Weapons of Math Destruction: Book Overview & Takeaways

A bearded, gray man reading a book with bookshelves in the background.

What’s Weapons of Math Destruction about? How is math used to discriminate against people in poverty? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil explores the difference between benign mathematical models and dangerous ones. She also describes the negative effects that dangerous mathematical models produce. Read below for a brief Weapons of Math Destruction book overview.

How ChatGPT’s Growth Changed the AI Landscape

How ChatGPT’s Growth Changed the AI Landscape

How did ChatGPT set off a frenzy across the tech industry and beyond? What critical questions did ChatGPT’s emergence spark that remain unresolved?  What remarkable capabilities does the technology preview about our AI-powered future? Following its November 2022 launch, ChatGPT’s growth was unprecedented, amassing over 1.7 billion users in its first year. ChatGPT’s explosive rise not only reshaped the AI landscape but also set off industry-wide transformations, revealing both its potential for catalyzing positive change and the societal risks it embodies. Keep reading to learn how ChatGPT changed the game in some industries.

The Power of Math: Making Big Predictions and Decisions

The power of math illustrated in fluctuating bars and graphs.

How powerful is math? What’s the difference between benign math models and dangerous math models? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil notes that not all mathematical models are dangerous. When implemented responsibly, mathematical models can be powerful tools that enable organizations to make effective decisions that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Below we’ll define mathematical models to show the power of math.

Overemployment: Why Many Americans Are Working Multiple Jobs

A cartoon of a woman using two laptops as she works multiple jobs.

Why are many Americans working multiple jobs at once? How does overemployment impact workers and employers? What’s the future of overworking in the US? Overemployment—working multiple jobs simultaneously—is a growing trend that’s enabling some Americans to significantly increase their incomes. While providing clear financial upsides, prolonged overemployment can negatively impact professionals’ mental health, job security, and relationships with employers. Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of overemployment.

Trump and COVID: Initial Denial and the CARES Act

Trump and COVID: Initial Denial and the CARES Act

What was former President Trump’s COVID response? How did he handle the pandemic? When looking at Trump and COVID, his response was initially marked by denial and animosity with public health leaders. However, his administration did ultimately enact the CARES Act, a fiscal stimulus bill to support Americans during the crisis. Learn more about Trump’s response to COVID by reading on.

Sensory Hours Create an Inclusive Shopping Experience

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? 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? 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)

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.