Contrary to popular belief, the Amish do use technology — just not all of it. They use appliances powered by batteries and ride buses to go to “Amish Vegas” where they play shuffleboard. But how do they decide which technologies to adopt and which to forsake? They deliberate on their effects on the community; if it diminishes community interaction, like how phones reduce the need to meet in person, then they ignore its existence. 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
