Ananyamous

[ananion-cation]

What next? TechnoloGUY? (6/3)

As an aspiring engineer, I’m always curious as to what tomorrow holds for technology. I just 4 short years, my entire lifestyle has changed because of advancements in technology. All of my files are saved to the cloud, allowing for easier access, and I am better organized because of online calendars. Applications let me monitor my health and exercise schedule. Four years ago, I would have thought that many of these advancements would have been impossible. Now, I can’t imagine my life without them. 

Four years from now, I see the technoloGUY-  a person who’s entire life is automated. A person who can simply think about a topic to make a paper. Who can communicate without even opening her mouth. Who can live without wasting time eating or drinking. I can easily imagine a world full of technoloGUYs, and I’m more surprised to know that this could potentially be a reality.

Technology is rapidly advancing to extend human capabilities. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Neurohacking: Basically one of my worst fears. The principle is that by decoding EEGs and brain wave signals, a program can transcribe your thoughts. I never had thought about it before, but the article mentioned neuromarketing, which would be incredibly effective. By pandering to an individual’s demand specific to his/her brain chemistry, companies will be able to sell a lot of product. This kind of technology has a high potential for misuse.

No-Touch Interface: This is one of my favorite advancements. One of the most tedious aspects of using technology is typing. I love using voice control to write memos so that I can multitask (it’s easier to speak than to type). Making more aspects of daily life voice controlled is a definite plus. Current technologies, like washing machines, showers, and cars would really benefit from a no-touch interface (YES PLEASE MAKE VOICE ACTIVATION FOR CARS I STILL DON’T KNOW WHICH PEDAL IS ACCELERATION AND WHICH ONE IS BREAK). This would definitely make technology more accessible. 

Optimizing Brain Capacity? Okay this one isn’t 100% technology integrated into human life, but it discusses using technology to train our brains to memorize better. The app, Memrise, uses a variety of psychological techniques to maximize memorization ability. It’s not the only one out there. Apps like Duolingo use similar techniques to teach skills and techniques. 

Dark Networks: Throw back to passion project. Technology will extend human’s ability to network and communicate. The internet will become a place for cybercriminals and hackers, so more technological vigilance is needed. I think it’s interesting that historically, the power was with those who had the brute force and power. More recently, power followed money and technological advancement. Now, it seems like power over the internet lies with those who have the resources and the brainpower. 

Wearable technology is in our future: here is a lengthy, but really well done short film about future tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipJ5CbFFf0&list=UUiNYSxh5l28_gCeC-zyr-6A&index=3&feature=iv&src_vid=oYOmZlTjsQ0&annotation_id=annotation_2431806935

The future of technology is best stated by a Forbes article: “ The future of technology is, ironically, all too human.”

[ananion-cation]

TECHNOLOGY TAKEOVER

3/16 SOUND THE ALARMS! THE END IS NEAR!

This morning, renowned scientist Stephen Hawing recently stated that agression, our greatest vice, will DESTROY HUMANITY.

*cue scary music in the background*

Okay, well maybe Stephen Hawking’s world view is a bit pessimistic, but his words expose the fact that technology can magnify our vices as much as it can enable us. He projects that we will destroy ourselves with nuclear power and to save the human race that we will need to explore space and colonize other land. That because we have tools that can potentially cause mass world destruction, we will undoubtedly use them without thinking.  

I think this argument boils down to humanity. I mean technology enables us to reach new heights. It is the satellite that lets us explore the fabric of our universe. It is the exoskeleton that allow firefighters to lift heavy materials . It is the prosthetic that allows veterans to assimilate into everyday life. Technology enables us to live fulfilling lives, best demonstrated by story of Henry Evans. Although he is nearly fully paralyzed, Evans still explores his backyard and town with the help of robotics. He uses drones to inspect his garden and to see the solar panels on his roof. Yet, these enabling results only occur when technology is used with humanity. 

When there is no humanity, it’s the beginning of every dystopian tale ever. Technology disables us because we lose our critical observation and thinking skills. The very characteristics that make us human. With an influx of knowledge and condensed information, we are not learning how to think, but rather what to think. We do as we are told by inanimate objects because we trust them. But, remember,overdependence on technology can disable us just as much as technology can enable us.

Hawking may be pessimistic in his projections, but he has one thing right- technology, as useful as it may be, has some seriously bad outcomes if used without humanity. 

[ananion-cation]

Cybersecurity: How do we remove the “blurred lines”?

When I was 12, I met my first computer virus. It was a small bug that only managed to slow my computer to speeds that made me want to pull my hair out, but I was enraged nonetheless. As someone who basically lives on the internet and finds her desktop familiar, these pesky intruders seem like home invaders. In order to protect myself and my beloved computer, I got an anti-virus package. That costs $50 annually. Over the years, my panic increased. In 2011, a bug that could activate the camera and the microphone on my computer freaked me out so much that I cover the camera with a post it and disabled the microphone. Just like you would take time to protect your home, I’m taking the time to protect my files and identity. However, I’ve always wondered what exactly the laws that govern the internet are. If I get hacked, can I call the police? Report it to the government? Or is the internet just a barren, lawless landscape where the weak are preyed upon.

To find real answers behind the complicated technical computer jargon, I first looked to US-CERT. The United State’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team. Most of their suggestions were preventative strategies (which I promptly implemented), but there were a few interesting points.

Cyber-bullying is something that the US-CERT actively addresses. You can report cyber-bullying offenses to your local law-enforcement agency, but there are rules as to what is protected under the freedom of speech and what constitutes a crime. We leave some traces on the internet, so most “anonymous” forums may not be so. Each computer has a name, or an IP address that usually is recorded. Furthermore, software details let website owners know which browser you are using and maybe even the operating system of your computer. Nonetheless, always be careful when giving your information out to companies.

Fun fact: our smartphones are in the greatest threat by someone who is in close proximity. They’re more likely to get hacked over a network connection or just plain stolen.

This is so important because I recently read a scare article in the New York Times regarding cybersecurity. “Ransomware”, or the act of holding someone’s computer files or information hostage, seems like a trend that is here to stay. Alina Simone weaves a tale of an unsuspecting mother whose files are completely encrypted. She cannot access or understand them. On her screen is a countdown to Armageddon, or rather when her files are completely erased. The price? $500 in the form of BitCoins. The Federal Government was no way, and CryptoWall, the company or organization behind these acts, is seemingly undefeatable. It was a relief to know that those who run CryptoWall are humans and not some robot trying to take over the world. However, with no government to rescue us, it’s every man for his own.

With twitter accounts being hacked for political purposes, Sony’s controversial “The Interview”, and an unrelenting cyberwar, it is important to define what is an individual’s responsibility and how can the government help protect their people in a new medium.    

Also, very important: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p3787JiFgQ

[ananion-cation]

1/12 The Car Race

The NASCAR season is set to start in about a month on the world famous Daytona International Speedway. For years, this sport has been enjoyed by millions because of the unique combination of perfectly engineered cars and quick driver reflexes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwIQX1IVtps

Not so pretty or thrilling. Accidents and injuries play a huge part in car racing and can be generalized to all cars. Safety is something that has not yet fully been addressed. From the recalls of airbags to poor breaking systems, there is undoubtedly a problem with the car itself. But there is a bigger danger when a human becomes involved. We are prone to distractions, and despite the campaigns against drunk driving and now distracted driving, death tolls are exorbitantly high. 

Which is why with a new era of NASCAR racing, focused on safety and speed, it's only natural to see the progress of the rumored "smart car"- one that has a brain of its own. This smart car could potentially follow the speed limit, alert cars around it to make proper lane changes, and take legal overtakes. 

The two prominent examples of smart cars are the Google Car and MARTA. The Google Car is still in development (unveiled in December but there is some time before it hits the market), but has awesome features like stopping for pedestrians, obey traffic signals, and avoid obstructions. However, "common sense" and dealing with snow are not yet programmed into the car. In addition, large car manufacturers like GM are opening talks with Google to ensure that the car market is not monopolized by Google. MARTA is a project in the works that will not be "person free" but will incorporate a lot of smart technology for use in the next few years.

2015 is a big year for NASCAR. Perhaps it will be one for smart cars as well. 

[laboratoryequipment-blog]

FAA OKs Two Commercial Drone Permits The Federal Aviation Administration has issued permits to use drones to monitor crops and photograph properties for sale, marking the first time permission has been granted to companies involved in agriculture and real estate. The exemptions to the current ban on commercial drone flights were granted to Advanced Aviation Solutions in Star, Idaho, for “crop scouting,” and to Douglas Trudeau of Tierra Antigua Realty in Tucson, Arizona. Read more: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2015/01/faa-oks-two-commercial-drone-permits

[unicef]

Four weeks after the terrible attacks in Peshawar, children all across Pakistan returned to school today. We wish these brave girls and boys the best of luck in their studies and reiterate our commitment to help them achieve their educational goals in a safe and friendly environment! Via Unicef Pakistan.

[ananion-cation]

12/5 Artificial intelligence- Your Brainiac Friend or Worst Enemy

Change stops for no one. Right now, not only is our technology advancing at a rapid rate, but the rate itself is going up quickly. Innovation and mechanization have made our lives better. but should there be a limit to progress?

In the past, our worst fears regarding innovation never quite manifested- at least not in ways that we expected. America has transformed from a primarily agricultural country to one with a large manufacturing and tech industry without too many bumps, and Earth wasn’t invaded by martians because of the moon landing. But in an interesting Wall Street Journal article about Artificial Intelligence shows the many drawbacks that are obscure.

Mechanization has, unlike the goal of allowing workers to take on more creative tasks, trained workers in pushing a button,thus lowering morale. It is just one of the many examples of how powerful artificial intelligence is. Machines are taking over manual labor and are more funtional than human beings. They are being trained in communication (things I remember from Most Human Human) using the Turing test. They are even encroaching on things considered “only human” like chess, music, and even art. Perhaps the most human characteristic is creativity (something I always believed). Yet, a recent study showed that using Computer-Aided Design before brainstorming diminishes creativity. But no worries, scientists are training computers to become computers to be creative by making random connections. Actually, that is a huge concern. Without creativity, we lose one of our main characteristics. What part of a human can’t be replicated by AI?

Although I am sure the debate over AI started way before September, technology giant Elon Musk’s warning that AI is our biggest existential threat, his article struck a chord. Without a proper regulatory framework for robotics, we will be overwhelmed in the future. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates drones, but as NPR points out, this is completely inappropriate. This following video really opened my eyes to the problems with AI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU

Change stops for no one, but we can start preparing for these changes now.

[ananion-cation]

10/27 Smarter? Phones

I’d like to announce that I’ve recently acquired a new limb. No, it is not a genetic mutation, but it certainly is a foreign body. I’m amazed by the way it’s worked way seamlessly into my daily routine. It is my way of waking up in the mornings, making sure I get enough exercise, and ensuring I get my 7 hours of sleep a night. And to think, my limb sends emails, take pictures, and even perform the hopelessly outdated function of “calling”.

Smartphones are seemingly innocuous additions to our lives, and while many teens (myself included) use the computing power greater than that used for the moon launch to post Instagram selfies, smartphones have given countless more the power to change their world.

A few years back, there was a story about a young woman who used her smartphone to research a cure for a virus that had been attacking the youth in her village. Imagine that- using the information at your fingertips to really influence your community. Smartphones give anyone the power to become a world-class journalist, with a quality camera at his or her fingertips and a way of immediate communication.  There even exist apps that can detect illness, help overcome a disability, or just serve as a health gauge. Smartphones can help us enhance our own lives and the lives of others around the globe. The applications (both literally and figuratively) are endless.

Considering that there are currently more people in India that have a cell phone rather than a toilet in their homes, it is near impossible to imagine the magnitude of the “cell phone” boom.  Although I fully admire the sheer power of the smartphone, I can’t help but wonder about the drawbacks. I am in awe of the microblogs and tweets that precipitated the Arab Springs, but I also am concerned by the government’s use of cellular technology to spy on their people. Consider Iran: the government has found and persecuted dissidents of the Shah through tweets and other forms of communication. A smartphone stores so much personal information. Just by carrying my phone, my location and perhaps what I was doing there, is immediately disclosed. Are we ready for this yet? Tracking poses several moral and ethical questions. We cannot ignore them anymore. Just like my alarm on my phone warning me to do the dishes, we have to reevaluate the power we give our new limbs, smartphones, or face the alarming consequences.  

[moscigarclubus]

Officials from dozens of countries have made their way to remote Sweden to look at technology that many expect will eventually transform the way air traffic is managed worldwide.

[ananion-cation]

yooooooo

[seeker401]

Crime-fighting surveillance planes provoke privacy controversy

Crime-fighting surveillance planes provoke privacy controversy

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29469017

A US company has developed a way to monitor entire neighbourhoods, using a technology originally developed for the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But while police forces are excited by the prospect of getting access to the tech, privacy campaigners see it as a threat to citizens’ constitutional rights.

Bang. A shot is fired and someone has been…

View On WordPress

[forthefloods]

[ananion-cation]

9/25 Nuclear Power? Global Perspectives on this Mega-Power

The concept of nuclear power itself is very powerful. Harnessing the fundamental forces keeping atoms together still seems like science fiction even today. Yet, nuclear power is very much a real deal. It can alleviate our dependence on natural gas, coal, or fossil fuels. However, it comes at a cost. Disasters like Fukushima Daiichi, Chernobyl, and Three Mile Island have left the public weary of nuclear power. Following the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, the international community turned away from nuclear power.

However, the environment or human error aren't the only threats to power plants. Late on Wednesday night, there was a bomb threat on the Palo Verde Nuclear Complex in Arizona. Although the threat wasn't credible as there are many levels of security surrounding the facility, safety of nuclear power remains a pertinent issue. 

Considering the number of nuclear power plants in the United States, I'm not surprised that security is such a key issue. Outside of the United States, however, safety of nuclear power plants isn't guaranteed. Bomb threats on plants in Iran leave the international community shocked. Nuclear power in the wrong hands could mean threats for any country. That is why the IAEA has such an important job- which includes evaluating nuclear power plants for safety. We need to recognize that disasters don't have to be because of the environment, or human error. Perhaps in the future, once better security measures are in place, a future of mainly nuclear power will transition from science fiction into reality. 

[pewresearch]

Based on recent media reports, many people may think that, because of the tough economy and stagnant wage growth, more and more people are working multiple jobs. You may have read that more Americans are moonlighting with a part-time night shift at Target, selling homemade jam at farmers’ markets on the weekend, or cobbling together two, three or more part-time jobs to approximate a living income.

However, that assumption would be wrong. 

[sundxwn]

Spitting Sunset by Toby Harriman