We're raising a generation who may never know what it's like to trust a video. From fabricated political scandals to altered personal footage, convincing video fakes are poised to create deep societal confusion. The recent launch of tools like OpenAI's Sora demonstrates just how real this threat is becoming. This essay looks at the dangers of generative AI and why teaching media literacy to young people is more important than ever.

Nvidia's CEO argues that every nation needs its own AI infrastructure. But in today's interconnected world, does building digital borders around AI help or hinder progress? I tackle the idea of sovereign AI, looking at both the promises and the risks for economies, ethics, and our diverse cultures.

In this essay, I analyze the critical challenge of combatting misinformation in the digital age by equipping citizens with enhanced media literacy skills. Motivated by witnessing viral conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 US Presidential Election, often shared uncritically among family and friends, I examine America’s vulnerability to “truth decay”. Using personal anecdotes against the backdrop of statistics about the scale and impacts of election misinformation propagation, I underscore the urgency of developing societal tools to restore public trust around voting integrity. Exploring educational solutions spanning K-12 critical thinking lessons to university programs training students to spot digital deception tactics, I advocate national initiatives to strengthen information evaluation competencies ahead of 2024’s Presidential election. Underscoring both the responsibility leaders have to fund such countermeasures as well as the agency citizens must take engaging with content responsibly, I ultimately frame media wisdom as vital for the preservation of democracy in the technological epoch we inhabit.

As I explored the intricate dance between human creativity and artificial intelligence in my latest essay, I found myself delving deep into the heart of a modern artistic revolution. This piece isn't just an exploration; it's a journey through the emerging landscape where AI-generated art challenges our traditional notions of creativity and authorship. I grapple with the questions that stir in the wake of AI's rising influence in the arts: What happens when the lines between creator and creation blur? Is the soul of art preserved when a machine lends its brush? Join me in uncovering the nuances of this debate, where I aim to provoke thought and invite reflection on the future of art and the essence of human creativity in an age increasingly shaped by algorithms.

In my essay "Digital Activism and Political Change," I examine the impactful role of digital platforms in reshaping political activism. I highlight key movements like the Arab Spring, #MeToo, and Black Lives Matter, showcasing how social media has revolutionized activism, leading to significant policy changes and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). However, I also address challenges such as 'slacktivism' and the digital divide. The essay concludes with the importance of understanding digital activism's nuances to leverage its potential for inclusive change. Dive into this critical discussion on my blog to understand how digital tools are shaping our political landscape.

In this essay, I explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data control on societal structures. Drawing from the Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto, I delve into the dynamics of data collection, the concept of data sovereignty, and the emergence of data-driven social hierarchies. I highlight the ethical, legal, and social challenges posed by the concentration of data in the hands of a few entities, leading to a division between a 'data-rich' elite and a 'data-poor' populace. The essay concludes with a call for equitable data distribution through policy reform, education, and public awareness, emphasizing the need for a future where AI and data enhance global equity and justice.

In today's tech-driven world, I see digital platforms transforming how we interact, work, and socialize. While they bring unmatched convenience and global connections, they also highlight the tension between tech advancements and socio-economic gaps. I believe digital platforms can be both bridges and barriers in society. They promise better information access and democratized content but also pose challenges like the digital divide, biased algorithms, and gig economy risks. I stress the need for ethical design, inclusivity, and forward-thinking policies. As we delve deeper into the digital era, I advocate for a balanced approach to ensure tech truly benefits everyone.

In this essay, I dive deep into the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it's reshaping our everyday lives. As AI keeps advancing, I believe the ethical bedrock upon which we build this technology will be crucial in shaping its role in society. I'll explore the two-sided nature of AI, the hurdles of bias and discrimination it presents, the questions surrounding autonomy, and our role as technologists in crafting an ethically-guided AI future.

With a rich background spanning from academia to the tech industry, I've been at the crossroads of technology and its societal implications. In this series of essays, I aim to explore the intricate dance between technology, society, and ethics. From the ethical challenges posed by AI to the societal implications of the digital divide, join me as we navigate the complex web of technology and society together.