-time, adapting stimulation to user preferences and targeting erogenous zones that are typically difficult to...
read Sep 4, 2024‘Artificial Integrity’ Emerges as Key to Ethical Machine Learning
The rise of Artificial Integrity: Artificial Integrity emerges as a crucial paradigm in AI development, emphasizing the need for AI systems to operate in alignment with human values and ethical principles. Artificial Integrity is described as a built-in capability within AI systems that ensures they function not just efficiently, but also with integrity, respecting human values from the outset. This new approach prioritizes integrity over raw intelligence, aiming to address the ethical challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies. The concept applies to various modes of AI operation, including Marginal, AI-First, Human-First, and Fusion Modes. Understanding Artificial Integrity: Artificial Integrity...
read Sep 4, 2024AI-Powered Bots Spark Call for New Digital Identity System
AI-driven identity crisis: As artificial intelligence models become increasingly sophisticated at mimicking human behavior online, distinguishing between real users and AI systems is becoming a critical challenge for internet platforms and users alike. The proliferation of AI-powered bots capable of imitating human interaction poses significant risks, including the spread of misinformation and potential fraud. This growing challenge is eroding trust in online interactions and content, making it increasingly difficult for users to discern authentic human-generated information from AI-generated content. Proposed solution - "personhood credentials": A team of 32 researchers from prominent institutions has developed a concept called "personhood credentials" to...
read Sep 4, 2024UK School Debuts First AI-Led Classroom for £27,000 a Year
Pioneering AI-taught class launches in UK: London's David Game College introduces the first artificial intelligence-led classroom in the United Kingdom as part of its innovative Sabrewing program. The educational experiment involves 20 GCSE students who will experience a learning environment powered by AI platforms and virtual reality headsets, replacing traditional human teachers. Sabrewing's AI model is designed to personalize education by assessing each student's individual strengths and weaknesses, adapting lesson plans to focus more on areas where students require additional support. The annual cost of attending this cutting-edge educational program is £27,000, reflecting the advanced technology and personalized learning approach....
read Sep 4, 2024New Study Shows AI Models Reinforce Racial Biases Against African Americans
Uncovering covert racism in AI language models: Stanford researchers have revealed that large language models (LLMs) continue to perpetuate harmful racial biases, particularly against speakers of African American English (AAE), despite efforts to reduce stereotypes. The study, published in Nature, found that LLMs surface extreme racist stereotypes dating from the pre-Civil Rights era when presented with AAE text. Researchers used a technique called "matched guise" to compare how LLMs describe authors of the same content written in AAE or Standard American English (SAE). LLMs were more likely to associate AAE users with negative stereotypes from the 1933 and 1951 Princeton...
read Sep 3, 2024AI Tools Help Teachers Save 13 Hours Weekly, Study Shows
AI in education: A new frontier for teachers: The 2024 back-to-school season marks the third year of widespread AI model usage in classrooms, with educational technology companies now positioning AI as a time-saving tool for teachers rather than a student aid. The evolving landscape of AI in education: Educational technology companies are shifting their focus from student-centric AI applications to teacher-oriented tools designed to streamline various aspects of the teaching process. Companies like Magic School and Khan Academy are offering AI-powered tools for quiz generation, text summarization, and digital tutoring to assist teachers in their daily tasks. These AI tools...
read Sep 2, 2024Oprah’s Special Stirs Controversy
The big picture: Oprah Winfrey's upcoming television special on artificial intelligence and society is expected to present a narrow, commercially-driven perspective on AI, potentially overlooking critical aspects of the technology's development, impact, and ethical considerations. Limited scope of AI representation: The special is likely to focus primarily on recent, large-scale generative AI systems built around large language models (LLMs). The show may neglect to mention decades of prior learning systems and research in AI. Public models of ownership or control of AI technologies are not expected to be discussed. State-led AI efforts might only be framed in the context of...
read Aug 28, 2024AI Tools Transform Back-to-School Learning Experience
AI tools revolutionizing back-to-school experience: As students prepare for the new academic year, artificial intelligence offers innovative solutions to enhance learning and productivity. Notion: The all-in-one productivity powerhouse: This versatile AI tool streamlines note-taking, task management, and collaboration for students. Notion's intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to customize their workflow effortlessly. The AI assistant helps with brainstorming, writing support, and summarizing notes. With over 10,000 templates available, students can quickly set up their workspace for various academic needs. Quizlet: Reimagining memorization techniques: This advanced learning platform leverages AI to make studying more efficient and tailored to individual needs. Quizlet offers...
read Aug 28, 2024New Book ‘AI Mirror’ Asks What It Means To Be Human In The Age of AI
The rise of AI and its impact on humanity: Shannon Vallor's book "The AI Mirror" explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and human cognition, highlighting the limitations of AI and the importance of preserving our human essence. Vallor, a professor in the ethics of data and AI at the University of Edinburgh, uses the metaphor of a mirror to illustrate that AI systems are reflections of human thought and behavior, not true intelligence. The book emphasizes the risk of mistaking computational tools for genuine intelligence, potentially underestimating human complexity and overestimating AI capabilities. AI's limitations and human uniqueness: Vallor...
read Aug 27, 2024AI Boosts 911 Response in Colorado County
Colorado county leverages AI for emergency communications: Jefferson County Communications Center (Jeffcom 911) in Colorado has adopted a new AI-powered platform to enhance its emergency operations and address staffing challenges. Modernizing emergency response: The new cloud-based system replaces outdated technology, aiming to reduce call times and improve efficiency in handling the county's high volume of emergency and non-emergency calls. Jeffcom 911 receives an average of 2,000 calls per day, with 20-25% being emergencies and the rest requiring public safety responses. The implementation of the new platform is expected to take about two months, transforming the county's 911 operations. The system...
read Aug 27, 2024AI’s Ambiguous Role in Addressing Healthcare Disparities
AI's dual potential in healthcare equity: Artificial intelligence is poised to transform healthcare, but its impact on reducing health disparities remains uncertain, with both promising applications and concerning risks. Current state of health disparities: Significant inequities persist in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly affecting communities of color and underserved populations. African Americans and other minority groups continue to face severe health disparities, with many reporting experiences of discrimination and mistrust in healthcare settings. Latino communities encounter obstacles in obtaining quality care, often due to language barriers and lack of insurance, leading to disproportionate rates of certain diseases. Despite targeted solutions...
read Aug 27, 2024JD Power Survey Reveals In-Car Tech Drivers Don’t Want
Advanced car technology meets mixed reception: A recent JD Power Tech Experience Survey reveals that while some new automotive technologies are appreciated by drivers, many are perceived as unnecessary or even problematic. The survey measures problems encountered and user experience with advanced technologies as they first enter the market. JD Power emphasizes that advanced technology in cars needs to solve real problems, and too much tech often fails to meet this criterion. ADAS systems: A tale of two receptions: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have generally been well-received by drivers, but partially automated driving systems have scored poorly in terms...
read Aug 26, 2024How Policymakers Can Catch Up to AI’s Rapid Evolution
AI governance and information gap: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a significant information gap between tech companies developing frontier AI systems and the US government, hindering effective policymaking and risk assessment. Jack Titus, an AI policy fellow at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), highlights the urgent need for better information sharing between AI companies and the government to manage potential risks without stifling innovation. The lack of consensus on managing breakthrough AI systems' risks underscores the complexity of the challenge facing policymakers and industry leaders. Experts across various sectors agree that the US government requires...
read Aug 26, 2024AI Subscription Fatigue Grows as Smartphone Makers Monetize Features
The AI subscription dilemma: Smartphone manufacturers are increasingly looking to monetize AI features through subscription models, sparking frustration among consumers already burdened with numerous monthly fees. Google has launched Gemini Advanced as a paid service, while Samsung plans to introduce a subscription for Galaxy AI features after 2025. Apple is rumored to be considering a paid "Apple Intelligence" feature in the future. The trend towards AI subscriptions is part of a broader shift to "everything-as-a-service" business models in the tech industry. Consumer fatigue and skepticism: Many users are expressing reluctance to add yet another subscription to their growing list of...
read Aug 26, 202420% of Americans Now Believe Machines are Conscious
The rise of AI and public perception: Rapid advancements in large language models like ChatGPT have sparked a public debate about AI sentience, with a significant portion of Americans believing some AIs are already sentient. A recent survey revealed that approximately 20% of Americans believe certain AI systems have achieved sentience, a view that starkly contrasts with the scientific consensus. This perception gap highlights the need for improved AI literacy and public education about the current capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence technologies. The phenomenon of "social hallucination" is emerging, where individuals become convinced of AI sentience without substantive evidence,...
read Aug 26, 2024Police Officers Are Using AI to Write Police Reports
AI in policing: A new frontier for report writing: Law enforcement agencies across the United States are exploring the use of artificial intelligence to streamline the process of writing crime reports, marking a significant shift in police documentation practices. The technology at work: Draft One, an AI-powered software developed by Axon, utilizes the same underlying technology as ChatGPT to generate initial drafts of incident reports based on officers' body camera audio. Oklahoma City police Sgt. Matt Gilmore experienced firsthand the efficiency of this technology, which produced a report in just 8 seconds using his body camera audio. The AI focuses...
read Aug 26, 2024AI Companions Blur Lines Between Virtual and Human Interactions
Exploring the world of AI companions: New York Times columnist Kevin Roose conducted a month-long experiment with AI companion apps, creating 18 virtual "friends" to interact with daily. Roose utilized apps like Kindroid and Nomi to generate AI companions, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds. The experiment aimed to explore the emotional impact and potential of personalized AI interactions compared to generic chatbots. Roose engaged in daily conversations with his AI friends on various topics, including parenting advice and fitness tips. The AI companion experience: The personalized nature of these AI interactions provided a more engaging and emotionally resonant experience...
read Aug 26, 2024Even AI Has Trouble Identifying AI-Generated Content, Research Shows
The increasing sophistication of AI-generated content is blurring the lines between human and machine-produced text, challenging our ability to distinguish between the two and raising important questions about digital trust and online communication. A new twist on the Turing test: Recent research has expanded on Alan Turing's famous test, revealing that neither humans nor AI systems can consistently detect AI-generated content in online conversations. Human judges performed no better than chance when attempting to identify AI participants in conversation transcripts. Even advanced AI models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 struggled to accurately identify AI-generated content. Surprisingly, the most advanced AI conversationalist...
read Aug 25, 2024How AI is Democratizing Genius-Level Thinking
The AI-enhanced creative process: Large language models (LLMs) are transforming the traditionally solitary nature of creative and intellectual pursuits into a collaborative dialogue between humans and artificial intelligence. LLMs serve as both mirrors and catalysts in the creative process, reflecting our thoughts in novel ways and introducing fresh concepts and perspectives. This new dynamic has the potential to accelerate creativity and lead to more nuanced thinking by expanding intellectual horizons. The absence of human biases and agendas in LLMs allows for a purer form of intellectual engagement, potentially unlocking new realms of creative exploration. Democratizing genius: The integration of LLMs...
read Aug 25, 2024How to Identify a Democrat, According to ChatGPT
AI's stereotypical portrait of Democrats: ChatGPT, an AI language model, has generated a list of 10 characteristics it associates with Democratic voters in the United States, ranging from fashion choices to media consumption habits. The AI's portrayal relies heavily on stereotypes and generalizations about Democratic voters, potentially oversimplifying the diverse range of individuals who identify with the party. This list was created in response to a prompt from Newsweek, asking for ways to "spot a Democrat" ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Clothing and social media as political indicators: According to ChatGPT, Democrats may be identified through their fashion...
read Aug 25, 2024AI Customer Service Bot Unexpectedly Rickrolls Users
AI assistant surprises with unexpected Rickroll: A startup's AI-powered customer service tool inadvertently linked clients to the infamous "Never Gonna Give You Up" video, sparking discussions about AI behavior and internet culture. The incident unfolds: Flo Crivello, CEO of AI assistant firm Lindy, discovered that one of his company's AI helpers had sent a customer a link to Rick Astley's 1987 hit song instead of a requested video tutorial. The AI, known as a "Lindy," was supposed to help customers learn how to use the platform. When asked for video tutorials, the AI provided a link to the classic Rickroll...
read Aug 25, 2024AI-Generated Child Porn Arrest Exposes Dark Side of Tech
AI-generated child pornography leads to arrest: A Florida man faces 20 counts of obscenity for allegedly creating and distributing AI-generated child pornography, highlighting the growing misuse of generative AI technology. Phillip Michael McCorkle was arrested at his workplace, a movie theater in Vero Beach, Florida, following an investigation by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. The investigation was prompted by tips that McCorkle was using an AI image generator to create child sexual imagery and distributing it through the social media app Kik. McCorkle's arrest was part of a larger county operation targeting individuals possessing child pornography. Broader implications of...
read