Geek Stuff category archive
The Crypto Con 0
Writing at the Washington Monthly, Graham Steele, expresses concern that Congress might fall for the Crypto Con. He notes that
Follow the link to find out why he thinks this bill is a not very good really really bad exceedingly stupid idea.
Aside:
If you want to learn more about the Crypto Con, check out Harry Shearer’s Le Show, where he has a regular feature on the “Crypto Winter.” (Click on an episode and you can see what topics are covered in that episode and what time they appear.)
It’s All about the Algorithm 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Russell Ramsay reports on a study documenting how and why “social” media is not a reliable source of information. He notes that the study focused on TikTok (studies to have to focus, after all), but that its findings extend to “social” media in general.
In that context, he reminds us that
. . . social media platform algorithms are driven by popularity, not accuracy.
I commend the entire piece to your attention.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Methinks Atrios makes a telling point.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
A threat to the polity? Most certainly.
Droning On 0
In a twist, the U. S. finds itself fighting new tech with an old law.
It’s All about the Algorithm 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Jessica Koehler explores a number of ways in which “social” media isn’t. Here’s one of those ways (emphasis in the original):
Echo Chambers Leading to Confirmation Bias
Algorithms often create echo chambers by displaying content that aligns with users’ existing beliefs. This phenomenon reinforces negative thought patterns and contributes to polarized thinking. A report from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences emphasized that social media plays a significant role in creating these echo chambers. The resulting increased isolation and misunderstandings in social contexts can be profound. Similarly, a report by the Guardian highlighted how algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Twitter exacerbate these echo chambers, intensifying political and social divides. This limited exposure to diverse perspectives leads to a narrower and more biased worldview.
Follow the link for more ways in which “social” media isn’t and for Koehler’s suggestions as to how to ameliorate its antisocial effects.
No Place To Hide 0
The EFF explores how some car manufacturers’ are tracking your movements and selling their findings. Needless to say, the EFF thinks oversight is required. Here’s a bit of the article.
Car manufacturers including General Motors, Kia, Subaru, and Mitsubishi have some form of services or apps that collect, maintain, and distribute your connected car data to insurance companies. Insurance companies spend thousands of dollars purchasing your car data to factor in these “select insights” about your driving behavior. Those insights are then factored into your “risk score,” which can potentially spike your insurance premiums.
Afterthought:
It’s ironic, is it not?
Many persons sweat bullets about government surveillance, which has rules and regulations (and is nowhere nearly so extensive as some would have us believe), then run nekkid through industrial for profit tracking of their day-to-day activities.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Indiana University law professor Michael Mattioli, reacting to the recent kerfuffle of OpenAI’s attempt to steal mimic Scarlett Johansson’s voice, raises an interesting question:
- Why are Silicon Valley Tech Bros expending so much energy trying to create AI bots that sound human, when other more efficient ways of interacting with computers have worked very nicely for decades?
Here’s a tiny bit of his answer (emphasis added):
There’s also an echo of the ancient quest to commune with eternity, to grasp immortality, woven into AI chatbots like Sky. The pyramids served as eternal vessels for a pharaoh’s spirit; what is lifelike AI if not an attempt to capture and channel a human being’s essential nature?
(Or could it be that they just want to make their fantasies of being Captain Kirk sitting the captain’s chair saying, “Computer . . . .” come to life?)
Aside:
Speaking of AI, security maven Bruce Schneier thinks that AI will make phishing attempts even less fishy and even harder to detect.
The Surveillance Society 0
Joanna Pozzulo, writing at Psychology Today Blogs, warns about the increasing use of automated surveilance technology, particularly facial recognition. She points out that, despite the faith that persons put in these machines, they are by no means infallible.
She makes three main points:
- Surveillance cameras are becoming ubiquitous with facial recognition software often present as well.
- The accuracy of facial recognition significantly decreases for women, young adults, and racialized people.
- Mistaken identification can lead to wrongful prosecution and conviction.
Given the proliferation of these technologies, I think her piece is well worth a read.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Methinks my old Philly DL friend Nox makes some pretty good points. Here’s his opening line:
Follow the link, where he expands on his discusses the disconnect.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Watching and recording your every move? Let’s see.
Bruce Schneier takes a look at Microsoft’s new effort to create an “AI” digital assistant. He–how shall I put this?–has some qualms. Here’s a tiny bit from his post:
It will act trustworthy, but it will not be trustworthy. We won’t know how they are trained. We won’t know their secret instructions. We won’t know their biases, either accidental or deliberate.
We do know that they are built at enormous expense, mostly in secret, by profit-maximizing corporations for their own benefit.
It’s Bubblelicious 0
In a much longer article about Harrison Butker’s misogynistic graduation address at Benedictine College, Joe Kort makes an important point about the dangers of “social” media algorithm.
He goes on to explain why it’s important to look beyond the bubble. Follow the link for the entire article.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
The Late Show lampoons ChatGPT’s (reputed) attempt to steal Scarlett Johansson’s voice.
It’s All about the Benjamins 0
PoliticalProf follows the money.
I’m Baaaaaack 0
The OS on my VPS reached EOL, so it was necessary to migrate to a new VPS with a currently-supported OS.
We hit some rocks along the way on the backend and the site was dark for a few days, but, thanks to my most excellent hosting provider, everything seems up and running. During the next few days, the stream of drivel should return to its previous level.
In the meantime, though, I must say, I’ve rather enjoyed the break . . . .
