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dateMore Than a Year Ago
subjectComputers And Society
authorScientific American
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AI Needs Pragmatists and Blue-Sky Visionaries
From ACM Opinion

AI Needs Pragmatists and Blue-Sky Visionaries

For humanity's brightest future, the blue-sky, lofty thinkers in AI need the help of the muddy-boots pragmatists.

There Are Too Few Women in Computer Science and Engineering
From ACM Opinion

There Are Too Few Women in Computer Science and Engineering

The problem is not disinterest; it is the culture of these fields and how they exclude women and girls.

Data Breaches Involve the Same Stories Again and Again
From ACM Opinion

Data Breaches Involve the Same Stories Again and Again

Only when we learn from them can we make headway in stopping the cycle.

Should Machines Replace Mathematicians?
From ACM Opinion

Should Machines Replace Mathematicians?

A "replication crisis" in mathematics raises questions about the purpose of knowledge.

Who Is Liable when AI Kills?
From ACM Opinion

Who Is Liable when AI Kills?

We need to change rules and institutions while still promoting innovation to protect people from faulty AI.

Science Needs to Shrink Its Carbon Footprint
From ACM Opinion

Science Needs to Shrink Its Carbon Footprint

Greenhouse gas emissions from research damage the climate.

Political Affiliation Influences Our Fear of Data Collection
From ACM Opinion

Political Affiliation Influences Our Fear of Data Collection

It's not government Americans don't trust with their data; it's the opposite political party.

Artificial General Intelligence Is Not as Imminent as You Might Think
From ACM Opinion

Artificial General Intelligence Is Not as Imminent as You Might Think

A close look reveals that the newest systems, including DeepMind's much-hyped Gato, are still stymied by the same old problems.

We Should Not Try to Make Conscious Software—Until We Should
From ACM Opinion

We Should Not Try to Make Conscious Software—Until We Should

Eventually, the most ethical option might be to divert all resources toward building very happy machines.

It's Time to Open the Black Box of Social Media
From ACM Opinion

It's Time to Open the Black Box of Social Media

Social media cos. need to give their data to independent researchers to better understand how to keep users safe.

Why We Forgive Humans More Readily Than Machines
From ACM Opinion

Why We Forgive Humans More Readily Than Machines

When things go wrong, flexible moral intuitions cause us to judge computers more severely

'Small Data' Is Also Crucial for Machine Learning
From ACM Opinion

'Small Data' Is Also Crucial for Machine Learning

The most promising AI approach you've never heard of doesn't need to go big

The FDA Should Better Regulate Medical Algorithms
From ACM Opinion

The FDA Should Better Regulate Medical Algorithms

Most do not require the agency's approval, and those that do often don't require clinical trial

'Self-Driving' Cars Begin to Emerge from a Cloud of Hype
From ACM Opinion

'Self-Driving' Cars Begin to Emerge from a Cloud of Hype

Developers try to overcome a multitude of technical challenges before vehicles drive on their own

Science Must Be for Everyone
From ACM Opinion

Science Must Be for Everyone

Racism and sexism are obstacles to making the scientific enterprise worthy of its public funding

Mentorship, Sponsorship Are Crucial for Advancing STEM Inclusion
From ACM Opinion

Mentorship, Sponsorship Are Crucial for Advancing STEM Inclusion

A conversation with Charlotte Owens explores providing opportunities and giving back

Why So Many Young People Hate STEM Courses
From ACM Opinion

Why So Many Young People Hate STEM Courses

A high school senior recounts why she almost gave up on her dream of becoming a scientist

The Question Medical AI Can't Answer
From ACM Opinion

The Question Medical AI Can't Answer

It's unable to tell us why it came to a particular decision—and that's crucial information

If You Say 'Science Is Right,' You're Wrong
From ACM Opinion

If You Say 'Science Is Right,' You're Wrong

It can't supply absolute truths about the world, but it brings us steadily closer.

The U.S. Needs a National Strategic Computing Reserve
From ACM Opinion

The U.S. Needs a National Strategic Computing Reserve

One year after supercomputers worked together to fight COVID-19, it's time to broaden the partnership to prepare for other crises.
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