nyc diaries, the invention of the gifted child, a spring playlist, and falling in love with ai chatbots
Hello.
I’m going to share a few snippets from my weekend, then we’ll get into today’s news. I’ve been struggling a lot these past couple of weeks: work related, mental health, personal life, the ending stretch of winter, etc. Life has felt heavy. But this weekend was the first time in a long time that I felt sparks of hope. I’m staying cautiously optimistic and embracing these moments of joy and doing what I love most to celebrate (exploring new places, eating good food, and wandering around new york city with the people I love most).
Also, I made a private Spring inspired playlist just for you. I’ll be sharing the link at the end of this letter <3
Alas, here are some moments from recent days that sparked joy:
Read with me:
This Tech Evangelist Has Big Dreams for AI Tutors. Are They Too Big?
Sal Khan, a prominent advocate for AI in education, is optimistic about the technology's potential to revolutionize learning. Inspired by a 1984 study on tutoring, Khan aims for AI to turn average students into exceptional ones. However, a recent paper from Education Next challenges these aspirations, suggesting the 1984 results were outliers and that the current AI ambitions might be unrealistic. Despite skepticism, Khan launched Khanmigo, an AI chatbot for tutoring and lesson-planning support. While acknowledging that achieving 1984-level gains might take time, Khan believes significant improvements are possible. Pilot programs with Khanmigo are ongoing, with discussions about broader adoption in multiple states.
The Wall Street Journal
Why Are People Falling In Love With AI Chatbots?
Generative AI, including chatbots, is reshaping human interactions on dating apps and beyond. Emilia David from The Verge discusses two parallel trends: dating apps like Tinder using AI to enhance user profiles and messages, and startups like Volar introducing AI chatbots to initiate conversations between potential matches. Furthermore, companies like Replika offer AI companions, encouraging users to form meaningful connections with chatbots as friends, therapists, or even romantic partners. The discussion explores the emotional impact of AI on human connections, emphasizing both mental health benefits and potential pitfalls.
The Verge
My Job Is Destroying My Mental Health But The Pay Is Great. What Do I Do?
Balancing a well-paying job with potential mental health strains requires thoughtful consideration. Assessing the long-term impact, advocating for improved working conditions, and exploring alternative opportunities might lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling career path.
CosmopolitanÂ
Are You Always Late? Here’s How To Be On Time
Chronically being late can stem from various factors, such as upbringing, time orientation, overscheduling, and even aversion to certain tasks. To overcome lateness, experts suggest a personalized approach, including brain dumps, task prioritization, and realistic time assessments. Being gentle with oneself and understanding the underlying reasons can contribute to effective time management and punctuality.
The Guardian
The Invention Of The Gifted Child
In the aftermath of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education desegregation decision, the notion of "gifted" children gained prominence, fueled by the National Defense Education Act of 1958. This narrative, entwined with Cold War anxieties and a desire for academic excellence, led to the establishment of gifted programs, contributing to ongoing disparities in education along racial and socioeconomic lines. The legacy of this era endures, with enduring inequalities and overreliance on standardized testing in the educational landscape.
Big Think
I’ve Had To End Many Friendships Over The Years. How Can I Be More Discerning Upfront?
Navigating new friendships can be challenging, especially when attracting people easily. To be more discerning upfront, consider a measured approach. Avoid hastily ruling people out based on superficial characteristics, and be cautious of condescension. You might explore maintaining friendships with lower intensity, allowing for communication without mutual enmeshment. Preparing phrases to handle boundary oversteps can help you feel more in control. Remember, it's okay to move on from friendships that don't align with your needs and values.
The Guardian
The concept of codependency, popularized in the late 1980s, has gained traction in discussions about relationships, but its lack of clear definition and potential to pathologize caregiving raise concerns. The term overlooks the natural interdependence inherent in human connections and the complexities of balancing individual needs within relationships.
The Atlantic
The Worlds Mental Health Is In Rough Shape - And It’s Not Getting Any Better
Sapien Labs' fourth annual Mental State of the World report, based on data from over 400,000 respondents in 71 countries, reveals a continued decline in global mental well-being since 2020. Factors such as early exposure to smartphones, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and the breakdown of family relationships are identified as contributors to the declining mental health, particularly among the youth.
Vox
In the digital waves, our shared reality is eroding, much like the crowded shores of Linda Mar beach. Neil Postman's foresight echoes as the internet blurs the line between meaningful dialogue and online cacophony. In this sea of digital noise, consensus becomes elusive, prompting profound questions about our collective understanding in the age of perpetual online conflict.
The New Yorker
If you’re still reading this, I love you. Thank you for supporting my letter.
I made a little spring playlist just for you.
See you tomorrow.
Bye <3
