Why should we be optimistic? According to Kevin Kelly, optimism is a better strategy for humanity that has worked over centuries to give rise to our society as we know it today. Optimism inspires trust, which is necessary to society’s survival; if everyone thought their neighbours would cheat or hurt them, we would have never collaborated with each other, and civilizations would have never prospered.
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
