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dateMore Than a Year Ago
subjectComputers And Society
authorScientific American
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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.

Don't Regulate Artificial Intelligence: Starve It
From ACM Opinion

Don't Regulate Artificial Intelligence: Starve It

The potential dangers of artificial intelligence are great enough to required great care about how powerful we allow it to become.

STEM Education Needs a Course Correction
From ACM Opinion

STEM Education Needs a Course Correction

Technical training today should not be solely in the business of making better coders but of making better people who will be able to cultivate the future.

Virtual Reality Has An Accessibility Problem
From ACM Opinion

Virtual Reality Has An Accessibility Problem

Virtual reality has been touted as an "empathy machine" that lets users see what it's like to have a disability—but people with disabilities often can't use it....

AI Isn't a Solution to All Our Problems
From ACM Opinion

AI Isn't a Solution to All Our Problems

It's simply a tool—and hardly a perfect one

Don't Kill Innovation With Excessive Regulation
From ACM Opinion

Don't Kill Innovation With Excessive Regulation

California's new law forcing ride-sharing companies to treat their drivers as employees could harm or kill an important new business model.

Don't Fear the Terminator
From ACM Opinion

Don't Fear the Terminator

The fear that artificial intelligence machines could become our overlords — or perhaps wipe us out altogether — reflects a misunderstanding of AI.

How STEM Education Must Evolve
From ACM Opinion

How STEM Education Must Evolve

STEM curricula must be enhanced so graduates have a deeper understanding of how their work affects humanity.

Q&A: Shuttle Astronaut Mike Massimino On the Legacy of Apollo 11
From ACM Opinion

Q&A: Shuttle Astronaut Mike Massimino On the Legacy of Apollo 11

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, astronaut Mike Massimino speaks about the impact of the Apollo missions on his own career trajectory...
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