AI chatbots are the new trend, but with their potential to generate bad answers and misinformation, but David Gunkel, a professor of communication studies, is asking a different question: What rights should robots, including AI chatbots, have? Gunkel argues that when we talk about robot rights, we’re talking about social integrations of these technologies to protect our moral and legal institutions. With the surge in attention to AI chatbots, it’s becoming clear that companies will likely include terms of service in user licenses to regulate how content can be used. 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
