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SamAsIAm's avatar

Ironic, how there are those Silicon Valley billionaires working feverishly to extend human life by decades or far more, and those trying to create a world where one wonders why you'd want to, simultaneously.

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the suck of sorrow's avatar

When AI propagandists claim the technology will make us, "more human" that is code for "no more humans." Most wage-slaves toil at bullshit jobs. Its bullshit, but the trend is to turn AI loose on those jobs. If chaos results, these were bullshit jobs in the first place.

The diminished resources that we need will be kept from us by this new technology. Replace us, leave us to whither, and the few can prosper (maybe).

But even AI can be replaced. The proprietary, energy sucking boondoggles of Google, Meta, X, ChatGPT, Anthopic, actually the whole damn list of US AI firms, will themselves whither away due to open and less energy intensive Chinese AI models.

I am striving to have kindling and popcorn. Its better to munch than to weep.

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foglight's avatar

I've never seen a starling murmuration! My spouse cycles many miles up in the hills daily & takes incredible wildlife photos (also daily) but he hasn't seen one either. Something to look forward to, amidst all the badness :)

Where were these photos taken, if you don't mind saying?

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Sam's avatar

Nate, thanks for your perspective and insights. You're a thinker, and you help the rest of us think.

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CarolAnn Barrows's avatar

Only Human After All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv4cqTlgJ-4

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Sangeeta Lyons's avatar

Thanks as always Nate for your latest essay. Stunning stills photos of the murmuration too!

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Adam Whybray's avatar

Incredible murmuration.

"In response, some health authorities in the UK and Europe are recommending (not mandating) masks in hospitals and health centres. Across social media, the outrage at the idea anyone should wear a mask to protect someone else is incandescent. The most common react emoji is the laughing face."

I dont want to over-exaggerate, but when I recently wore a mask because of having a bad cold (flu?) and needing to go to the shops, I received more weird looks and one slightly mocking reaction than I would have got had I not worn one and just coughed openly without shielding with even my hand or arm, like lots of folks are doing.

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Nate Bear's avatar

Good on you for doing the right thing, but yeah, that's where we are sadly

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Marusha Taylor's avatar

It's not happening everywhere or in every discipline yet, but one hopeful sign that I'm seeing (at least here in Canada) is the growing incorporation of the humanities and patient experiences into the practice of medicine, particularly when treating members of marginalized groups. At the same time, there's growing interest in using AI in medicine, something that arouses my skepticism. I don't expect to be around to see the long-term consequences of either, but have to remain hopeful for the future.

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