People decide to trust someone based on their previous interactions and experiences. Scientists have looked into taking advantage of this phenomenon to teach people to trust an AI’s decision making more. In the onboarding process, they provided examples of AI working with humans. Afterwards, they paired up the participants and the AI to solve a series of questions that tested the participants’ trust in their AI “teammates”. 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