DL 368
Think Feasibility, Not Adoption
Welcome to Digitally Literate, issue #368. The air quality issues are beginning to reach the southeastern U.S. Thinking of those who’ve already experienced this in the north.
🔖 Key Takeaways
- Apple Vision Pro: A first look at Apple’s spatial computing device and its potential implications.
- AI Feasibility: Insights from a 2022 AI progress survey before the current explosion of AI technologies.
- Cognitive Automation: Challenges of delegating too much to AI, potentially losing critical learning opportunities.
- Instagram Concerns: Investigations reveal alarming safety issues on the platform.
📚 This Week’s Highlights
1. Apple Vision Pro and Spatial Computing
Apple’s Developer Conference introduced the Apple Vision Pro, ushering in discussions about spatial computing—a term avoiding the usual VR/AR/MR labels. While its high price tag raises questions, this first-gen device may redefine human-computer interaction.
📺 Watch the review
📖 Read about the dystopian marketing
Why this matters: The success of spatial computing will depend on user adoption and meaningful content integration.
2. 2022 Expert Survey on AI Progress
The 2022 Expert Survey on AI Progress provides a snapshot of AI development before the current surge. Experts forecasted a 50% chance of high-level machine intelligence (HLMI) by 2059, emphasizing the need for more AI safety research.
Why this matters: Understanding how experts viewed AI before recent breakthroughs helps contextualize current developments and challenges.
3. Multilingual Models & Translation Challenges
Multilingual language models promise to expand access to online services, yet they struggle with errors, biases, and context sensitivity. These shortcomings highlight the need for transparency and collaboration across language communities.
Why this matters: Multilingual AI must be developed responsibly to avoid exacerbating global inequalities.
4. Cognitive Overload in the Digital Age
While AI tools can increase productivity, they risk over-automating cognitive tasks, leading to reduced learning opportunities. Ezra Klein warns of the dangers of excessive reliance on automation for creativity and critical thinking.
Why this matters: Balancing automation and deep cognitive engagement is essential for fostering human intelligence.
5. Instagram and Child Safety
Investigations by researchers and The Wall Street Journal reveal how Instagram’s algorithms have enabled networks promoting harmful content. While Meta claims improvements, this raises critical concerns about child safety on social media.
Why this matters: Social platforms must be held accountable for the unintended consequences of their algorithms.
6. The Power of Spatial Computing
Spatial computing—interaction with machines that retain referents to real objects and spaces—was first defined in 2003. Apple’s avoidance of traditional VR/AR labels underscores its strategic rebranding of this technology.
Why this matters: Spatial computing may redefine how we interact with technology and our environments.
🛠️ DO: Revisit a Favorite Hobby
This summer, I’m revisiting video games with my kids—combining nostalgia with family fun. What hobbies have you left behind that might bring joy if rediscovered?
📖 How to rekindle childhood hobbies
🌟 Closing Reflection
“One lesson of the digital age is that more is not always better. More emails and more reports and more Slacks and more tweets and more videos and more news articles and more slide decks and more Zoom calls have not led, it seems, to more great ideas.”
— Ezra Klein
Thank you for reading Digitally Literate. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Connect with me at hello@digitallyliterate.net or explore Newsletter Index for all past issues.