Envisioning Community Recap #14
Hello! This week, we talk about how AI chooses our jobs, makes our art, and invents solutions to our problems, plus a little bit of biotech.
Links
#feed-tech-and-culture
AI-powered job-matching platforms are being used by several companies to pre-select workers. Looking for a job? Here’s how to write a resume an AI will love.
#-2-chat
This week’s Ezra Klein Podcast advocates for a mindful relationship with technology by following L.M. Sacasas’ 41 questions we should ask ourselves about the technologies and tools that shape our lives. Shared by mz.
#study-patterns
Check out this sad and funny list of hacker laws that coders are all too familiar with. Shared by mz.
#-2-chat
This post presents a deep look at generative art, how it was created, and where it's heading to.
News
#feed-ai-computing
In a landmark decision, an AI is credited as the main inventor of a product, and intellectual property officials granted the world’s first patent to an algorithm.
#feed-science-fiction
In this refreshing conversation, Geneticist George Church and science-fiction writer Ramez Naam talk about advances in biotechnology, genetic matching apps, and how to turn science fiction into science fact.
Shared by Lidia.
#feed-urban-innovation
Yes, AI will take your job, but it could also help to redistribute wealth by creating a whole new field of work in developing countries. Learn here how the global south is teaching autonomous cars to see.
#feed-emerging-tech
Photonics promises to bring unprecedented advances in deep learning technology. Photonic computing might be faster and more energy-efficient than its electronic counterpart. Via mz.
Conversations
#-2-chat
Serj needs help from the community, they wrote:
"Hey all. I'm looking for a decent 'theory of change' template? Does anyone know a good one or anyone who facilitates theory of change workshops / consulting in any sector?”
Reply here, if you know of something that might fit.
#-2-chat
Are our images of the future just reflecting the present?
Thiara: I would like to change the system… I think you too. What is missing from us to change something is ideology.
Theo: I more or less use the idea of the future by sociologist Fredric Jameson (in his book about utopia’s) that the future is often an extrapolation of the current status quo and that we need to envision an alternative now with different value systems than our current ones first to be able to envision a future that is different from what we already expect to happen.
Thomas: I just started reading this book, it more or less talks about our images of the future are always images of the present and about how media has profound impacts on many aspects of our personality.
Dave: Most people come up with ideas that are already present today and as a reaction to today, instead of really being able to envision a different world. So for me, I’m trying to find ways how to open up the ability for imagination. I’d say it starts with becoming aware of the values systems and ideologies we’re are unconsciously basing our thinking, acting etc. And seeing what it results in, so the urgency to change becomes more salient.
How can we imagine new futures? Head up to #-2-chat to share your thoughts.
Bye, see you next week,
Caroline