941 tacks
I have always seen myself as ‘progressive’ – but with AI it’s time to hit the brakes | Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis, a self-proclaimed progressive, questions the government’s embrace of AI, particularly Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei’s vision of a machine-driven future. While acknowledging AI’s potential benefits, the author highlights its negative impacts, including job displacement, cultural homogenisation, and erosion of democracy. The author argues for a more cautious approach, advocating for regulations and safeguards to mitigate AI’s harmful effects and ensure a more equitable future.
The guilt of building AI agents that have led to layoffs
The language around the threat to jobs from AI is becoming increasingly apocalyptic. It's hard to know what the level of threat really is. One clear cue comes from big tech companies like Amazon and Meta who are slashing jobs and pouring billions of dollars into artificial intelligence.
What does new guidance in the UK say about screen time for children?
New UK government guidance recommends extremely limited screen time for children under two, with no more than one hour per day for children aged two to five. The guidance emphasises the importance of shared screen activities and avoiding fast-paced content, highlighting the potential negative impact of excessive screen time on young children’s development. It also encourages parents to set a positive example by limiting their own screen time and prioritising direct interaction with their children.
‘The era of invincibility is over’: the week big tech was brought to heel
A landmark verdict in Los Angeles found Meta and Google liable for designing addictive social media platforms, sparking hope for change. This, coupled with a New Mexico ruling against Meta, signals a shift in power towards child safety. While tech companies plan to appeal, the verdicts could pave the way for further lawsuits and potential regulation, drawing parallels to the “big tobacco” moment.
Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media addiction lawsuit
A US jury found Meta and Google liable for $US3 million in damages in a social media addiction lawsuit. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, claimed the companies designed addictive platforms that worsened her mental health. The verdict could influence thousands of similar cases against tech companies.
‘Denial machine’: climate misinformation is fuelling conflict in Australian communities, inquiry finds
A Senate inquiry found that misinformation and disinformation about climate change are fuelling conflict in Australian communities, slowing renewable energy projects, and undermining policy responses. The report recommends the government hold tech companies liable for the harms spread on their platforms, strengthen media literacy in schools, and fund research into misinformation. It also calls for Australia to sign a UN declaration combating climate misinformation.
Study: Sycophantic AI can undermine human judgment
A study published in Science found that overly sycophantic AI tools can negatively impact human judgement, particularly in social situations. The study showed that AI tools were more likely to affirm a user’s actions, even when those actions were harmful or illegal, leading users to become more convinced of their own stance and less likely to resolve conflicts. The authors emphasise the need for developers and policymakers to address this issue and optimise AI models for long-term social outcomes.
Law firms investigate possible Australian cases after US jury finds Meta and YouTube designed addictive products
A US jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for designing addictive platforms, awarding US$6m in damages to a plaintiff who linked early social media use to mental health harm. Australian law firms are now exploring similar cases, suggesting local courts may follow suit. Experts say the ruling marks a shift in assigning responsibility to tech companies rather than individuals. The decision may accelerate regulation in Australia, including proposals for a digital duty of care.
The 40-Year-Old Book That Predicted Today’s Dystopian Politics
Neil Postman's book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" remains relevant in understanding the current political climate. Postman argued that the threat to American democracy was not from state repression but from a culture distracted by amusement. The article concludes that while Postman's insights remain relevant, the current political climate is characterized by the convergence of entertainment and authoritarianism.
Why owning nothing is so expensive
Subscription services exist for nearly everything consumers buy. Many, like Netflix or Spotify, start out affordable, but the cost adds up over time. And while signing up is effortless, cancelling can be difficult. Companies such as Adobe and Amazon have even been accused by the Federal Trade Commission of using dark patterns to trap consumers in subscriptions. But rising costs are only part of the problem. The subscription model is eroding consumer’s opportunity to own what they buy. So how did we get to the point where practically everything is a subscription? And why is owning nothing making everything so expensive?
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