An essay outlining the author's vision for a new architecture of social media, designed to be free from oligarchic control and manipulation, focusing on principles like open source, community ownership, human management, and a multi-threaded conversation topology.
Lee Felsenstein's post outlines his vision for a next-generation social media system designed to counter the negative influences of current platforms, particularly those controlled by oligarchs and used for manipulation. He argues that control of information channels is key to politics, and a healthy "commons of information" is vital for a civilized society.
His proposed system, "Commons of Information – NextGen," is built on principles of open source code, community ownership, human management, local cooperative economics, multi-threaded conversations, restriction to public communications, and a lack of profit motive.
Key features include a book-like conversation topology (avoiding "topic drift"), a micropayment system for content moderation and services, and a legal structure designed to resist takeover by powerful interests. Felsenstein emphasizes the need for ongoing discussion and collaboration to realize this vision, framing it as a crucial step towards a more democratic and informed future. He positions this work as a response to the current political climate and the dangers of authoritarianism and misinformation.
Lee Felsenstein's post outlines his vision for a next-generation social media system designed to counter the negative influences of current platforms, particularly those controlled by oligarchs and used for manipulation. He argues that control of information channels is key to politics, and a healthy "commons of information" is vital for a civilized society.
His proposed system, "Commons of Information – NextGen," is built on principles of open source code, community ownership, human management, local cooperative economics, multi-threaded conversations, restriction to public communications, and a lack of profit motive.
Key features include a book-like conversation topology (avoiding "topic drift"), a micropayment system for content moderation and services, and a legal structure designed to resist takeover by powerful interests. Felsenstein emphasizes the need for ongoing discussion and collaboration to realize this vision, framing it as a crucial step towards a more democratic and informed future. He positions this work as a response to the current political climate and the dangers of authoritarianism and misinformation.
A pilot program allows teachers to use AI to tackle their classroom problems. Researchers found that teachers learned to build and customize tools quickly, but successful integration depended on solving specific problems rather than just seeking efficiency.
Andrej Karpathy discusses the transformative changes in software development driven by large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence, comparing the current era to the early days of computing. The article details Software 3.0 as the latest evolution in software development paradigms, where LLMs are programmable systems that interpret natural language prompts.
The article discusses how AI is forcing institutions like schools, governments, and corporations to re-evaluate their purpose and adapt to a world where machines can increasingly perform cognitive tasks. It argues that institutions must become more adaptive, transparent, and focused on uniquely human values to remain relevant.
Pope Leo XIV explained that his name references Pope Leo XIII, who addressed social issues during the industrial revolution, and that AI presents similar challenges for human dignity, justice, and labor. The Catholic Church has been increasingly interested in AI and its ethical implications.
Despite widespread computer training, many individuals still struggle with basic computer tasks. This study suggests that cognitive abilities, specifically fluid intelligence, are a stronger predictor of computer skill than the amount of training received. The research indicates that inherent intelligence plays a more crucial role in computer literacy than previously believed, challenging the focus on simply providing more training.
The article discusses the implications of Sam Altman's proposal to modify the social contract in light of advancements in AI, emphasizing the potential risks to marginalized communities and democratic values. It critiques the exclusionary nature of traditional social contract theories and questions the role of tech leaders in shaping societal norms.
Dr. David Todd and C.F. Jenkins attempt to intercept signals from Mars using a Jenkins Radio Camera in 1924.
News articles, videos, and podcasts related to artificial intelligence research, applications, and developments at MIT.
Markoff reflects on the history of Silicon Valley, from its beginnings in the 1960s to the present day
The article reflects on the intersection of technology and counterculture in Silicon Valley, exploring the tension between the open-source spirit of the hacker counterculture and the capitalist ambitions of venture capitalists. It discusses the history of Silicon Valley, the role of psychedelics, and the paradox of the region's ability to simultaneously allow diverse cultures to thrive.
Markoff emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of Silicon Valley, which is not just about making money, but also about, as Steve Jobs invoked in Stewart Brand's phrase, "stay hungry, stay foolish" , remaining curious and open to new ideas.
The article reflects on the intersection of technology and counterculture in Silicon Valley, exploring the tension between the open-source spirit of the hacker counterculture and the capitalist ambitions of venture capitalists. It discusses the history of Silicon Valley, the role of psychedelics, and the paradox of the region's ability to simultaneously allow diverse cultures to thrive.
Markoff emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of Silicon Valley, which is not just about making money, but also about, as Steve Jobs invoked in Stewart Brand's phrase, "stay hungry, stay foolish" , remaining curious and open to new ideas.
