web3 rabbit hole, the loneliness cure, affection deprivation, chatgpt has memory now
Hello.
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend.
Today I’ll be sharing news and recent media consumption. I’ve been reading a lot of existential philosophy books lately and it has put me in a mood let me tell you. I’ve also fallen down the rabbit hole of web3, sora, crypto, ai, and other tech advancements. My screen time over the weekend was at an alarmingly high level so my eyes are burning as I write to you and my brain is rot.
News:
The Holy Grail For AI Research
The exploration of AI's potential to self-teach heralds a transformative phase in technological evolution, positioning it at the cusp of surpassing mere tool status to become an autonomous entity capable of self-directed learning and growth. This development not only challenges our conventional understanding of intelligence and learning but also prompts a reevaluation of the ethical and practical frameworks governing AI's integration into society, as we venture into uncharted territories of innovation and potential.
The Atlantic
A Loneliness Cure- Make One Friend A Year
The strategic approach of cultivating one meaningful friendship annually offers a practical and achievable remedy for loneliness, emphasizing the profound impact of quality connections on personal well-being. This method not only aligns with the psychological insight that deep relationships enhance life satisfaction but also provides a structured pathway to incrementally enrich one's social fabric, showcasing the transformative power of intentional and focused relational investment.
The Washington Post
How Our Obsession With Skincare Made Aging Feel Like A Moral Failure
The societal obsession with eternal youth has twisted the natural act of aging into a perceived personal shortcoming, fueling a relentless pursuit of the fountain of youth in a bottle. This relentless chase not only drains our wallets but also erodes the acceptance of our own authentic, evolving beauty.
Teen Vogue
Where New York City Tweens Actually Like To Shop
This article terrified me.
New York Magazine
The Day I Put $50,000 In A Shoe Box And Handed It To A Stranger
In a harrowing blend of fear and manipulation, the narrative "The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger" reveals the chilling ease with which a rational, well-informed individual can be ensnared by a scam, illustrating the potent mix of psychological tactics and personal data exploitation that can break down even the most skeptical minds. This story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability inherent in trust and the profound consequences of deception, highlighting the complex interplay between human psychology and the sophisticated methods employed by scammers in the digital age.
New York Magazine
The "dating app paradox" underscores a fundamental contradiction in the business models of dating apps like Hinge, which is designed to be deleted once it fulfills its purpose of helping users find love, thus inherently reducing its user base. This dilemma is exacerbated by the aggressive monetization strategies that lead to what's termed as "enshittification," where the pursuit of profit degrades the user experience, making these platforms less effective and enjoyable for finding genuine connections.
NPR
A Psychologist Explains The Effects Of ‘Affection Deprivation’
Affection deprivation, a shortfall in emotional warmth and care within interpersonal relationships, can significantly erode mental health, leading to stress, depression, and loneliness. This condition fosters negative self-perceptions, undermining self-worth and exacerbating feelings of isolation. Moreover, it can impair one's love life, fostering insecurity and emotional detachment, and contributing to lower relationship quality and satisfaction. Addressing affection deprivation involves practicing self-compassion, seeking support, communicating needs, and engaging in self-care to rebuild a sense of worthiness and foster healthier, more affectionate relationships.
Forbes
"All Good Sex Is Body Horror" explores the intricate relationship between transformation, disgust, and desire through the lens of David Cronenberg's body-horror genre, suggesting that profound changes and the breaking of societal norms can lead to a form of liberation or rebirth. The essay posits that true eroticism and transformation in sexual experiences require an openness to the unknown and a willingness to be reshaped by our encounters with others, challenging conventional notions of consent and comfort in sexual relationships. This perspective encourages embracing the unpredictable and potentially unsettling aspects of desire as pathways to discovering new facets of ourselves and our connections with others.
The New Yorker
Some People Actually Love Deepfakes
Deepfake technology, known for its potential in spreading disinformation, is being explored by businesses, academics, and politicians as a novel way to enhance communication and outreach. Companies like Accenture are utilizing deepfakes to create more engaging presentations, while educational institutions see them as tools to personalize and improve student engagement outside the classroom. The technology's accessibility through AI advancements has led to its adoption for various legitimate purposes, despite the ongoing concerns about its potential misuse in spreading falsehoods and affecting elections. As deepfake technology evolves, it presents a dual challenge: leveraging its benefits for innovation and engagement, while addressing the significant risks associated with its ability to manipulate reality.
Wired
OpenAI has introduced a long-term memory feature in ChatGPT, allowing the AI to remember personal details about users across multiple conversations. This "Memory" function is aimed at personalizing interactions, making ChatGPT more like a virtual assistant that can recall your preferences, work habits, and interests. While this advancement could make interactions with ChatGPT more fluid and natural, it also raises privacy and data security concerns. The feature is opt-in by default, and users have the ability to clear their memory data at any time. OpenAI assures that sensitive information, such as passwords or Social Security numbers, won't be stored in the Memory feature. However, the potential for misuse or unintended consequences, such as the chatbot recalling sensitive topics from past conversations, remains a concern. As AI technology continues to evolve, the balance between personalization and privacy will be a key issue to address.
Wired
Media Consumption:
Misc:
Are.na is my new favorite app
Reading:
The Birth Of Tragedy by Nietzche
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
Listening:
This interview with Grimes was fascinating
Boys Club podcast (You should check out all of their platforms!)
That’s all for today.
For more follow me:
See you tomorrow.
Bye.