Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Digital Sweatshops: The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence

How is artificial intelligence (AI) trained? What are digital sweatshops? What can be done to prevent exploitation? With the artificial intelligence market projected to hit $1.3 trillion over the next decade, companies are scrambling to train their AI products. However, training AI comes with hidden costs. These include exploitative labor practices in developing countries and refugee camps. Continue reading to learn more about the dark side of AI.

AI Is Taking Over Jobs—Here’s How & the Jobs at Risk

Could AI replace manual labor? Are robot workers more or less expensive than human workers? Large-language-model AI can interpret natural-language commands and convert them into sequences of commands that a robot can execute. This makes it possible to build general-purpose robots that can be told or taught how to do things like human workers—and possibly replace them. Here’s a look at how AI is taking over jobs and who is at risk.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) vs. Rising Drug Prices

How will the Inflation Reduction Act combat rising drug prices? Why are pharmaceutical companies fighting back? In 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims, among other things, to reduce spending by Medicare on prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has launched a series of lawsuits to stop the act from taking effect. In this article, we’ll examine the context that brought about the new law and the pharmaceutical industry’s opposition.

How the Student Loan Payment Restart Will Impact the Economy

When will the student loan payments restart again? Will the reduced spending damage the economy? The end of the federal student loan payment pause on October 1 could significantly impact borrowers’ personal finances, spending, and the broader US economy. The long-term burden of student loan debt is expected to influence major life decisions for millions of borrowers. Continue below to learn about the potential impacts of the returning student loan payments.

Workers Push Back Against Return-to-the-Office Mandates

Why are companies pushing to get employees to return to the office? Why are workers resisting their calls? What’s the future of hybrid and remote work in the US? US companies are urging or demanding that employees return to the office, but some workers are pushing back. Experts say that US work culture has permanently shifted, and that companies that work with employees to develop flexible policies will have the edge in attracting and retaining talent. Continue reading for both sides of the argument on whether or not it’s time to end remote work.

Why Ketamine Clinics Are Closing All Over the US

Why did ketamine clinics suddenly become so popular? Why are so many ketamine clinics closing? Ketamine clinics (brick-and-mortar and virtual) are spreading across the US and promoting the drug as a therapy for depression and other mental health conditions. However, the treatments are expensive and many clinics are struggling to stay afloat. Here’s a look at the pop-up of ketamine clinics, why they’re so popular, and why many aren’t surviving.

The Cost of Invasive Species Is Growing With Climate Change

Why has the cost of invasive species risen recently? What are governments doing about it, and how can you help? An urgent report shows that invasive species are costing the world hundreds of billions of dollars every year. These costs have been increasing over the past 50 years due to climate change. Keep reading for a background on invasive species and what can be done to lessen the impact.

The Unity Controversy May Cause Irreparable Damage

What is the Unity controversy? Why are developers so upset over its recent announcement? Unity Technologies, the maker of popular game development tools, announced a new fee for installing games made using its software. Unity faced immediate and widespread backlash from game developers and gamers alike, both for the fee and for changing subscription terms on short notice. Despite later backpedaling on some of the changes later, the damage to Unity may be irreparable.

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique (With Infographic)

What is the Pomodoro technique? How do you use the technique, and what are the benefits? The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that breaks work into short intervals of work and breaks. The method is designed to boost productivity and efficiency. To understand the method better, keep reading for an in-depth explanation and a Pomodoro technique infographic.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Explanation (With Infographic)

What’s the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset? Why are growth mindsets beneficial? How can you develop one? A fixed mindset is when you believe you’re abilities are unchangeable, while a growth mindset is the belief that you can improve your abilities with hard work. A fixed mindset will hold you back in life while a growth mindset opens you up to infinite possibilities. Here’s an in-depth look at the difference between a fixed vs. growth mindset, an infographic, and actionable tips.