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A responsibility to judge carefully in the era of prediction decision machines
The past seven years have witnessed the resurgence and perfection of neural networks, the present-day king of prediction machines. It wasn’t always clear that these highly parameterized, flexible methods of machine learning could actually work. While many of the pioneering ideas date back to the 1990s and even 1980s, including those contributed by researchers recognized […]
Tech that helps us understand ourselves
Technology is often designed to provide more efficiency, more ease, and more consumption. A side effect of emphasizing “ease” may be that we miss opportunities. These include chances for self-reflection, deeper connection, defining and creating our own meaning, and building the confidence and motivation to create and consume in ways that are aligned with our […]
Connected tech gathers real-time behavioral and physiological data beyond a controlled setting
Everywhere you turn, someone is wearing a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or the newest brand of activity tracker. Wearables are just one type of connected technology that has flooded consumer health markets in recent years, and widespread acceptance of these products has led to the discovery of new ways in which they can be used. Along […]
The future of fintech is … Africa
Fintech has exploded onto the scene of nearly every investor, venture capitalist, traditional finance firm, and smartphone user. Moreover, it has seen a meteoric rise in terms of funding, firm-starts, and general interest worldwide. One illustration of this can be seen by simply looking at the Google search volume for the term Fintech over time […]
Tech governance shaped by humans
Innovation follows a cyclical nature. The governance of technology, however, is shaped by humans — the ultimate decision makers in how technology is developed, deployed, and managed. Today, after several decades of unfettered innovation, we are witnessing the outcomes of letting tech run its course. Unequivocally, the digital age has improved the lives of citizens […]