Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

President Biden’s Artificial Intelligence Executive Order

What does the artificial intelligence executive order entail? What key provisions does the order contain to manage risks and protect Americans? President Biden issued a sweeping executive order in October to oversee artificial intelligence technologies, establishing new guidelines for safety, security, and privacy. The order has received mixed responses from various stakeholders. Continue reading for an overview of the order, the goals, and reactions.

Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty: What It Means for Crypto

How did FTX’s risky practices go unchecked for so long? Can trust in the crypto industry be restored after this high-profile failure? Is meaningful regulation coming that could stabilize the volatile crypto market? The recent conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of crypto exchange FTX, highlights regulatory gaps that have long enabled risky practices in the crypto industry. Experts say the crypto industry must oust bad actors in the meantime to restore trust. Continue reading to learn how Sam Bankman-Fried’s guilt might affect the crypto world.

The Impact of Federal Reserve Interest Rate Hikes on Americans

What toll are the Federal Reserve interest rate hikes having on Americans and businesses? What are the consequences if rates continue to rise? Aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate hikes have driven borrowing costs to painful heights, jeopardizing US household and business finances. Americans are struggling with soaring mortgage, credit card, and auto loan rates, accumulating record-high credit card debt. Here’s a look at the impact the rise in interest rates is having on Americans.

Arguments for and Against a Global Billionaire Tax

How would a global minimum tax on billionaires’ wealth work? What are the main arguments for and against the tax? Does the proposal have a shot at becoming a reality? A proposal for a 2% minimum tax on billionaires’ wealth aims to raise revenue and address inequality, but faces skepticism. Proponents say the billionaire tax could generate $250 billion annually while critics argue that implementing the tax will require global coordination that will be tough to achieve quickly. Continue reading to learn about the different opinions regarding a billionaire tax.

Another Government Shutdown May Be on the Horizon

Systemic Inequality and Racial Segregation in Housing

Why is the House in disarray? How likely is another government shutdown? What are the consequences of Congress failing to approve required spending bills on time? Disarray in the US House of Representatives has sparked concerns about a government shutdown on November 17. Some experts argue that worsening political divides increase the likelihood of a shutdown. Others counter that the passage of a temporary spending measure will avert the crisis. Continue reading to learn whether or not another government shutdown is likely, and what it would mean.

A Look at How Twitter (X) Has Changed Since Elon Musk

How has Twitter (X) changed since Elon Musk took over? Is the platform on the path to decline? Twitter, now called X, has lost over half its $44 billion value under Elon Musk’s first year of ownership. Key changes made under Musk’s direction, including mass staff layoffs, content moderation alterations, and a new subscription service have stirred controversy and decreased trust in the platform. Here’s a look at the last year of Twitter, under Musk’s leadership.

How the Global Drone Market Is Being Slowed by the FAA

What is the drone economy? How are various industries using it and what does the future promise for it? The global drone market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $56 billion by 2030. However, strict FAA regulations on drone flights are limiting further growth of commercial drone services. Here’s a look at the FAA’s regulations, and the potential future uses of drones.

How AI Fears Affect Mental Health (+ What Companies Can Do)

What are employees’ concerns about AI in the workplace? How can companies foster a healthy relationship between employees and AI to enhance productivity? Nearly 40% of US workers fear that AI will make their job responsibilities obsolete—and psychologists say it’s wreaking havoc on their mental health. Employees who fear that AI will take over their jobs are more likely to feel undervalued at work, experience symptoms of workplace burnout, and look for other jobs. Here’s a look at the top AI fears, and what companies can do to assuage them.

Closing Pharmacies Across the US Spark Panic

Why are many US pharmacies closing? What does that mean for the local communities? Major pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are closing hundreds of stores, creating “pharmacy deserts.” Continued pharmacy closures could exacerbate healthcare disparities, necessitating new approaches for equitable access to vital medications and health services in all communities. Continue reading to learn about the reason for the closing pharmacies and the potential effects.

There Is No Free Will, According to This Scientist

Do people have free will? How is the belief in free will harmful to society? After 40 years of study, neurologist Robert Sapolsky says there is no free will. He lays out what a world that doesn’t believe in free will would look like, and how it would impact the criminal justice system. Here are the arguments for and against free will, and why Sapolsky thinks believing in free will is harmful.