Society Archives

Sensory Hours Create an Inclusive Shopping Experience

What are sensory hours? What measures are implemented during sensory hours? What companies have adopted them? Major chains like Walmart now offer special “sensory hours” to create a low-stimulus shopping environment for customers with sensory sensitivities. Experts say sensory accommodations benefit both consumers who struggle with noisy and crowded stores and companies seeking to expand their customer base. Continue reading to learn about sensory hours and the impact they have on customers and businesses.

Was January 6th an Insurrection? Behind the Riot

Was January 6th an insurrection or not? Why were people rioting at the Capitol? January 6th was most likely an insurrection in that a group tried to overthrow democratic election results through violence. To understand why this happened, look at Donald Trump’s response to losing the election. Read more to see why January 6th might be considered an insurrection and why it happened.

Is Society Collapsing? Signs of the West’s Potential Downfall

Is society collapsing? What’s pointing to a potential downfall of Western civilization? A societal collapse refers to the theoretical idea that a human civilization and its cultural identity will either become primitive or disappear. While no one knows for sure whether Western society will collapse, there are shocking signs that raise the question. Keep reading to learn about four signs that could point to a future societal collapse.

The Dangerous Effects of Statistics Being Misused

A woman pointing out the effects of statistics on a screen of charts and graphs.

What are the dangerous effects of statistics? How do statistics perpetuate social bias? Believe it or not, dangerous math models can have a grave impact on society. According to Cathy O’Neil, dangerous statistics disproportionately harm poor people, reproduce social bias, and make harmful self-fulfilling prophecies. Learn more about how statistics can negatively affect people and society when used incorrectly.

How AI Could Improve Patient Care (if Used Properly)

What potential does generative AI offer to transform doctor-patient relationships in the US? How might chatbots empower patients? AI could revolutionize the doctor-patient relationship in America by empowering patients with information and alleviating pressures on overburdened doctors. As generative AI becomes powerful and broadly used, AI companies and healthcare organizations must mitigate its potential risks and ensure its ethical, effective use. Here’s how AI in patient care may be used to improve the healthcare experience.

Big Data Discrimination: Hurting the Poor in Favor of the Rich

An illustrated image of the world surrounded by charts and graphs.

What causes big data discrimination? How do dangerous math models hurt the poor? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil argues that dangerous math models disproportionately inflict harm on the poor. This is because they show favoritism towards rich people. Let’s dive deeper into big data’s discrimination problem.

Pesticide Regulation: Silent Spring’s Life-Changing Difference

A poison bottle with a pesticides regulation warning.

What’s the current status of pesticide regulation? Why was the public unaware of the dangers of pesticides in the 20th century? Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book Silent Spring influenced governments to take a closer look at the chemical makeup of pesticides. Even though pesticide spraying is still controversial today, there’s no doubt her book made a difference in the environmental community. Keep reading to learn how public and government opinions on pesticides have changed.

2023 US Holiday Sales Show a Complicated Economy

Is holiday spending breaking records or masking economic troubles? What’s the outlook for shopping trends? How are retailers being impacted? US holiday sales over Thanksgiving topped $10 billion online, but growth lags behind previous years. Shoppers are flocking to discount retailers, leaving traditional stores in the cold. “Buy now, pay later” programs are gaining traction, offering relief and risks for strained consumers. Continue reading to learn what the holiday sales numbers say about the US economy.

Bono’s Activism: Poverty, AIDS, & a White Savior Complex

What activism work has Bono accomplished in his life? What is a white savior complex, and how does it relate to his experiences? For U2 singer and songwriter Bono, fame was a way to shed light on social issues beyond the scope of U2’s music. You can draw insights from Bono’s experience into the greater world of celebrity activism. Here’s a look at Bono’s activism, what causes he has supported, and how this relates to the white savior problem.

The 11 Best Books on AI: Preparing for Future Technology

Is artificial intelligence a problem or solution for humanity? What are the best books on AI to read right now? Determining AI as a problem or solution isn’t so simple. There’s still so much we don’t know about it, despite our hand in creating it, but there are many experts out there who can help you learn more about the potential benefits and risks of computer intelligence. Below we’ll look at the best books on AI that warn about the evolving technology and advise how to live with it.