Geek Stuff category archive
The Myth of Multitasking 0
Many years ago, I tried out for a tech support job where my potential employers had built “multitasking” into the job description. One was expected to deal with phone calls, emails, and chats simultaneously. It was a great experience, but I ended up not making it through the training period.
Now comes Peg Streep at Psychology Today Blogs to explain that multitasking is a myth (emphasis added); follow the link for the complete piece.
Aside:
The rock that sank my boat had nothing to do with my technical or people skills. Rather, this company placed great emphasis on telling callers and chatters when you would get back the them. I wasn’t able to get that down.
Driving away from that office for the last time was one of the two times in my life I have felt as if a physical weight were being lifted from my shoulders.
The Crypto Con 0
Michael Graham wonders why so many reputedly responsible fiscals were looking the other way.
It’s All about the Algorithm Ambulances
0
Yet one more indication that “social” media isn’t.
It’s All about the Algorithm 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry charges you with being addicted to your phone.
Yes, you (but certainly not me–well at least to the extent that I avoid “social” media like the anti-social plague that it has become). They further argue that this is no accident:
Follow the link for some recommendations on how you can get your life back.
Digital Security Theatre 0
Bruce Schneir thinks that the efforts to ban TikTok, which seems to be the new “in” thing in the West, miss the point. A snippet:
The entire article is worth a read.
Artificial, Yes. Intelligent, No. 0
Rebecca Watson cautions us not to believe the hype about “artificial intelligence.” An excerpt:
. . . it’s unfortunate that “AI” caught on years ago to describe these chatbots because at this point we just have to use it so people know what we’re talking about, but this kind of “AI” has absolutely nothing to do with anything that could be called “intelligence.”
Or you can read the transcript.
Digital Quicksand 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Phil Reed discusses several recent studies that indicate that “social” media isn’t. He makes three main points.
- Several recent studies have shown that high levels of social media use can negatively impact physical health.
- Evidence suggests that social media can damage psychological welfare and physical functioning if its use is taken too far.
- In one study, the group asked to reduce their social media use had an average 15 percent improvement in immune function.
Follow the link for a detailed discussion of each.
Facebook Frolics 0
Pay to play Cash-grab frolics.
Aside:
I wonder just how many persons will be willing to pay the Zuckerborg for the privilege of being assimilated?
“The Algorithm Made Me Do It” 0
The ChatGPT Bot claims that it is above–or, perhaps, beyond–the law.
For some reason, I find this disquieting.
Facebook Frolics 0
The Ghost of Cambridge Analytica comes back to haunt cost the Zuckerborg a relative pittance.
Remember, “social” media isn’t.