dreaming of spring, uncanny valley of the dolls, and recent media consumption
Hello.
I’m dreaming of spring and writing my spring wishlist in my notes app- this wishlist consists of more than just material things. Spring to me feels like the start of the new year. It feels like a time to reset. It feels hopeful and welcoming and fresh. So I’m thinking of ways to curate more optimism and joy in my life. Simple things, always. Like picking one day out of the week to make hot cereal with blueberries and milk in the morning. (Thank you
<3). Farmer’s markets on weekends, wearing crisp white linen nightgowns to the grocery store, intimate dinner parties or lunches with friends, being read to sleep- and the list continues. A softer romantic simple existence. Maybe I’ll share my little list with you soon.
Read with me:
A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men
The narrative highlights the disturbing intersection of social media's influencer culture and child exploitation, as parents unknowingly or naively commodify their children's images for online fame, inadvertently attracting predatory audiences. This complex digital landscape raises profound ethical questions about parental responsibility, the commodification of childhood, and the platforms' roles in policing content, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable users in the ever-evolving digital realm.
The New York Times
The Biggest AI Trends In The Next 10 Years
The article speculates on the major AI trends expected in the next decade, suggesting a transformation in artificial general intelligence (AGI), quantum computing's impact on AI, the augmentation of human capabilities through AI, advancements in robotics and collaborative robots, and the integration of AI in government and law enforcement. It anticipates significant advancements in AGI, making AI more intuitive and autonomous. Quantum computing is expected to enhance AI's computational capabilities, leading to scientific breakthroughs. AI might also augment human physical and cognitive abilities, while robotics could become commonplace in daily life, assisting with various tasks. Lastly, AI's role in governance could become more pronounced, streamlining public administration and enhancing law enforcement strategies.
Forbes
The article discusses a significant ADHD medication shortage in the U.S., exacerbated by the DEA's shutdown of Ascent Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturer of generic ADHD drugs like Adderall. The DEA cited poor recordkeeping and potential diversion of millions of pills as reasons for the shutdown. Ascent argues its operations were compliant and that the shutdown significantly worsens the medication shortage, impacting patients nationwide. The broader context includes increased ADHD diagnoses, pandemic-related rises in prescriptions, and the complex regulatory landscape governing controlled substance production.
New York Magazine
Uncanny Valley Of The Dolls: Why Dolls Are Making A Comeback
The article discusses the resurgence of dolls in popular culture and fashion, highlighting their presence on social media, fashion runways, and as symbols of consumerism and performativity. Dolls are used to explore themes of gender roles, representation, and the intersection of technology and humanity, reflecting our complex relationship with digital identities and consumer culture. The piece suggests that as technology advances, our lives increasingly resemble those of dolls, blurring the lines between humans and machines.
Dazed
OpenAI’s New Product, Sora, Is Already Producing Wild Videos
OpenAI has introduced a new video generation tool called Sora, capable of creating realistic videos from text prompts. It marks a significant advancement in AI-generated media, offering improved realism, prompt interpretation, and longer video capabilities. Despite its impressive features, some videos display surreal flaws, highlighting ongoing challenges in accurately rendering motion and object interactions. OpenAI is currently "red-teaming" Sora to address potential misuse and ensure ethical deployment. The tool's future applications and impact, particularly in advertising and information dissemination, are still being explored.
New York Magazine
The article explores the phenomenon of parasocial relationships, particularly through podcasts and similar media. It delves into the history of friendship and the evolving nature of social interactions, highlighting how modern media creates a sense of intimacy and connection with figures we don't actually know personally. The text discusses the psychological implications of these one-sided relationships and the way they reflect broader societal shifts in how we understand and engage with the concept of friendship.
Real Life
The article examines the portrayal of Asian cultures in futuristic narratives, where Asia serves as a backdrop for Western fantasies of the future. It critiques how these depictions often reduce Asian societies to mere aesthetic elements, reinforcing stereotypes and overlooking the complexities of Asian identities and contributions to technology and culture.
Real Life
Why Scientists Are Worried About Neuralink
The article discusses the ethical and safety concerns surrounding Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology. Experts from the University of Washington School of Medicine highlight the potential for Neuralink's devices to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities but also raise issues regarding privacy, autonomy, and the possibility of exacerbating social inequalities. The piece calls for clear ethical and legal guidelines to balance scientific innovation with patient safety and societal welfare.
Popular Science
If Humans Won’t Read Your Resume, Should You Let the Robot?
The article discusses the new law in New York City allowing job applicants to opt out of AI resume scanning, aiming to increase transparency in the use of AI in hiring processes. While it offers job seekers a choice, opting out doesn't guarantee that a human will review their application, potentially impacting their chances of getting hired. The law also highlights broader concerns about the use of AI in recruitment, including potential biases and the lack of transparency in AI-driven decision-making.
The Wall Street Journal
What’s the Tooth Fairy Leaving These Days? $100 Bills and Louis Vuitton Bracelets
In a world where childhood milestones are increasingly celebrated with grandeur, the tooth fairy's role has evolved from a simple coin under the pillow to extravagant gifts like $100 bills and luxury bracelets, sparking not only joy but also envy and competition among parents. This inflation of fairy currency reflects a broader trend of "inchstones," where every small step is an occasion for lavish recognition, yet it inadvertently fosters a culture of comparison and one-upmanship that complicates the innocent tradition.
The Wall Street Journal
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Unlock Your Full Potential (For Peak Performance)
The prompts provided aim to transform professional and personal landscapes by encouraging deep introspection and strategic action, guiding individuals towards shedding unproductive habits and embracing innovative, impactful endeavors that align with their ultimate aspirations and leadership potential. Through this structured self-reflection and proactive planning, the prompts serve as a catalyst for exponential growth, urging users to transcend their current boundaries and redefine what's possible in their careers and lives.
Forbes
Media Consumption:
Watching:
Booktok & The Hotgirlification Of Reading
Cinema:
The Handmaiden (2016) is a South Korean erotic psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, set in 1930s colonial Korea and Japan. It tells the story of a young woman hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly involved in a plot to defraud her.
Reading:
This Lady Sings The Blues by Billie Holiday
An autobiography of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, co-authored with William Dufty and published in 1956. The book recounts Holiday's life from her childhood in Baltimore to her rise in the jazz and blues music scenes, amidst struggles with addiction, relationships, and racial discrimination.
Les Enfants Terribles by Jean Cocteau
A novel written by Jean Cocteau, published in 1929, which explores the complex and intense relationship between a brother and sister living in their own fantastical world apart from society. Their symbiotic yet destructive bond leads them through a series of dramatic events, blurring the lines between love, dependency, and rivalry.
Listening:
That’s all for today.
For more follow me:
See you tomorrow.
Bye.
