The Data Download: AI, big data, and conflict resources
Sent by Joshua Katris | January 21, 2024
The Good
AI's swift progress has unveiled the immense value hidden in data's details. At MIT, language models are now leveraging nuances in speech and typing patterns to personalize communication for each user. This means that even our unique dialects are becomes more valuable.
The Bad
Finding diamonds in your back yard is an amazing surprise, but only if you know what you’re looking for. Many are beginning to see a silent war breakout among the tech giants that are viciously guarding their newly discovered diamond mines. Note: Diamond mines = YOU.
The Ugly
Continuing the diamond metaphor, Stanford historian Steven Press has released his book, "Blood and Diamonds." This work paints a vivid picture of the diamond industry's exploitative costs and tells a compelling story of the tragic consequences when conflict resources are prized over the human lives that produce them.
Something to think about
History tends to repeat itself, and if we look at the way humans have notoriously engaged with the consumption of new found resources, it can lead to very real concerns.
What fears do you have regarding the tech industry's increasing consumption of big data? Moreover, acknowledging that Pandora's box cannot be closed, what changes are necessary to ensure big data serves our individual interests effectively?
Get "The Data Download" newsletter in your inbox every Sunday
No spam. Just the best ways
to improve your life using the
data your already make.