The World's Best Book Summaries
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is AI model collapse? What are the consequences of model collapse? Is it already happening? Model collapse is the complete erosion of AI models that occurs when they’re trained on flawed content generated by other AI models. Model collapse can lead to nonsensical, inaccurate, and biased AI output. Experts say that diverse, human-curated data is key to stopping AI model collapse. Keep reading to learn about AI model collapse, and for examples of it happening today.
What presidential candidates received support from Barbra Streisand? What charitable causes does she give toward? According to Barbra Streisand, politics and philanthropy are her twin passions. Despite her extraordinary career, Barbra Streisand—who’s now in her 80s—doesn’t discuss her work when talking about her legacy. Instead, she emphasizes her desire to leave a kinder and fairer world for future generations. Read more to learn about the causes that Streisand holds close to her heart.
How did the apple become one of America’s favorite fruits? Who first brought apples to the United States? Where did the idea of “apple picking” originate from? There’s no fruit more quintessentially American than the apple. We snack on apples year-round, pick them at orchards each fall, and bake them into pies at Thanksgiving. However, their lack of genetic diversity may pose a problem in the near future. Keep reading for a brief history of apples in America and the problems they face.
What is victim blaming? What are the three stages of silencing victims? Victim blaming is the act of holding a victim accountable for a crime or traumatic event done to them. Silencing the victim is one of the top methods of victim blaming, which means the perpetrator isn’t punished for their actions. Here are the three stages of blaming and silencing victims.
Why are female sexual assault statistics high in America? Where is sexual assault and rape most likely to happen? As of 2014, Rebecca Solnit estimated that tens of millions of women are raped in America every year. Further, she notes that sexual assault and harassment tend to happen in workplace or educational settings where victims are sometimes held accountable for preventing these instances of violence. Learn more about why the statistics for female sexual assault are so high in America.