Worth a discussion...

When the iPhone was introduced in 2007, few people anticipated how having a computer and access to the internet in the palm of our hands would change our lives. In many ways, it was a grand experiment that yielded lots of advances, but also many challenges. As we navigate the newest wave of technological change with AI, it's worth engaging in active debates about the potential ramifications from wide spread adoption. Some we can anticipate, others we can't, but it's helpful to consider some of the challenges we can see now. Below are two topics that are worth thinking about as the technology evolves.

Learning a task vs AI doing it for you

Earlier this year, a research study by Societies (Click HERE to read) raised concerns about critical thinking skills being degraded from using AI to complete tasks that people once did for themselves. Similar concerns were raised around when calculators were mass produced, as people worried their use would degrade math skills. Schools responded to the launch of the calculator by insuring that children practice the basic mechanics of math and computation before being allowed to use a calculator. Should we have a similar approach today, where we try and learn how to do tasks ourselves before engaging with an AI tool? Or does it really depend on the task?

Algorithmic vs Non-Algorithmic interactions

Being online and using the internet is not inherently a bad thing, as Tyler Cowen recently argued in an essay published in the Free Press (click HERE to read) but the parts of it that are designed to capture and manipulate your attention for profit can be. Cal Newport explores this in a recent podcast (click HERE to watch Cal Newport's episode) that talks about the distinction between the Algorithmic and Non-Algorithmic internet. Social Media, gambling and certain gaming applications fall into this category of “Algorithmically driven interactions”, where companies have developed sophisticated algorithms to keep you clicking within their app. But there are parts of the internet that are not like this. Email, for example, leaves you in charge of communications and your time within the platform. Understanding the difference between tools that you are using vs the tools that are using you can be helpful in navigating the online world today and the rapid changes that are happening with AI.

REMINDER: A New Community Playground

Friends of Waveny Playground continues to raise funds for construction of a new playground at Waveny. This re-imagined playground seeks to meet the recreational, social and developmental needs of children through thoughtful design.

Opportunities for your family's name to be displayed on a brick via the Legacy Walkway or on the Waveny Playground Welcome Sign are still available! Please consider donating today.

Visit polarengraving.com/wavenyplayground to view donation options and make a purchase.

To ask any questions or find out about more giving opportunities, email: ncwavenyplayground@gmail.com

CONSIDERED TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

From time to time, the Unplugged team comes across interesting tools to help our community navigate new technologies. This newsletter's recommendation is an app that helps you manage AI models securely and gain greater visibility into how they operate.

MSTY.APP

If you are currently working with AI Models or looking to do so in a safe and efficient manner, MSTY.APP is a great tool to explore. It provides a single platform to interact with various AI models, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps and configurations. It can handle both locally hosted and online models on your desktop and even offers a side by side comparison of model performance. Click HERE to explore the tool.

 ARTICLES WORTH YOUR TIME

• An Upclose look at AI Video - AI Content creation, especially video, is getting very good, very quickly. In this hilarious first-hand account, the Wall Street Journal's lead tech reporter makes her own film using AI and shares her experience (click HERE it read the article and view the video - subscription may be required).
• Are we too concerned about Social Media? Cal Newport revisits an argument for moderating pushback on new technologies, focusing instead on learning to live with the new thing, whatever form it happens to take. (click HERE to read)
• Education in the age of AI- Ezra Klein hosted a wide ranging conversation about the future of education in the age of AI with Rebecca Winthrop, who is the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. (click HERE to listen to The Ezra Klein Podcast)

Help New Canaan Unplug

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New Canaan Unplugged is a parent-run group completely independent from the New Canaan Public School System and the Town of New Canaan.