In the quest to become non-conformist, popular, and unique, it seems that Silicon Valley intellectuals ended up copying each other. Aaron Timms uses sarcasm and wit to illustrate the seemingly absurd culture of venture capitalist intellectuals. For example, he highlights “Thiel’s Axiom” — a made up principle every VC intellectual adheres to which states that “the less necessary a chart is to make yourself understood, the more important it is to include that chart in your text.” Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
