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"Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?"

This article on AI in the Global South both seems enlightening and concerning. It sheds light on the potential consequences of AI advancement for countries that are already facing economic challenges. The examples provided, such as the potential impact on labor markets, the scarcity of research in Explainable AI, and biases in healthcare applications, highlight the need for careful consideration and proactive measures.

I'm particularly struck by the discussion around the lack of diversity in AI datasets and how it could perpetuate biases and discrimination, especially in healthcare. It makes me realize how important it is for AI development to be inclusive and representative of diverse populations.

Moreover, the emphasis on the importance of digital readiness and inclusive policies resonates with me. It's clear that simply advancing AI technology isn't enough; there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that the benefits are accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or economic status.

"A Guide to Understanding and Combatting Digital Capitalism" by Javier de Rivera

Reading this article, I find its exploration of counter-capitalist principles thought-provoking and relevant to contemporary societal issues.The idea that alternatives to capitalism should be rooted in communal values rather than individual competition resonates with me, as I believe fostering a sense of community and cooperation is crucial for addressing social and economic inequalities.

The article's emphasis on combating disinformation, hate speech, and media manipulation is particularly timely, considering the pervasive influence of digital media in shaping public discourse. The call for alternatives to capitalist platforms underscores the need for ethical and equitable digital spaces that prioritize user well-being over profit extraction.

However, I do acknowledge the challenges in implementing these principles in practice, especially given the entrenched dominance of capitalist systems. The article's recognition of the likelihood of failure or stagnation in counter-capitalist projects is realistic, but its emphasis on their broader social impact beyond mere survival is inspiring.

"The Concept of Digital Capitalism" by Jonathan Pace

This article offers a thought-provoking analysis of existing perspectives and proposes a fresh framework for understanding the relationship between digital technology and capitalism. The delineation between nominalist and structuralist approaches sheds light on the current confusion surrounding the concept, while the proposed dialectical approach presents a compelling synthesis that bridges these divergent viewpoints. By integrating historical insights with structural analysis, the article not only critiques the limitations of past scholarship but also paves the way for a more nuanced understanding of digital capitalism. The emphasis on delineating capitalism as both an abstract system and a series of historical developments is particularly insightful, providing a foundation for future research to explore the multifaceted intersections between digital technology and capitalist structures.

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"Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?"

The article explores the substantial consequences of the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) on worldwide socioeconomic inequality, with a particular emphasis on the expanding discrepancies between rich and developing countries. It emphasizes how unequal distribution of AI developments may exacerbate current digital disparities. It demonstrates how developing nations confront particular hurdles in realizing the potential of AI using examples from a variety of domains, including labor dynamics, Explainable AI research, and healthcare applications. The article proposes for a coordinated effort to increase digital preparedness in the Global South, advocating infrastructure improvements, R&D investment, and policy implementation to reduce biases and provide fair access to AI advantages.

As someone deeply concerned about the ethical implications of AI development, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in the article. It is imperative that we prioritize responsible AI development to prevent further exacerbation of global inequalities.

"A Guide to Understanding and Combatting Digital Capitalism by Javier de Rivera"

The essay delves into the complexity of digital capitalism, concentrating on its effects on society, subjectivity, and power relations. It analyzes the monopolistic character of digital businesses, the manipulation of attention and desire via communication technologies, and the decline of state authority as a result of neoliberal policies. The author underlines the relevance of groups such as the Free Software Movement and the quest for "algorithm sovereignty" to promote transparency and participatory algorithms. The rise of digital capitalism from radical-tech collectives in the 1990s to huge digital companies with a financial motive is addressed. According to the author, the reduction in communication costs has resulted in the establishment of solidarity networks and social organization, but financial capital has dominated these initiatives. To resist digital capitalism, the article advocates for communal action, infrastructure development, and alternative organizational paradigms.

"The Concept of Digital Capitalism by

Jonathan Pace"

Jonathan Pace's "The Concept of Digital Capitalism" analyzes capitalism as a multidimensional system with intrinsic traits and a historical history. The author reimagines digital capitalism by combining dialectical and historical viewpoints, going beyond nominalist and structuralist methods. Pace's examination of the link between digital media and capitalism underlines the necessity of understanding how digital technologies change economic and social institutions throughout time. This complex methodology allows researchers to investigate the effects of digital infrastructure on property ownership, market dynamics, and labour practices. Personally, I value this approach because it provides a complete framework for studying the changing dynamics of the digital economy, allowing for deeper insights and educated conversations about its societal ramifications.

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"Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?"

The article likely discusses the unique socio-economic, political, and technological landscapes of countries in the Global South, highlighting their specific challenges and opportunities in adopting and benefiting from AI technologies. Moreover, the article delves into how AI advancements could worsen existing inequalities within and between countries in the Global South. This involves disparities in access to AI technologies, digital infrastructure, education, and skills needed to harness AI's potential. Also, AI automation could significantly impact employment patterns in the Global South, potentially leading to job displacement in certain sectors while creating new opportunities in others.

In addition, the article touches upon the ethical implications of AI deployment in the Global South, including issues related to privacy, bias, accountability, and transparency. Despite the challenges, the article also highlights AI's opportunities for development in the Global South such as improving healthcare, education, agriculture, and other sectors, as well as fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

"The Concept of Digital Capitalism" by Jonathan Pace

The text provides a thought-provoking examination of how capitalism has been fundamentally reshaped by the development of digital technologies. Pace effectively highlights the transition of data into a form of capital, emphasizing its pivotal role in driving economic activity and shaping power dynamics within the digital economy. The discussion on platform economies and their reliance on user data underscores the intricate relationship between technology, business models, and societal implications. Moreover, the article adeptly navigates through the social, political, and regulatory challenges posed by digital capitalism, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between technology and society. Overall, Pace's exploration prompts reflection on the impacts of digitalization on our economic systems and underscores the importance of addressing its implications for equity, privacy, and democracy in the digital age.

"A Guide to Understanding and Combatting Digital Capitalism" by Javier de Rivera

This text presents a timely exploration of the complex intersections between digital technologies and capitalist economies. Rivera's critical analysis illuminates the profound implications of digital capitalism on society, from the commodification of data to the concentration of power among tech giants. By addressing social, political, and regulatory challenges, the article underscores the need for robust responses to safeguard privacy, equality, and democratic principles in the digital age. Furthermore, Rivera's exploration of alternatives and resistance strategies offers hope for fostering more equitable and sustainable economic systems. Overall, the guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding and navigating the multifaceted dynamics of digital capitalism, encouraging readers to critically engage with its impacts and advocate for meaningful change.

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"Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?"

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"Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?"

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This article discusses the development of artificial intelligence in the Global South, and the significant gaps and inequalities that are forming between the Global South and the Global North. This is a very important topic, as the rapid progress in AI is very important, but it must be studied in order to benefit from it in all regions and levels and create equality in many cases for multiple fields. An example of this, the gaps that occur between developed and poor economies, as the future of work in the era of artificial intelligence differs between developed economies and poor economies. The benefit accruing from AI to advanced economies is much less than to poor economies, as this progress could lead to unemployment in poor countries, as poor countries depend on abundant labor and scarce capital, progress will be harmful to them. As for developed countries that possess capital, AI has a great benefit in increasing their economy. Therefore, artificial intelligence must be developed to benefit all levels and countries by studying these cases.

"A Guide to Understanding and Combatting Digital Capitalism" By Javier de Rivera

This article discusses developing strategies to confront capitalism, as digital capitalism is a system that revolves around the social and economic dynamics around digital companies. Digital capitalism has a significant impact on society, playing a role in overcoming the law of diminishing habits and strengthening the regulatory power of capital, thus forming a new type of society. The article also talks about capitalist platforms that are part of a larger social and economic system, and rely heavily on relationships with financial markets and government policy, which allows digital companies a large percentage of profits. The article also analyzes the monopolistic nature of digital companies, the manipulation of the media, and the state’s diminished credibility.

Shahd Abu Laban

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Carine Said                            Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?          

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Carine Said                            Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Will AI Advancement Deepen Digital Divides and Inequalities?          

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The article highlights the rapid growth of the AI market worldwide and stresses the importance of ensuring that AI development is conducted responsibly to prevent widening gaps between developed and developing countries. It argues that while AI presents significant opportunities for economic and social advancement, its current trajectory risks deepening existing digital inequalities, particularly in sectors where labor-intensive methods are prevalent and in domains like Explainable AI and healthcare. To address these challenges, the article suggests prioritizing efforts to improve digital infrastructure and readiness, promoting research and development tailored to local needs, establishing databases relevant to public services, and implementing regulatory frameworks to address biases and discrimination in AI systems. These actions, it contends, are essential for ensuring that the benefits of AI innovation are distributed equitably across regions and for mitigating the potential for socioeconomic disparities to widen further.

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There are some strategies to make AI less biased, and this might include :

1. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and standards for the development and deployment of AI systems can help promote fairness and mitigate bias. These guidelines should address issues such as accountability, transparency, and fairness, providing developers with a framework for ethical AI development.

2. Encouraging diversity within AI development teams can help mitigate biases from the outset. By including individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences, teams are more likely to identify and address potential biases during the development process.

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I agree that AI in healthcare can perpetuate racism due to biased datasets and algorithms, resulting in unequal treatment and diagnosis for marginalized communities. To mitigate bias in AI, it's imperative to implement diverse and representative datasets, ensuring inclusion of all demographic groups. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and auditing of algorithms, along with transparent reporting of results, can help identify and address bias effectively, thereby promoting equitable healthcare outcomes for all.

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How would you go about making AI less bias?

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How would you go about making AI less bias?

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To mitigate bias in AI, a comprehensive approach is necessary, encompassing diverse and representative datasets, transparency through Explainable AI (XAI), bias detection and mitigation techniques, diverse development teams, ethical guidelines and regulations, continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms, and education and awareness initiatives.

By addressing biases at various stages of AI development and deployment, from data collection to algorithm design and implementation, stakeholders can work towards creating more fair and inclusive AI systems.

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No, I disagree. While AI systems can inherit biases from their training data and algorithms, they also have the potential to mitigate discrimination in healthcare by standardizing diagnoses and treatments, improving efficiency, and enabling more personalized care for diverse populations. However, it requires careful design, rigorous testing, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that AI tools contribute to equitable healthcare outcomes.

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Forecasting the precise timetable for the widespread substitution of jobs by artificial intelligence (AI) presents challenges due to factors such as advancements in technology and societal reception. While AI holds the potential to automate certain tasks and positions, resulting in job displacement, it is also anticipated to generate fresh opportunities and revolutionize existing roles.

In the next decade, AI is expected to continue affecting various industries, reshaping job requirements. Occupations centered on repetitive duties or data processing may face automation, whereas those demanding creativity and critical thinking are less likely to be replaced.

Adjusting to this evolving environment necessitates individuals and organizations to acquire new skills and knowledge. Policymakers must confront potential societal repercussions, like income inequality, by enacting supportive measures for workforce transitions.

Though AI will profoundly influence the job market, the degree of job displacement within a decade remains uncertain, contingent upon technological, economic, and social variables.

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(Salma )What did you find the most relevant in the reading to your own experience

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(Salma )What did you find the most relevant in the reading to your own experience

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I tried to share a video about Gaza on my Instagram page. I thought it was posted, but then Instagram deleted it and sent me a warning saying it was sensitive content and against their policies. It's frustrating because even when I want to write something about Palestine, I have to use sliced and encrypted letters.

how did you ,personally, feel when you read the article/paper?

The Israel-Hamas war, they said, would be an “important moment if the IDF is using AI in a significant way to make targeting choices with life-and-death consequences”.

this paragraph is frustrating because relying on AI to make decisions with life-and-death consequences can be problematic because AI systems are created by humans and can have biases or limitations

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What did you find the most relevant in the reading to your own experience?

Yesterday, I saw an Instagram reel by Mariam Barghouti, showing a new deadly weapon used by the Israeli forces on the youth in the West Bank. The weapon is a sniper on the top of the SUV and it is automated and used by a remote controller with a camera increasing accuracy and efficiency. This also helps the Israeli soldiers not to get out of the truck.

how did you ,personally, feel when you read the article/paper?

It was inconvenient to me as some words used in the article were describing the Palestinian resistance "Hamas" as barbaric

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What did you find the most relevant in the reading to your own experience?

When sharing stories about the ongoing situation in Gaza, the viewership rate is typically low, if not almost non-existent. However, I experimented with a tactic once by subtly incorporating the Israeli flag into the posts I published. Remarkably, this led to a significant increase in viewership.

How did you ,personally, feel when you read the article/paper?

I did not like the idea that they did not refer to the Palestinians as a whole as the opposing party in the war. When they said “Hamas”, I feel as if the writer is not referring to the Palestinians as a whole.

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While Israel claims precision and minimal harm to non-combatants, reports suggest a rapid increase in targeted strikes, potentially compromising the thoroughness of assessments and increasing automation bias.

One video I watched showed a residential neighborhood in Gaza reduced to rubble after an Israeli airstrike. In the video, civilians were seen desperately searching through the debris, crying out for loved ones who were missing or trapped under collapsed buildings. The scene depicted widespread destruction, with homes, schools, and shops destroyed indiscriminately. There were no visible signs of military targets in the vicinity, contradicting Israel's claim of precision targeting.

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Before reading the article "The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza," I came across a video showing how the killing machine used in Gaza seemed to target any living thing without discrimination, including animals like sheep. This suggested that Israel's intention might not be to avoid civilian casualties but rather to target any form of life in Gaza. After reading the article, I felt really angry. It's frustrating to see Israel saying they use AI to protect civilians, but in reality, so many Palestinians have been killed. The idea that others might be watching how AI is used, possibly for bad reasons, made me feel uncomfortable. It's important for us to think about whether AI is being used in the right way and to make sure those who use it are responsible and honest about it.

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What did you find the most relevant in the reading to your own experience?

The platforms like TikTok and Instagram have a policy that restricts Palestinian content and how is Instagram's policy opposed to the Palestinian issue, especially when we try to share a videos about the situation in Gaza, they delete the story or the post. So how these platforms work? what type of algorithms it is?

How did you, personally, feel when you read the article?

All I felt was that all of this is just a justification that the Israeli occupation is trying to explain in order to continue what they are doing. So, I felt oppressed, how could they believe that they had tried to reduce the targeting of civilians, but actually they don’t care, they kill large numbers of people in cold blood.

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Reflection on "Israel’s War on Gaza and the Weaponisation of Social Media" by Ravale Mohydin

As a Palestinian deeply affected by the ongoing conflict, exploring the policy landscape surrounding Israel's War on Gaza and the Weaponization of Social Media evokes a profound sense of frustration and urgency. The glaring inequality in access to social media platforms between Palestinians and Israelis highlights the asymmetry in the digital arena. While Israel employs sophisticated strategies and resources to mold narratives in its favor, Palestinians often contend with limited internet access, power shortages, and communication disruptions, impeding our ability to convey our truth to the world. This disparity not only perpetuates a skewed depiction of the conflict but also worsens the marginalization of Palestinian voices in the global conversation.

Moreover, the issue transcends mere technical hitches, encompassing unjust social media policies and algorithms. This includes actions such as content removal, suspension or deletion of accounts, limitations on engaging with content or following accounts, as well as restrictions on using live streaming features on platforms like Facebook/Instagram. The drastic reduction in visibility of posts, stories, or accounts without prior notice further compounds the issue. Additionally, there's a notable disappearance of numerous pro-Palestinian comments, including those incorporating Islamic expressions like "حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل."

The mention of social media platforms hiring experts fluent in Hebrew and Arabic to monitor the situation highlights a glaring reality: The efforts that are claimed to be undertaken are nothing but systematic policies and plans to justify the domination and overshadowing of the Israeli narrative over the Palestinian one. Instances where platforms like X reported an overwhelming volume of posts during the eruption of violence, leading to the dissemination of misinformation, serve as stark illustrations of the hurdles we encounter in combating falsehoods and propaganda. The struggle to discern truth from falsehood amidst a deluge of information underscores the imperative for platforms to prioritize accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity in amplifying diverse voices, particularly those of marginalized communities like the Palestinians. This policy analysis serves as a clarion call for social media companies to uphold ethical standards, ensure equitable representation, and empower all voices in the quest for a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape.

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Reflection on "The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza"

The article "The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza" resonated deeply with me as a Palestinian, evoking a myriad of emotions ranging from sorrow to indignation. The calculated use of AI to perpetuate violence and oppression against my people in Gaza is not just distressing. Still, it's also emblematic of a larger systemic injustice that Palestinians endure daily. What's particularly troubling is how AI seems to be inherently biased toward the Israeli narrative, serving as a tool to propagate lies and misinformation about Palestinians.

One striking example of this bias is evident in interactions with AI models like ChatGPT. The response is often affirmative and unquestioning when posed with the question of whether Israel has the right to define itself. However, when the same question is posed about Palestinians, the response is hesitant, suggesting a biased and skewed perspective. This disparity underscores how AI technologies can be manipulated to serve the interests of Western imperialism, particularly the United States and the EU.

In my view, deploying AI in various fields, including the military, education, and beyond, primarily serves the agenda of perpetuating Western dominance and control. The notion that AI is being utilized to minimize civilian casualties in conflicts like the one in Gaza is, therefore, nothing more than a facade—a deceptive veil to conceal the true intentions of those in power. The reality is that Palestinians continue to suffer under the oppressive weight of Israeli aggression, with AI being weaponized as yet another tool in their arsenal of oppression.

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"Israel’s War on Gaza and the Weaponisation of Social Media" by Ravale Mohydin

This paper talks about the complex role of social media platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Twitter, and others, in shaping information during the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. It also talks about the censorship of Palestinian content related to the issue, the banning of Palestinian voices, and the widespread of misinformation about Palestinian issue.

As a Palestinian, this matter affects me greatly, as the ongoing war against our people in Gaza is a strong media war. The attempt to harm and cast doubt on the Palestinian issue, share a fake news, and limit the dissemination of true Palestinian news, through the social media policy that limits the publishing of Palestinian content and covering the massacres that occur in Gaza, its all frustration and infuriating. The restrictions imposed by social media in terms of algorithms limit publishing about the Palestinian issue and spreading the truth. This is because Israel uses several strategies to control social media platforms to its advantage and attempt to mislead the injustice and aggression it is waging against the Palestinian people. Where is the justice in this? It is a very frustrating feeling that our voice as Palestinians is blocked, so that the people of Gaza are also unable to access the Internet to convey their voice to the silent world, in light of these events. Where the Israeli occupation is trying, through its control of the Internet networks, to isolate the people of Gaza from the world. It is infuriating that our people in Gaza are killed under bombing, being forcibly silenced through disinformation and algorithms that prevent the dissemination of Palestinian content, and cutting them off from the world.

The media must always be honest and report the truth as it is. Since no platforms should deal with oppressive governments, or be satisfied with misleading news, social media must be built on the foundations of the right of expression for any person and any issue. Therefore, social media platforms must stop colluding with oppressive governments like Israel, which suppress the Palestinian voice.

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Reflection on ‘The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza

AI algorithms cannot always make nuanced moral judgments, potentially leading to civilian casualties or disproportionate use of force. While AI can offer precision in targeting, there's always the risk of errors or biases in the algorithms. Ensuring the accuracy of AI-selected targets is crucial to minimizing collateral damage and upholding international humanitarian law. Additionally, accountability mechanisms must be in place to address any mistakes or wrongful targeting. Moreover, the use of AI in targeting bombing sites has profound implications for civilian populations in conflict zones like Gaza. There's a risk of exacerbating humanitarian crises and further destabilizing the region if civilian infrastructure or non-combatants are inadvertently targeted. Also, the deployment of AI in military operations can potentially alter the dynamics of conflicts. It may lead to increased reliance on technological solutions and further escalation if opposing forces seek to develop or counter similar capabilities. Last, given the global ramifications of AI in warfare, there's a pressing need for international regulation and oversight to govern its use. Clear guidelines must be established to ensure that AI technologies are employed ethically and responsibly following human rights principles.

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‘The Gospel’: How Israel uses AI to elected bombing targets in Gaza. The Guardian:

After going through this article, I've come to realize the importance of navigating the world of social media engagement. It's clear, to me now how platforms like Meta, TikTok and others have a role in shaping the flow of information and influencing opinions from various angles. The article presents a range of suggestions for policies and programs to address the impacts of these platforms such as implementing AI human content moderation systems focusing on localized content moderation initiatives and actively educating the public to combat misinformation effectively. This has highlighted for me the significance of maintaining ethical spaces. It encourages me to assess the information I consume and voice support, for actions that foster fair narratives. AI systems are indeed created by humans and can be influenced by biases or limitations in the data they are trained on. This can sometimes result in unequal representation or favoritism towards certain narratives and this is clear when we ask any AI system about Palestine and gives us limited information compared to what it gives when we ask about Israel.

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https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSFkesDTM/

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وهِيَ مِنَ دي شوية

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وهِيَ مِنَ دي شوية

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I believe that when it comes to AI making ethical decisions related to human lives, a balance is crucial. While AI possesses remarkable capabilities, it cannot fully comprehend the intricacies and nuances of human experiences. Similarly, humans are prone to biases and subjective judgment. Thus, I advocate for a collaborative approach, where AI and humans work together to make decisions. Just as in aviation, where pilots rely on autopilot systems but ultimately retain control and responsibility, the combination of AI's analytical prowess with human empathy and moral reasoning can lead to more robust and ethically sound outcomes in critical situations.

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Carine Said                                 Should AI take control of all live or death discussion      

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Carine Said                                 Should AI take control of all live or death discussion      

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Contextual Understanding: AI may struggle with understanding complex and dynamic situations, particularly those involving nuanced human emotions, cultural factors, or rapidly changing conditions. Human judgment is often needed to navigate these complexities.

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Should AI take control of all life-or-death decisions?

I believe AI should not be involved in making life-or-death decisions for several reasons. It might lack the required accuracy and precision in making such decisions as AI is still undergoing development and maintenance. AI also lacks emotions and feelings which play an important role in making these decisions as well as conscience.

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Is it safe to entrust AI with fully automated decision-making that could determine life or death outcomes for people? Similar to the situation with autonomous driving, the answer appears to be nuanced. At present, artificial intelligence functions as an aide, primarily focused on augmenting the efficiency and precision of experienced radiologists, assisting them in their core function of diagnosis.

In critical scenarios where human lives are at risk, it's imperative to view AI as a tool to enhance rather than replace human expertise. AI's integration has the capacity to substantially enhance various sectors such as healthcare and transportation, potentially impacting every facet of human endeavor. However, it's essential to recognize the existing limitations of AI and employ it alongside human judgment.

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Opinion | Noam Chomsky: The False Promise of ChatGPT

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The most prominent strain of A.I. encodes a flawed conception of language and knowledge.

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The terms virtual reality and augmented reality get thrown around a lot. VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2 or the Valve Index, and AR apps and games, such as Pokemon Go, are popular. They sound similar, and as the technologies develop, they bleed into each other in some ways. This is readily apparent in the new Apple Vision Pro, a headset that won't go on sale until early 2024.

But VR and AR are still two very different concepts, with defining characteristics that distinguish one from the other.

What Is Virtual Reality?

Meta Quest Pro

VR headsets completely take over your vision to give you the impression that you're somewhere else. The PlayStation VR 2, the Meta Quest 2, the Valve Index, and other headsets are opaque, blocking out your surroundings when you wear them. If you put them on when they're turned off, you might feel as if you're blindfolded.

When the headsets turn on, however, the LCD or OLED panels inside are refracted by the lenses to fill your field of vision with whatever is being displayed. It can be a game, a 360-degree video, or just the virtual space of the platforms' interfaces. Visually, you're taken to wherever the headset wants you to go-the outside world is replaced with a virtual one-hence the name.

For both games and apps, virtual reality supersedes your surroundings. Where you are physically doesn't matter. In games, you might sit in the cockpit of a starfighter. In apps, you might virtually tour distant locations as if you were there. There are tons of possibilities in VR, and they all involve replacing everything around you with something else. This doesn't mean your surroundings are completely out of the picture, though; most current VR headsets are able to scan your surroundings or at least set boundaries to keep you in the area you've cleared to use them and not trip over your furniture.

Superhot VR

What Is Augmented Reality?

While virtual reality replaces your vision, augmented reality adds to it. AR devices, such as the Microsoft HoloLens, the original Google Glass, and various enterprise-level "smart glasses," are transparent, letting you see everything in front of you as if you are wearing a pair of clear glasses.

The technology is designed for free movement while projecting images over whatever you look at. The concept extends to smartphones with AR apps and games, such as Pokemon Go, which use your phone's camera to track your surroundings and visually overlay additional information on top of it.

AR displays can offer something as simple as a text overlay that shows the time, to something as complicated as holograms of furniture floating in the middle of a room. Pokemon Go projects a Pokemon on your screen that rests on top of whatever the camera is pointed at. The HoloLens and other smart glasses, meanwhile, let you virtually place floating app windows and 3D decorations around you.

These displays tend to be expensive, however, and we've yet to see an AR headset both realistically priced and with enough features to be considered a true consumer product. Because of this, the majority of AR experiences available to most people are via smartphones-using your phone's camera and screen to augment your reality in a very limited view.

Augmented reality has nearly limitless possibilities. Phone-based AR software has been recognizing surroundings and providing additional information about what it sees for years now, offering live translation of text or pop-up reviews of restaurants as you look at them. Dedicated AR headsets, such as the HoloLens, can do even more, letting you virtually place different apps as floating windows around you. They effectively give you a modular, multi-monitor, computing setup. However, purely AR headsets are still too expensive and bulky to be considered everyday computing items.

The Middle Ground: Mixed Reality

AR and VR were mutually exclusive concepts at first, but slowly they've merged into a new catch-all range of reality-shifting technology: mixed reality. Sometimes called MR or XR, mixed reality is when primarily VR headsets incorporate AR aspects into their use.

Apple Vision Pro

All major VR headsets currently available have outward-facing cameras that can scan your surroundings and provide a view of what's around you. Virtual reality becomes mixed reality when those surroundings factor into what you're doing in the headset. It can be as simple as setting borders around you so you don't trip over anything in the real world, or as complicated as taking detailed measurements of furniture and building the virtual environment to reflect those physical objects.

It's a broad term, and, ultimately, mixed reality can describe any part of the AR/VR spectrum, but we're seeing more and more of a firm middle ground between them. The Meta Quest Pro, for example, has color cameras that provide a much clearer view of your surroundings and project virtual screens on your desk, letting you work as if you had multiple monitors and even use your own keyboard and mouse instead of virtual representations of them. The upcoming Apple Vision Pro also appears to have these features, and will similarly display virtual objects across your real environment. Apple calls its product a Spatial Computer.

Effectively, though, both of these experiences are more VR than AR. Unless you're dealing with a transparent display that overlays information about an environment that you can look at directly, any headset is still going to completely determine what your eyes see, pixel by pixel. Pass-through video gives a taste of AR, but you're still wearing a VR headset.

Looking Towards the Future

The line between AR and VR won't be going away fully any time soon, but in the short term, it will become less defined as mixed reality becomes a bigger factor among VR headsets. Outward-facing cameras and environment-scanning technology will improve over time and you'll be able to get a clearer look at your surroundings when wearing a headset-effectively making every VR headset a mixed reality headset as well.

In the longer term, however, that line will probably become sharper once again. For the moment, processing requirements and display technology still limit how small and affordable AR displays can be. The electronics that go into AR glasses are still expensive and take up a fair amount of space. Once the components become small enough to install on a pair of glasses without significantly adding to its heft, and are relatively inexpensive, dedicated AR displays will pull away from full vision-covering VR headsets and really bring the augmented reality concept into a consumer-friendly reality. For now, your choices are big goggles or staring at your phone.

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Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR): What's the Difference?

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Curious about the difference between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)? From the Apple Vision Pro to the Meta Quest to the Microsoft HoloLens, we break it down for you.

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Resisting the next AI 'hype cycle': A strategic investment perspective

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Resisting the next AI 'hype cycle': A strategic investment perspective

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The article "Resisting the next AI 'hype cycle': A strategic investment perspective" discusses the importance of adopting a cautious approach towards AI technologies to avoid fueling hype cycles in investments. It emphasizes the need for investors to critically evaluate opportunities rather than being swayed by media discussions and short-term trends. The article highlights that while AI tools like ChatGPT may offer significant opportunities when implemented correctly, many startups rushing into the market with such solutions may face challenges due to the immense computational power required and the broad data sets involved. Investors are advised to differentiate between lasting opportunities and hype cycles, ensuring that their excitement stems from genuine potential rather than mere trends. In essence, the article underscores the significance of responsible investing in AI technologies, urging investors to maintain a balanced view, consider long-term prospects, and avoid impulsive decisions driven by hype. By exercising caution and discernment, investors can contribute to sustainable growth and authentic innovation in the tech market while mitigating risks associated with unfounded excitement and speculative trends.

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The Metaverse as a Virtual Form of Smart Cities: Opportunities and Challenges for Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Urban Futures

The article delves into the transformative potential of the Metaverse in reshaping urban tourism dynamics, offering a fascinating blend of virtual experiences alongside traditional attractions. What particularly captivates me is the concept of "phygital" integration, where the physical and digital worlds converge to provide tourists with immersive encounters regardless of their physical location. This not only opens up opportunities for those unable to travel but also addresses pressing issues like pollution and competition in urban tourism. Additionally, the Metaverse's role in branding and conservation efforts, leveraging technologies like blockchain and NFTs to preserve cultural heritage sites, is intriguing. It presents a forward-thinking approach that not only enriches visitor experiences but also ensures the longevity and sustainability of tourism destinations. This exploration of the Metaverse's potential to revolutionize urban tourism underscores its significance in shaping the future of travel and cultural preservation.

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How does digital photography affect our identity/self image?

For sure, digital photography has revolutionized how we shape and perceive our identity and self-image in the modern era. With the ability to curate and control our online presence through selective sharing and editing, we craft idealized self-images that may not always align with reality, fostering a culture of continuous self-remodeling. The prevalence of digital images on social media platforms fuels social comparison, influencing self-esteem and self-perception based on external validation. Moreover, digital photography plays a dual role in memory construction and identity exploration, capturing moments that shape our sense of self while providing a creative outlet for self-expression. However, the fine line between authenticity and performance in digital photography raises questions about genuine self-representation and the impact of curated online personas on self-discovery and acceptance. In navigating the complexities of digital photography, it is essential to reflect on how our digital self-image influences our identity and strive for a balanced approach that embraces authenticity and self-expression in a digitally interconnected world.

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When reading the prompt, I feel a mix of amusement and resonance. It resonates with the daily challenges I face in navigating academic pressures while striving to maintain integrity and creativity in my work. The idea of encapsulating this complex struggle in a humorous meme sparks a sense of camaraderie with fellow students who likely share similar experiences. However, it also prompts reflection on the inherent tensions between academic demands, personal values, and creative expression, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the student experience and the constant negotiation required to navigate these competing priorities effectively.