In the not too distant future, we might be able to get real-time, automated fact checks during political events. Squash, Duke University’s automated fact-checking platform, is certainly a step in the right direction; it’s able to listen to politicians’ claims, check their accuracy, and show its findings to viewers in seconds. However, it’s not without its faults. Its voice-to-text translations can be quite questionable; it once got the phrase “armpit sweat” from a statement about an Iowan storm.
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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
