If Social Media Algorithms Control Our Lives Why Can’t They Eliminate Hate Speech?

Getty ImagesGetty It has become accepted fact in our modern digital world that the algorithms powering the online revolution, especially those of the major social media platforms, have so much control over us that they can actually nudge us against our conscious will towards actions we would not otherwise take. The addictive nature of social media is driven in part by an army of behavioral engineers tasked with building algorithms, interfaces and experiences that tap deeply into the flaws and nuances of human psychology, turning us into mindless remote-control zombies…

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Amanda Spielman’s speech at the Wellington Festival of Education

Thank you for that kind introduction. It is an absolute pleasure to be back at Wellington for what I think is my fifth time, and for my second as Chief Inspector. Speaking here last summer was one of the highlights of my first year. That speech was a chance to set out what I want to achieve as Chief Inspector, and just as important, it prompted an enormous amount in the way of feedback, engagement and ideas. If I had any doubts that there is a real enthusiasm and appetite…

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Fungal treatment of artificial voice box may improve speech

Treating fungal infection inside the artificial voice box may improve speech quality and help people with throat cancerwho lose their larynx, a study has found. Throat cancer refers to cancer of the voice box, the vocal cords, and other parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and the oropharynx. During a total laryngectomy, the entire voice box (larynx) is removed and the windpipe (trachea) and food pipe (oesophagus) are separated from each other. This operation creates an opening between the food pipe and the windpipe, where the voice prosthesis…

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