Plus, Anthropic AI models will begin to cut off harmful conversation
Why pigeons are responsible for our AI breakthroughs.
When people look for the precursors of artificial intelligence, they often point to science fiction written by Isaac Asimov and thought experiments such as the Turing test. The research of American psychologist B.F. Skinner with pigeons at the turn of the 20th century was a forerunner that is equally important, even if it is surprising and underappreciated.
Skinner believed that association–learning, through trial and error, to link an action with a punishment or reward–was the building block of every behavior, not just in pigeons but in all living organisms, including human beings.
His “behaviorist” theories fell out of favor with psychologists and animal researchers in the 1960s but were taken up by computer scientists who eventually provided the foundation for many of the artificial-intelligence tools from leading firms like Google and OpenAI. Read the complete story. This story is part of our upcoming print issue which is about security. Subscribe now if you haven’t done so already to receive future issues.
Indigenous Knowledge meets Artificial Intelligence
Most Native American languages have no word for art. The closest terms do not refer to objects but rather to action and intent. Art is not a separate thing from life. It is ceremony, instruction, and design.
This principle is being used by a new vanguard of Native Artists. They are not united by stereotypical weaving or carving, nor by a revanchist critique Silicon Valley. Instead, they reject extractive data models and prefer relationship-based systems. Read the complete story.
–Petala Ironcloud
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
Anthropic has devised a plan to combat harmful conversations with chatbots
The latest AI models have the ability to end a chat in a last-resort. It’s not for the user’s protection, but to protect the model. TechCrunch ()
+ Also, the company has updated its policy in order to ban weapons development. The Verge
Two CEOs want to see their employees embrace AI
even if they are struggling to grasp it themselves. (NYT$)
(Undark )
+ Eight thousand pregnant women could die due to US aid cuts for reproductive care. MIT Technology Review
Creating AI slop videos can be a lucrative enterprise
This is a low-effort and high-reward venture. (WP$)
+ TikTok is also awash with low-quality, addictive soap operas. The Guardian
and are predicting that China’s next cultural export will be short soap operas in the TikTok style. MIT Technology Review
Five stage-four cancer patients live longer
but they also face long, uncertain treatments and ongoing side effects. (WSJ$)
+ The difficulty of using AI to diagnose cancer. MIT Technology Review
6 AI as the most valuable tool for hackers
It supercharges criminals who are already very proficient. (NBC News )
+ Cyberattacks from AI agents are on the way. MIT Technology Review
A tiny Californian company now owns Europe’s largest battery giant
Northvolt’s future looked bright – until it wasn’t. (The Information$)
+ A startup wants to use Earth as a massive batteries. MIT Technology Review
China is going crazy for podcasts
A grassroots campaign is highlighting social issues as well as highly personal stories. (FT $)
10 How to turn seaweeds into biofuels
The beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are covered with it, and these entrepreneurs have a solution. (Wired $)
+ Hope and hype surrounding seaweed farming to remove carbon. MIT Technology Review
10 of the robot Olympics’ athletes fell a lot.
This is all part of teaching these robots how to navigate more efficiently. (CNN )
+ Some were more successful than other. ($NYT)
+ Robots must become more lazy to be more useful. MIT Technology Review
Today’s Quote
Pretend-me does better than the real-me in all the years I have been trying to do it on social media.
–Tracy Fetter explains to the New York Times why she has no regrets about allowing her likeness be used in a TikTok AI avatar .
Another thing
How to fine-tune AI to prosperityThere are many predictions about how the growing list generative AI models can transform the way people work and organize their lives. They will provide instant advice on everything, from financial investments to the best place to spend your vacation.
For economists, however, the most important question surrounding our obsession with AI is whether or not the fledgling technology can (or will) boost productivity and, if so, how quickly. Can the technology bring prosperity back to the world after years of stagnant growth? Read the complete story.
– David Rotman
You can still enjoy nice things
An area for comfort, entertainment and distraction that will brighten your day. (Do you have any ideas? Drop a line or Skeet ’em to me
– The first video rental shop in the worldwas much older than you think.
– Here’s what those unread books in your home are trying tell you.
– Need more energy? These foods will help.
This wild hamster is too cute.
