Ted Chiang argues that #ChatGPT and other AI text generators essentially create blurry JPGs of all the text on the web … and covers the implications for writers.
What I like about this essay: no “Art is over” or “AI is our savior” sentiments. Just clear, lucid thinking.
https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/chatgpt-is-a-blurry-jpeg-of-the-web
Me: ok, no need to completely revise the topics, readings and materials in my subject, it all worked really well last time.
Also me: hey, I think I’ll completely redesign the topics, readings and materials in my subject!
Result: I’m spending this week redesigning my subject.
TIL there's a technical name for why ideas happen in the shower: the "default mode network" is a pattern of brain activity, measurable using fMRI, that happens when we're unfocussed. When the brain goes into idle mode (reduced activity), this part of the brain actually becomes *more* active. What does the default mode network do? Research is ongoing, but part of it definitely seems to be making connections, which is associated with curiosity and creativity.
The Australian Homelessness Monitor 2022 report revealed that the rate of homelessness is increasing faster than Australia’s overall population growth.
The monthly average of people using homelessness services rose by 8% from 2017-18 to 2021-22, nearly double the increase in Australia’s population over that same period. https://www.launchhousing.org.au/ending-homelessness/research-hub/australian-homelessness-monitor-2022
Mark McElroy
Rick Eyre
Holly Cummins
Nikki Jaaay