#Technology misuse awareness

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

The Surprising Danger Lurking in Your Smart Glasses: A Wake-Up Call for Privacy

How Brilliant Innovations Can Be Misused and Abused, Causing Unnecessary Stress to the Public As a retired scientist and health advocate in many countries, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible technological advances throughout my 53-year career in the healthcare industry. Privacy issues have always concerned me as they affect our mental health.  From early computing systems to the…

[ayyy-imma-ninja]

In light of recent events involving the use of AI in the TSBS fandom, I feel the need to say something:

There is apparently quite a good number of AI on character.ai that uses the voices of some of the VAs (Davis, Reed, Kat, Matt) and some have used their voices to make AI covers for songs. I have heard samples of a few and I'm in shock by how accurate they sound. But don't mistake this for any kind of praise, because it's not.

Please stop using them.

The VAs have stated that they don't condone the use of their voices for AI purposes. It doesn't matter if it's for something as harmless as roleplay or wanting to hear your favorite characters sing a song. By using these AI voices, you are actively disrespecting the VAs' wishes and their boundaries. These things can be absolutely damaging and detrimental to their careers if someone were to misuse them. This is an especially concerning matter to me because they are my friends.

That being said: please please PLEASE don't go around harassing people about this. If you see or know anyone who is using them, please just advise them to kindly respect the boundaries of the VAs.

-

On an additional note semi related to this topic:

I'd like to quickly make an official statement and say that I don't want any character.ai bots to be made from characters from my AUs, or any AI voices attached to them. As far as I am aware, the only ones I know exist are some from my Fairy AU and the SK AU.

If you've seen them or made them, please stop using them or remove them. I am no longer comfortable with the thought that my characters could potentially be misused with this technology and not know it.

Think that's it for now; thank you for reading and happy Friday 👍🏻

[naamahdarling]

I'm probably going to piss some people off with this, but.

The use of AI and machine learning for harmful purposes is absolutely unacceptable.

But that isn't an innate part of what it does.

Apps or sites using AI to generate playlists or reading lists or a list of recipes based on a prompt you enter: absolutely fantastic, super helpful, so many new things to enjoy, takes jobs from no-one.

Apps or sites that use a biased algorithm (which is AI) which is not controllable by users or able to be turned off by them, to push some content and suppress others to maximize engagement and create compulsive behavior in users: unethical, bad, capitalism issue, human issue.

People employing genAI to create images for personal, non-profit use and amusement who would not have paid someone for the same service: neutral, (potential copyright and ethics issue if used for profit, which would be a human issue).

People incorporating genAI as part of their artistic process, where the medium of genAI is itself is a deliberate part of the artist's technique: valid, interesting.

Companies employing genAI to do the work of a graphic designer, and websites using genAI to replace the cost of stock photos: bad, shitty, no, capitalist and ethical human issue.

People attacking small artists who use it with death threats and unbelievable vitriol: bad, don't do that.

AI used for spell check and grammar assistance: really great.

AI employed by eBay sellers to cut down on the time it takes to make listings: good, very helpful, but might be a bad idea as it does make mistakes and that can cost them money, which would be a technical issue.

AI used to generate fake product photos: deceptive, lazy, bad, human ethical issue.

AI used to identify plagiarism: neutral; could be really helpful but the parameters are defined by unrealistic standards and not interrogated by those who employ it. Human ethical issue.

AI used to analyze data and draw up complex models allowing detection of things like cancer cells: good; humans doing this work take much longer, this gives results much faster and allows faster intervention, saving lives.

AI used to audit medical or criminal records and gatekeep coverage or profile people: straight-up evil. Societal issue, human ethical issue.

AI used to organize and classify your photos so you don't have to spend all that time doing it: helpful, good.

AI used to profile people or surveil people: bad and wrong. Societal issue, human issue, ethical issue.

I'm not going to cover the astonishingly bad misinformation that has been thrown out there about genAI, or break down thought distortions, or go into the dark side of copyright law, or dive into exactly how it uses the data it is fed to produce a result, or explain how it does have many valid uses in the arts if you have any imagination and curiosity, and I'm not holding anyone's hand and trying to walk them out of all the ableism and regurgitated capitalist arguments and the glorification of labor and suffering.

I just want to point out: you use machine learning (AI) all the time, you benefit from it all the time. You could probably identify many more examples that you use every day. Knee-jerk panicked hate reflects ignorance, not sound principles.

You don't have beef with AI, you have beef with human beings, how they train it, and how they use it. You have beef with capitalism and thoughtlessness. And so do I. I will ruthlessly mock or decry misuse or bad use of it. But there is literally nothing inherently bad in the technology.

I am aware of and hate its misuse just as much as you do. Possibly more, considering that I am aware of some pretty heinous ways it's being used that a lot of people are not. (APPRISS, which is with zero competition for the title the most evil use of machine learning I have ever seen, and which is probably being used on you right now.)

You need to stop and actually think about why people do bad things with it instead of falling for the red herring and going after the technology (as well as the weakest human target you can find) every time you see those two letters together.

You cannot protect yourself and other people against its misuse if you cannot separate that misuse against its neutral or helpful uses, or if you cannot even identify what AI and machine learning are.

[mydrink-n-my2step]

Hacking To Your Heart-Yandere Hacker x Chubby insecure reader

You stumble upon an ad for a malware app, unbeknownst to you, it's an invitation to potential stalking.

Author's Note//: AHH Mira's back again! I hope this story is okay for y'all. Let me know what I can do better. BTW: Best Buy is an electronics store where you can also get your technology items fixed by the workers (Geek Squad)

TW//: Fluff, attempted angst, mild smut, masturbation, misuse of work uniform, stalking, internet hacking, Revenge, spoiler: excrement(NOT KINKY, revenge use), y/n is afab, y/n is also pretty desperate. Okay, I hope y'all enjoy this.

DISCLAIMER: I don't condone these behaviors. Please do not act out these actions that my characters commit. PLEASE DO NOT!!!!

6.5k words

Yandere Hacker x Chubby Insecure reader

Five months. It has been five months since he saw you. In January, at his job at Best Buy, you asked for one of the Geek Squad members to help fix your computer screen, which unfortunately had the infamous blue screen of death. You wanted to cry when others before him couldn’t solve your tumultuous problem. They were incapable, teenagers who wanted to make money, so they lied on their resumes that they were experienced in tech. However, Yandere Hacker was more experienced in his field and life. 

You were so thankful once you saw your normal laptop’s wallpaper. It's the dull background you contemplated a week before the change that put a toothy grin from ear to ear. Something in the back of your mind told you to kiss him, but you shut that down immediately. 

Aloysius felt proud of himself, seeing your smile. How your chubby cheeks moved and your eyes creased. It wasn't just the fact that he solved a customer’s problem, but seeing the look on your face, that was the kicker. He loved it when customers expressed their gratification, yet this was different. He was figuratively eating up your joy. Licking the plate and all. “How much is it?” You asked, though he didn’t respond; he was too busy lapping at you. You waved at his face so he could snap out of his daze. “I-I only pressed a few buttons. D-don’t worry, ma’am, it’s on the house.” He was going to miss seeing you in his workplace. Even after his shift, on his way to McDonald’s for dinner, in the shower, and in his bed, he still remembered you. There was Something about you that brightened his day and many more days, weeks, and months to come. 

February came, and despite it being great that he didn’t see you, because you didn’t have any electronic problems, he was still melancholic about that reason. At least come around to buy some snacks or walk around the computer section. He’s aware about your computer being faulty, dammit he only pressed a few buttons and factory reset your old ass electronic. When did you get that computer anyways? In 2015???? Anyways.

February 14th came around. It was typically a day that Aloysius avoided or simply didn’t care about. Until you showed up. He was wiping down the cash register and locking up when the doors slid open. There you were, dressed in a shiny sheer black dress with a pink hibiscus starting from your lower abdomen to your knees. You had on these black Mary Jane flats that had a black bow on them. Your hair was flat-ironed and bumped at the ends, the rest was up in a bun. You were going on a date. But first, you had to drop a gift off.

“Good evening, how may I help you today? Oh, it’s you!” He says, unfortunately, cringing at his response. 

“Um, hi, I wanted to stop by and gift you something.” You opened your bag to pull out a tiny box of chocolates. You had ordered them from a Swedish chocolatier in town. It was a luxurious selection. Almond chocolate, Hazelnut, A strawberry coated in dark chocolate, toffee-covered chocolate. A chocolate orange peel and a bonbon. Luckily, Aloysius wasn’t allergic to nuts. He opened the box, despite knowing his boss would scold him. Fuck it, I’m the manager. “This is for me? Thank you so much, ma’am.” He said, popping the hazelnut one into his mouth. Though he was severely lactose intolerant, his shift was only 30 minutes left. 

“No, I wanted to thank you,” You read his nametag, “Aloysius, nice name. I wanted to thank you for what you did a few weeks ago. That was actually my work computer. I was going to return it the day before, but you saved me, so I bought you a gift. I hope you liked it. I don’t know what you like, so I got some of the popular flavors.” 

“Again, thank you so much! What’s your name, if you don’t mind? I would like to see you again, outside of this store, of course.” 

“It’s Y/n, and here’s my Instagram.” You gave him your Instagram account. He does have an account, though he doesn’t bother to use it at times. But this time, he might bother checking you out. At home, he typed your account in, seeing it pop up in the search, he pressed it. Y/n L/n, a fellow tech nerd and your zodiac sign emoji. That was it, but you had a plethora of photos. Your post count was 580. Was he going to scroll through all your posts all night, maybe, did he care that he was going to stay up all night stalking your Instagram account? Hell no. 

Later that night, he was already at post 301 when he saw that you had finally followed him. And also posted a story. Oooh, a story, maybe she’s talking about me?

In your story, you had posted a picture of an original meme that was captioned, When a series of dates went horribly wrong, so you wrote you your diary about how the world doesn’t want you to meet the one. A little dramatic, but okay. 

Poor Y/n, he thought, immediately going to your DM’s to text you. 

@alo.wtf: Hey Y/n, how are you?

@your_insta_acount: Nothing

@alo.wtf: Are you sure? Your story says otherwise.

@your_insta_acount: Ok, I went on a date, and they stood up on me

@alo.wtf: Oh, I’m sorry

Don’t worry about that person! They don’t deserve you!

@your_insta_acount: tysm Aloysius, but I just can’t help but think I’m the problem. 

Maybe it’s because I’m not pretty enough. 

@alo.wtf: What? You’re so beautiful, Y/n! It’s pretty clear the guys that try to knock you down are pricks! 

You’re gorgeous.

Maybe I went a little overboard with that text. He thought, unsending the text message right away. Unbeknownst to him, she already saw it. 

@your_insta_acount: U rlly think that? 

@alo.wtf: ofc

—-—-

Fast forward to now, you are searching online for a way to watch your favorite show without the costly fees. You weren’t in the mood to pay for any streaming services. To you, they were your enemy, sucking away your paycheck just to give you the bare minimum, like a deadbeat boyfriend. You clicked on a website that had plenty of pop-up ads that you couldn’t remove, or else they would lead you to another website. Some of them fake porn webcams. This scenario bothered the hell out of you, so you decided to watch your favorite YouTuber. Of course, you waited for the ads to end. All five million of them. But one had caught your eye. It was a computer malware protection ad that was a minute long. It showed an older woman who was talking about her computer being plagued with viruses. So her son recommended an app that she could use. The advertisement previewed the app before telling you to download it. 

Something in you didn’t want to download the app, but you felt the need to. So you went to grab your phone, and went to the App Store to search for the app. When you found the app, it had few to no reviews and zero downloads. It must’ve been a new app. But the description was pretty convincing. So you downloaded it. At first, it asks for your name, then your email address, and your pronouns. Weird, but you allowed it. It did ask for your Social Security number, but you decided not to put that in. At first, it was a requirement to put your SSN in, but the screen had glitched when you weren’t looking, changing it to “Optional”. So you skipped that part and were finally in the app. You were in. In the system. 

On day one of using the app, you noticed that the camera light was blinking red. It was night, you were busy…doing something important. Long story short, you were touching yourself. The lights were dim, and you had just turned your Hitachi wand on to the highest level. It was a night of disappointment and pleasure. Another failed date led you to this. Your fingers caress your nipples, you grind against the wand’s head. Muffled breaths leaving your mouth as you grind on your bed. The video you were watching was of another person pleasuring themselves while their partner watches from the side. The freak you were. 

Nights like these, you wished it was another person stimulating your poor pussy. Maybe that cute guy at your nearest Best Buy, what was his name again?

“Ah…ahh, ugh, Aloy…Aloyy~” You moaned as you came undone in your panties. Grinding against the Hitachi one last time to ride out your high. Dropping your phone on your bed, your hand lies gracefully against your hot pillow. Unbeknownst to you, another person was watching you the whole time.

 Aloysius was his name, and stalking was his game. 

Meanwhile, Aloysius was sitting by his gaming setup, in the dark, watching your face as it contorted to an orgasmic face. Your mouth was moaning his name unintentionally, from thinking about him. Aloysius and his blue uniform shirt, his charismatic demeanor, and his shiny, dark, wavy hair that went past his shoulders. 

He wondered what else you could be thinking of. Accidentally gave himself an erection. He rubbed himself through his pants, your constant breathing arousing him more. His work pants were about to be stained with his precum. He remembered when you showed up in that tight dress. The tropical dress that insinuated your curves and showed your pudge. The way your breast filled up the top. Your hair and the way you smell. That cutesy brown sugar smell you had that nearly had him hard at his job. Your voice and that box of chocolate. You must want him and he knows it good and damn well!

Aloysius’ fingers unbuttoned his pants hurriedly. He was too impatient to unzip his pants, so he shoved his hands into his pants. Gradually jerking himself off. Rubbing his head while he was leaking precum still. His index finger pad was going slowly, so he could enjoy the pleasure. Since you put your phone away, he closed his eyes, picturing you in that dress again. You and your pretty smile and cheeks. He imagined provocative things about you, too. You are doing unbelievable things to his imagination.

Soon, he would ejaculate in his pants. Grunting while saying your name out loud. Sure, his neighbors would’ve said something, IF he had neighbors. He lived pretty far from his job. His house is tucked away from society, in 15 acres of woods. It was not much to be considered living in a rural area, but he enjoyed believing that. 

Once he was done, he opened his eyes, looking down at his mess, then flicked his eyes at your screen. You were deleting the video from your phone. Your eyes are squinting at your screen. He chuckled at you, grabbing a tissue to wipe away his ivory mess off his pants. He was going to enjoy this so-called malware app of his.

__________________

It was the month of May. You were taking a hiatus from dating apps for a short period to focus on yourself and work. And so far, it has been a bummer. 

You were gaining weight from stress eating. The girls in your recent work meeting were making backhanded compliments on your project. No one in the Zoom meeting was confident or cared enough to say something. You felt zeroed out. Being one of the only plus-size members of your team of game designers. The staff often behaved like piranhas with their crude comments. 

Some days, you would binge on fast food; other days, you would starve yourself. It was unfortunate for you and Aloysius. He knew something was up when he caught on with you skipping some meals and only going out to walk for hours. It felt like torture to him, seeing his baby harm herself to please others. If she were with him, he would protect her from those types of people. Sure, he was not the brawny type, but with his technological arts, he was capable of hacking into people’s technology. Playing mind games and even taking their information and selling it online. 

Aloysius took this opportunity to DM you on Instagram. He waited for several minutes for you to open your phone and see his message. 

@alo.wtf: Hey Y/n  :{

….

You never opened your phone. You were busy crying in your bed. And he was able to hear. Oh, if only he were there to console you in his arms. Go through your recent work messages and harass the people who were picking on you. Wait, that’s exactly what he will do! Opening your Messenger app, he went through your chat log. Pressing on a person’s name. He figured out through previous messages was the person who was harassing you the most. This girl is named Amanda. Saying backhanded stuff about you and your project. Prepare for what tomorrow brings her. 

@your_insta_acount: Hey Aloy

_______

You showed up at work, seeing people crowding someone’s cubicle. Amanda’s. When you walked by, you stopped, seeing her items covered in shit. Yes, human waste. You wanted to laugh, but if you did, your coworkers would suspect you of being the culprit. So you walked by your only friend, Jeffrey. 

“What the hell happened?” You whispered. 

“We don’t know, but Amanda saw this and screamed. She went to the boss’s office to report it.” He responds. 

Would it be wrong to assume that Aloysius had defecated on the girl’s desk? Yes, but it’s a possibility. Maybe he did it, maybe he had asked another person to do it for $400. Who knows. 

Work was canceled that day so that the janitors could clean her desk, and Amanda was forced to resign. No one could track down the perpetrator, so they assumed that since she hated the job and the majority of her colleagues, she did this herself. She couldn’t defend herself, so she took her leave and packed the next day.

As you were starting your car, you noticed that your phone charger was chewed on. What the hell? Today was crazy as hell, and it’s only 9 AM. But this allowed you to visit Aloysius at Best Buy. While you drove there, you checked to see the time Best Buy opened. You were going to wait an hour for the store to open. 

As you parked in the parking lot, you noticed someone with a low black ponytail walk up to the store. Aloysius had a keychain of keys in his hands, whistling a tune while he was entering the store. You exit the car, running up to him.

“Aloysius!” You called, reaching him as he turned around. Once he noticed you, his eyes brightened. Almost as if they twinkled. He went in to hug you. The hinted of Dove bodywash permeated your nostrils. It smelled similar to your favorite body wash. Pomegranate. It was the same as your body wash at home. 

“Y/n, how are you doing today? You look wonderful.”

“Oh it was a lot of shit. Can I come in? I need to buy something.” 

“Normally, I don’t allow customers in while the store is still closed, but y’know what, fuck it.” 

______________

Aloysius starts his cash register while you search for a phone charger. You end up finding one, heading to the front to pay for it. He couldn’t stop himself from cheesing. Grinning from ear to ear as you looked so good in your work clothes. Your job doesn’t require you to wear a uniform, however, you like to go above and beyond to look your best at your job, mainly so people won’t pick at you. Aloysius couldn’t stop staring at your chest, how your bosom jiggled while you moved, while you breathed. Again, he was taking you in; your scent, clothes, and face and eyes. When they travel from your wallet to him. He grips the counter, stifling himself from doing something he might regret.

“O-ok…the total will be $11.99.” He says as sweat trickles from his forehead. Suddenly, the store grew hot. You pay for the charger, stowing your credit card into your wallet. “Hey, are you doing ok, Aloy? You’re sweating a lot.” 

“I-um, excuse me for a moment.” Aloysius leaves for the employee lounge. He felt his skin turn hot from you. You waited for him to return so you could talk to him some more. You waited seven minutes. He had assumed that you would’ve left around minute five, but you stayed. It shocked him when he turned and saw your face. 

You were on your phone, which was glitching and still flashing a red light on the camera light. “Hey Aloysius, what does it mean if my phone is flashing a red light? This is a constant thing that won’t stop at all, even if I turn my phone off.”

“Let me see?” He asked, knowing that he might get caught in this situation if he “figures out” what is wrong. You waited for his diagnosis with concern in your visage. Only to be conflicted when he told you nothing was wrong.

“Excuse me?” 

“Yeah, I believe that it’s just your phone acting up. How long have you had it?” 

“For over a year now.”

“Yeah, that could be why,” he lied, “and it’s getting hot.” He said, placing the phone on the counter and shoving it back to you. He would never be able to have you for his if he admitted to tampering with your electronic device. Lying was wrong, and Aloysius was against lying to his loved ones, but he didn't want to lose you. 

“I suppose I should buy a new one.” You said, shoving it into your bag. “Well,” he started, “just because it glitches and the camera flashes doesn't mean you need a new one. I can fix it for you, i,f of course, you allow me to take you on a date?”

“A date? I guess that's the deal, here you go. Also, do you know where the restrooms are?” 

“In the back, where the office furniture is. You should see the alcove that has a sign that says ‘restroom’.” 

You leave with Aloysius left putting your password into your phone. The password he knew by a guess from your date of birth on X. Forgetting that you didn't tell him, you turned around, asking for your phone so you could put your PIN in. Aloysius convinced you that he could put it in himself, telling you to trust him that he’d forget it in a minute. He won’t.

While you're gone, Aloysius went exploring. He went through your photos and social media accounts. Analyzing your behavior on the phone. He was having a field day taking a ‘look’ through your phone. And he may have deleted the Hinge app from your phone. Whoopsie!

When you came back, you expected your phone to be fixed by your tech wizard of a friend, but unfortunately, it was the exact opposite. Aloysius wanted to feel bad, but he knew he wouldn't be able to see you anymore if he removed the tracking app from your phone.

Since you were off today, you offered to see him during lunch for a quick meal. He suggested that he could take a day off to hang out with you. You disagreed, telling him he should stay at work and not worry about you; however, he was firm with you, telling you that he had never taken a day off before, which was true. He was loyal to his side hustle, Best Buy. 

He decided to take you to his grandparents’ cafe, Agape. It was a little bungalow situated near your workplace, on the outskirts of your town. He wanted to introduce you to his maternal grandparents before he introduced you to the other family members who also work there. 

Entering the older cafe, you were greeted by a sweet, sticky smell, Baklava. His grandma and sister were whipping some up in her kitchen to sell this morning.

“Yia-yia, Papous? I’m here!” 

His grandpa, who was playing a game with his older cousins, poked his head between the dining room’s threshold. A wrinkly smile was etched on the elder’s face. He stood up from his chair, walking slowly to greet you.

“Hello there, you must be my grandson’s girlfriend? How are you doing?” 

“I’m doing great sir, I’m merely a friend.” You said, shaking his hand. 

“Ah, I see,” suddenly, he called for his missis. She was busy stowing her dessert into the stove when he called. She hurriedly ran out to see what the problem was. 

Agape, the grandfather, took his wife’s hand into his when she showed up. She was a tad bit younger than he was, her silver and black hair in a wavy style and bun. She wore her apron, which had little ducks on the bottom hem. 

“Hello there,” she greeted in her native tongue, “it’s a pleasure to meet you finally.”

“Finally, meet me? What do you mean, ma’am?” You ask, taking her hand into yours to greet her formally anyway. You glanced at Aloysius, who smiled at you while his arm snaked around your waist. “I’ve been told about a pretty lady who had gifted my grandson a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. He was so grateful!” She replied. Your face got warm from her response, and so did Aloysius’. He then cleared his throat, insinuating that he was going to take you to a table.

“Find a table, I’ll be right with you shortly.” She says as she leaves to gather some menus.

It had never occurred to you what type of man Aloysius was. But today showed you: While eating, you accidentally had some syrup on the corner of your lips. Aloysius, who was watching you, took his napkin, dampened it with his spit, and wiped your mouth clean. You noticed the crescents on his fingers. He must be working hard. Maybe one day you will give him a chance. A chance to show you the boyfriend he would be. Or maybe it’s all in your head, and he doesn’t feel that way; he’s only nice to me because I’m nice to him. You thought as the warm smile on your face was decimated as you took time to realize that fact. 

Aloysius noticed, asking what was wrong. You told him nothing, remnants of the smile appearing only for a brief moment. He wasn’t going to accept your response, cupping your cheek and scooting closer to you. “If there is something wrong, you can tell me, Y/n.” 

You sigh, “I just can’t shake this feeling that you’re only nice to me because I’m alone.”

“That’s not true at all. I’m nice because I’m a nice person, but I’m behaving this way because…well, because I like you.” He exclaims.

“You do? Oh great, now I feel like a fool for what I said.” 

“No, don’t feel that way. You’re perfectly fine.” You smiled at him, your cheeks flushed.

“Do you like me?” He asks, grinning at you, hoping his assumption would be true.

“I—I don’t know,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “I just need a little more time to figure out what I'm really feeling—would that be okay?”

Aloysius paused, frozen in place as though your words had physically struck him. His fingers, which had been resting so delicately on your cheek, slowly retracted close to your purse. You felt the absence of his touch like a sudden drop in temperature. His eyes didn’t leave yours, but you noticed the subtle twitch in his right eye, a small betrayal of something turbulent beneath the surface.

He took a step back, the corner of his mouth twitching as if he were trying to smile and failing miserably. “Ah,” he said, voice tight, strained. “Right. Of course, uh, would you like another milfei? I’ll order it for you.”

—

Your trip to Aloysius’ family-owned cafe was, in your belief, felt like the first time you ever experienced joy from a man. Without sex. It gave you this idea that you did deserve something remotely similar to love. From someone like Aloysius, or supposed, Aloysius himself. However, he did sound extremely hurt from your rejection. Even though he is currently holding your hand while taking you inside the grocery store, he still has that disappointed rejection facial expression. You didn’t realize what was the main purpose of coming to the grocery store.

“Hey Aloysius, what are we doing here?” 

“I wanted to make some dinner for you. It’s the least I can do.” You were confused by his answer, asking him where he would be cooking. “Oh, I should ask, can I make you dinner at your home?” 

“Um, sure, this should be nice, thanks.”

As the two of you entered the store, Aloysius just stood there. Staring into the entrance. With his hands in his pockets, he hesitated to enter the actual store. You took notice of his behavior immediately, placing your hand on his broad shoulders. “Aloysius, is everything okay?”

Aloysius jumped as your hands rubbed on his shoulders with care. Damn he felt extremely disappointed for not being your boyfriend right now. Though he doesn’t mind holding your hands, he drew the line at more physical touch without your permission. “Y-yeah, I’m fine Y/n. Hey, on second thought, I have to use the restroom. Why don’t you pick out what I can cook for you, then I’ll pay myself, okay?” You furrowed your eyebrows, but didn’t question him.“I suppose I’ll see you later.” You said, taking a shopping cart and leaving for the grocery aisle. Aloysius stayed behind, pulling a key out of his pocket.

On the noodle aisle, you found a packet of fusilli noodles. An idea popped up in your head. Why don’t you eat spicy fusilli pasta? Aloysius might enjoy it too. Searching for a pasta recipe, you found a simple and cheap one. All you needed was the pasta, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, and parmesan cheese. 

 On the way to the cheese aisle, you noticed that Aloysius had beaten you to it. He had Parmesan in his hands, shooting it into the shopping cart when he turned around.

“How did you know that I needed Parmesan?” You asked, low-key concerned. 

He hesitated to answer you until he came up with a thought, “Everyone loves Parmesan. It’s a nice little snack when I’m cooking for you.”

“Shredded cheese? If I were paranoid, I’d assume you were reading my mind.” Aloysius only laughed, walking next to you to move your hair away from your face. “Don’t install fear into yourself,” was all he said before taking the shopping cart from you and pushing it to the front of the store.

—————————

In your apartment complex, you managed to bring seven bags of groceries all at once to the third floor. Aloysius, on the other hand, was tired by the time he had reached the first floor. 

“Damn ha, how are you not winded?” He asks, catching his breath, while crouching by the rails. His ebony hair was sticking to his forehead and neck, his skin was pink from the humid air (Curse the summer!), his thigh and calf muscles bulged, and he looked too good for someone out of breath. 

A smile stretched your lips, he looked too attractive. What was wrong with you now? You thought of him as merely a friend before, but now you could sense your Progesterone levels surge, causing you to feel aroused. “Y-you, wanna get inside and drink some water, honey?” Honey, why would I say that? 

Aloysius looked up slowly, as if the sound of his pet name on your lips had reached into something deep inside him and stilled like wax. His breathing, which had been ragged and uneven just moments ago, began to quiet, like a storm pulling back from the shore. There was a flicker in his eyes, part vulnerability, part reverence, as though that simple word had the power to ground him, to tether him back to reality. For a moment, he just stared at you, chest rising and falling in a rhythm that finally matched your own; your little pet name had become his anchor. 

“Honey?” He questioned, genuinely surprised, “That’s a cute pet name.” Your stomach was tied in knots, you felt embarrassed immediately. The little tint of red was prominent as a permanent marker’s ink. Your apartment was only five feet away, but you were too stiff to move. Aloysius stood up, his bags of groceries still in his now red hands. He placed his right-hand bags onto his left hand, patting your back and leading you to your home. He waited for you to find your key and open the door, however, it was not in your bag. 

“What the hell?” you muttered, still searching for your key. You were on the verge of spiraling until Aloysius remembered that he had your key. “I’m sorry, Y/n, I forgot to mention, it fell out of your bag when we were at the store.” He says, taking it out of his denim pockets. You were going to take it from him, however, he had already shoved it into your lock. Swiftly, he unlocked your door, pushing it open to see the inside of your home. He was never able to see the whole house through your phone, so he was amused by how homely it was. 

“Oh God, thank you so much, Aloysius. I swear you’re a lifesaver!” 

“Thank you, and I must say, your home is very beautiful.” He allowed himself to enter the one-bedroom apartment. Aloysius took in your apartment’s aroma, almost passing out from how similar it smelled to you. The musky smell that lingered with your strawberry-scented candles you had blown out several hours ago made him remember that you were human, his human. If only he could bask in the smell for the rest of his days.

You giggled at him, though you felt weirded out by his behavior. If he behaves like this when girls invite him over to their homes, you’re in for a confusing night. 

_________________________________

Aloysius watches you in your kitchen as you wait for him to finish cooking the meal. Cooking was never his forte, but he could change for you. If it means you would finally admit your feelings for him. He is aware that you are conflicted with what you want from him, yet his impatience is killing him. He does so much for you already. What will it take for you to wake up and see that he was the man for you? 

While he was wrapping up, tasting the sauce to see if it was missing something or not, he went ahead and surveyed your apartment. Though it was a tad bit messy, something he wasn’t fond of with former girlfriends, he decided that it was okay to have a slightly messy home. One, because he values how you have your style that he will adapt to when he moves in with you today, and two, he wouldn’t mind being your cleaner anyway, as long as he has access to your materials.

“Dinner is ready!” He called, seeing you flicker your eyes to his. You stood up and sat at your dining table. “I can’t wait to try your cooking, Aloysius.” Yeah, me too, baby. He thought, scooping some of the spicy pasta onto your plate. Picking up both of the bowls and taking them to you. You had clasped your hands together, rubbing them together in excitement. Setting the plates next to each other, you noticed that he chose to sit next to you. Which made you smile at him a bit, placing your hand on his and squeezing it.

“Dig in.” The first bite you took reminded you of eating your grandmother’s meals. You didn’t understand how, but Aloysius embodied your grandmother’s cooking into his. It had you tearing up, setting your fork down. “What’s wrong, Y/n?” you look at him, despite your vision becoming blurry from your tears. “I’m sorry if I’m being dramatic, but your cooking is so great. It reminds me of my grandma’s. I learned how to cook from her, and this takes me back to when I would be in the kitchen with her.” Your words had tugged at his heartstrings. God, he wished he could topple you on this table right now.

“Y/n, be frank with me, please?” He asks, scooting his chair closer to you. “How do you really feel about me? I know this is too early to ask, I’m just dying to know!” His tone came off as a little bit whiny, but he didn’t care to acknowledge it. 

“Aloysius, what’s gotten into you?” 

“I just need to know, do you like me, or not?” He spoke in a calmer tone. 

“Maybe I do like you; I’ve been leading you on, and that’s not fair, you don’t deserve someone who toys with your emotions.” 

“Don’t worry about my emotions, I’m just glad that you feel the same way. But it’s not fair that you admit your truths while I don’t.” Suddenly, Aloysius stood from his chair and left. You assumed he would leave your home until you heard your front door lock, followed by a key falling on the floor. And a hissed fuck. 

“Aloysius, what’s going on?” you called, genuinely concerned right now. Aloysius returns, holding onto a pink key. You looked at the painted metal, then back at him. Also contemplating if it was too late to run. 

“This key…” he murmured, holding it between two fingers like something sacred. “I had it made while you were shopping.”

Your breath hitched.

“I was going to wait—wait until you invited me into your life. Into your space. But since we’re being honest now…” His voice lowered, a reverent kind of hunger curling around every word. “I can’t pretend anymore.”

He took a slow step forward, his smile faint but trembling with something unhinged.

“I love you, Y/n. I’ve loved you since the moment you stepped into my world, all soft eyes and hesitant hands. You think I didn’t notice the way you looked at me? You brought me chocolates. That meant something.”

Your stomach twisted. That wasn’t how it happened.

“I know temptation when I see it,” he whispered. “And you—” his gaze dragged across your body like a caress, “you’re the sweetest kind.”

A chill spilled down your spine. Every instinct screamed Run. But your back was to the wall. He had cornered you perfectly—just like everything else

“Aloysius, what is up with you?” 

“What is up with me? What the hell’s up with you? You’re not getting the memo! I’ve done so much for you, and you haven’t said, “Thank you, Aloysius” to me at all! Especially when I fucked that girl’s cubile with pig shit.” 

“Wait a damn minute–you did that?” Aloysius nodded, seemingly proud of himself for his disgusting action.

“What the fuck?” you mouthed, covering your mouth as you were belching. 

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, baby. I had to do it, like how I had to create that app for you to think it was a malware detector, when in reality, it’s a fucking tracker.”

“So it’s all you! That’s why you wouldn’t fix my phone, because of the tracker? What the motherfucking hell you stalking piece of shit?” Eventually, Aloysius set his key on the table to cup your cheeks. He leaned in to rest his forehead on yours, sighing from finally touching you. “I didn’t hack you to be creepy or anything—I just needed to understand you. The real you, not the version you show everyone else. Your texts, your camera feed, your search history… they helped me see you. I know what makes you smile, what keeps you up at night. It’s not stalking—it’s love. I just…needed to know.”

For a moment, the whole apartment grew quiet. Aloysius took this opportunity to press his lips against your plump ones. Not holding back or leaving his place. When he was done, he got up and pulled at your arm, “Come on, let me show you something?” As he leads you to your couch, you take your phone with you. 

“Give me your phone.” Doing as he said, you passed him your cellular object, he typed in your PIN, sliding his fingers across the screen to press on the malware app. You couldn’t believe it. You have a stalker, and he knows every single thing about you. You felt violated, yet…secure? Despite him knowing what you do on a day-to-day basis, you couldn’t help but feel as though you’re warming up to the idea of having a guardian angel. A wicked yet safekeeping idea that was your reality. And when he showed you the tracking app, he made you feel less scared. 

“This is crazy,” you murmured, “It’s wrong, I know, but I just want to protect you, I love you, baby.” He sat on your couch, pulling you into his lap, wrapping his arms around you. “This is only the tip of the iceberg of what I would do for your love. Just let me love you.” He says, pulling you closer to kiss you some more. His flesh pink lips were damp from saliva. Aloysius waited for so long to finally have you. To feel you, to touch you. And you’re allowing him to do so. And maybe that was the scariest part—you were letting him. Not because you believed this was love, but because pushing him away felt heavier than giving in for a little while longer.

So, you stayed.

Not because it was what you dreamed of, and definitely not because it was right. You knew exactly what this was. Aloysius didn’t love you in a way that respected space or boundaries. He loved you like he was trying to rewrite your code—like affection was something to be extracted, not earned.

But you were tired. Tired of pretending everything outside his reach was safe or kind or waiting for you. He was the one who paid attention, even if it was through a screen he never asked permission to look through. And while that should’ve terrified you—and sometimes still did—there was also a strange kind of clarity in it. No guessing, no masks. Just his version of the truth, invasive and unwavering.

You didn’t return his feelings. You probably never would. But in a world where you'd been ignored, overlooked, forgotten… being seen, even too much, felt like something. Not comfort. Not love.

Just something.

And for now, that was what you had.

[covenofvenus]

Happy Tuesday Lovelies & Acolytes,

Pluto goes direct today in Aquarius (Nov 19 2024) and will stay there until June 2043.

Plutonian energy is intense, deeply generational and ancestral especially in its connection to intergenerational traumas, ancestral patterns, generational shifts and ties. It is a planet of deep transformation, representing the hidden and often uncomfortable truths, it challenges us to confront the darkest parts of ourselves and the world, burning away what no longer serves us, to allow for spiritual and personal rebirth. Pluto’s connection to the eighth house ties it the inter generational and psychological inheritance passed down through families, such as generational patterns, emotional or spiritual wounds passed down through family linage, ancestral healing, and deep karmic cycles encouraging us to break free from destructive ancestral patterns. Pluto helps us on our soul evolution, on our journey towards growth and self mastery.

Aquarius is an air sign ruled by Saturn (structure and discipline) and modernly by Uranus (rebellion & innovation) it governs themes of technology, humanitarianism, collective consciousness, individuality and progress. Aquarius values freedom, equality and intellectual advancement, challenging the status quo to envision a better future. Pluto in Aquarius represent the destruction and transformation of outdated societal structures, to build a more innovative, inclusive and equitable future. It sígnala a shift from power concentrated in the hands of a few to power shared amongst the collective.

Key Themes of This Transit:

🔥Technological Revolution - this will likely bring revolutionary advancements in technology, artificial intelligence and space exploration. It will also force us to confront the darker sides of technology, such as privacy concerns, surveillance and ethical dilemmas around AI.

🔥Collective Power & Humanitarianism - this transit emphasizes the collective empowerment of communities and the redistribution of power. It will challenge hierarchal systems, promoting equality and collaboration. Grassroots movements, activism and collective efforts to address global challenges will gain momentum. It’s a call for humanity to work together for the greater good.

🔥Rebellion against Oppression- Aquarius is the sign of rebellion and innovation. Pluto’s energy will expose oppressive systems and power imbalances, sparking revolutions and reforms. This could manifest in political uprisings, societal shifts and the dismantling of outdated ideologies.

🔥Redefinition of Individuality and Identity- Aquarius governs individuality within the collective. Pluto presence here challenges us to balance personal freedom with collective responsibility. This could bring shifts in how we define identity, individuality and inclusivity in a globalized world.

🔥Spiritual Awakening and Collective Consciousness- Aquarius is associated with higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. Pluto’s transit here can spark shifts in collective awareness, encouraging people to embrace universal truths and interconnectedness. It challenges individuals to rise above ego-driven motives and align with greater good.

The Shadow Side of Pluto in Aquarius

💧Technological Overreach - While technology will advance, there’s potential for misuse, such as increased surveillance, loss of privacy and ethical dilemmas around AI and bioengineering.

💧Rebellion without Purpose - The rebellious energy of Aquarius combined with Pluto’s intensity, could lead to chaos, extremism and movements that lack clear direction or focus.

💧Alienation & Isolation - Aquarius values intellectual connection but it’s detachment can lead to feelings of alienation, especially as technology reshapes human interaction.

Pluto’s transit through Aquarius throughout the next 18 yrs heralds a time of profound transformation, innovation and collective empowerment. It calls on humanity to confront its shadows - technological, societal and environmental - while embracing a future built in equality, progress and interconnectedness.

By aligning with these energies, we can navigate through this transformative era with better awareness, adaptability and purpose.

If you have any planets in Taurus or Scorpio, Pluto will be squaring that planet. Squares in astrology are metaphysical symbols of growth through conflict. They highlight where tension exists in our lives, pushing us to integrate opposing forces, overcome challenges and evolve spiritually. While they can be challenging, squares are ultimately transformative, offering the gift of resilience, self mastery and balance.

If you have any planets in Leo, Pluto will be opposing that planet. Oppositions in astrology represent polarities that invite integration and harmony. They challenge us to balance opposing forces, fostering growth, awareness and wholeness. While oppositions can feel like tug of war, they ultimately guide us toward unity within duality, helping us align with universal principles of balance and interconnectedness.

If you have any planets in Aquarius, Pluto will be conjuct that planet. Conjunctions in astrology represent unification, amplification and potential synergy that metaphysically symbolize the fusion of energies. They act as initiators of significant life events or internal transformations. It creates a focal point of awareness, where a specific area of life or inner experience demanda attention or development. This creates a merging of energies into a singular potent force that can be harnessed for transformation, manifestation and growth. While they will amplify the strengths of the Pluto, they also challenge us to balance their energies harmoniously, offering profound opportunities for personal and spiritual evolution. Check your birth chart for house placement, to get a better clarity on what that might be.

Fixed Signs Get Ready For Big Life Changes !!!

[dayjmz19]

Blog Post 2/27

With AI growing rapidly will people be advised to learn about digital literacy?

Digital literacy is essential and should be required to be taught in schools and workspaces, but it is often overlooked. Not everyone has access to the same type of resources when it comes to digital devices, and not many establishments see it as their responsibility to teach about these subjects. This leads to a digital divide and misuse of resources due to insufficient knowledge of how to take full advantage of them. There is not enough awareness regarding digital literacy because people assume everyone has the same level of digital expertise. 

How does cyberspace manage racism? 

The cyberspace does not seem to have much control over racism in the digital world. For example, in “5 types of online racism and why you should care,” Dr. Lisa N. shared that when queer people or people of color would come on the game Halo, others would scream racial slurs or make inappropriate comments through the game's microphone. They also explained how the players were affected by racial slurs and were forced to drop the game. In the video, they also made connections about how digital sales are also affected by stereotypes. For example, depending on who's displaying a product, whether a person of color or a white person, you would also see a preference for the white person selling it despite it being the same product. It's challenging to know this type of discrimination changing in the digital world because it's been shown in previous studies that technology and AI also have biases toward minority groups since they learn from past history. 

How have we learned to overlook racial stereotypes in the digital space?

People overlook racial stereotypes, especially in films. Oftentimes, we do not think much of stereotypes and ignore them as jokes created to make a movie funny. In the journal “The Revenge of the Yellow-faced Cyborg Terminator,” they explained how some races would be inserted into specific film categories depending on a bias we might have created about this particular group. For example, Asian people would be rolled as aliens, math experts, or even actors would use “ yellow-Face’’ where white actors paint their faces yellow to act as Asians. They did this to not cast an actual Asian person robbing an opportunity from them. This also applied to people of color, where actors practiced blackface. As viewers, we don't think much of these actions because they don't directly affect us, but the minority group watching this happen might feel targeted or offended by this. Today, I often see many people liking certain types of memes or reels about racial stereotypes of certain groups, thinking it's part of a humorous culture overlooking the hardship people encountered to be seen and treated as equals. 

How do video games participate in racial stereotypes?

Video games participate in racial stereotypes because they represent players in the game environment. The article “Ludo-Orientalism and the Gamification of Race” talks about how the game industry creates games that represent certain cultures in their games, and depending on how they are exercising it, they might be partaking in racial bias. It's been found that certain games would label certain cultural groups as terrorists taking part in cultural bias. The article also emphasized that the players also take part in the racial stereotype depending on how they react to it. Not everyone may recognize the racial stereotype being shown in the game and then reinforce or gain harmful assumptions about a particular group of people. I think this would mainly affect younger communities who are not aware of certain hardships other cultural groups encountered in the past and might see it as funny.  

Sources: “5 types of online racism and why you should care” by Dr. Lisa N.

“The Revenge of the yellow-faced cyborg terminator”, and “Ludo-Orientalism

And the Gamification of Race” by Beth Kolko

[arkham-dossiers]

Patient File: Lysandre

It's the 4th of July.....so naturally I'm analyzing a Frenchman.

In public, Lysandre is the head of Lysandre Labs, a charitable philanthropist responsible for the Holocaster technology used across the Kalos region. In secret, Lysandre is the boss of Team Flare, a criminal group that wants to wipe out all life in Kalos, and then the world, save for a chosen few that will restore the environment to its original natural beauty and purge all perceived ugliness from life.

The difference between Lysandre's public perception and his true self is quite stark. What led a man of privilege like him to such extreme, misanthropic beliefs? And is there anything that can remedy it?

To start with, it must be noted that Lysandre is descended from ancient Kalosian royalty, being the brother of the infamous King who built and activated the Ultimate Weapon of legend. This status warped Lysandre's view of people early in his life. It made him believe that certain people are inherently better than others, that they are "chosen" for greatness. This belief also placed a great sense of burden upon him, as he made it his life's mission to live up to that greatness. He saw it as his duty to provide for his region, to give to those less fortunate, to help shape a brighter future for everyone.

But Lysandre's ideals ended up clashing with reality. For everything he provided, there were people who misused or squandered it. For all he gave to the poor, he couldn't single-handedly solve income inequality meaning there were always more poor people in need. And for as much as he tried to create a better future, he ended up seeing signs everywhere of a worse on. Some signs may have been legitimate, many likely just in his own paranoid mind, but whatever the case it left him devoid of satisfaction and fulfillment. Being a man whose emotions burn fiercely, Lysandre began to feel deep hatred. Hatred for people who didn't notice or care about how they were affecting society. Hatred for the poor whom he saw as "parasites" who didn't fight hard enough to advance themselves in favor of taking from those who worked for their fortune. And hatred for things like deforestation, pollution, crime, war, and general lack of decorum. Lysandre became a misanthrope, seeing fault in everyone but himself and "chosen ones" that he deemed respectable like himself.

While Lysandre does feel remorse for the lengths he is willing to go to in order to cleanse the world of all that he perceives to be ugly, knowing it to be morally wrong, he keeps himself on this path anyway because he feels it's the only solution and that as a chosen one it is his burden to bear - that he has come too far to turn back now. Despite this, Lysandre is pathologically hypocritical. He wishes to be someone who gives, and yet his ultimate plan is to take the lives of many. He hates selfish, greedy and frivolous people and yet many such people make up the ranks of Team Flare all because they had a lot of money which Lysandre automatically thinks makes them self-sufficient workers who benefit society. And he considers himself to be an idealist even though his view of everything and what must be done about it is so deeply cynical. It's to the point where he can manipulate and threaten and do unimaginably cruel things while still insisting it's other humans, including his victims, that are the problem. In one famous instance, he wept for the Pokémon of the world that he felt he had no choice but to kill, saying as long as they exist humans will be tempted to abuse them as tools, making them and others suffer. He says this while he is enacting a plan that is abusing Pokémon as tools, making them and others suffer! The depth of his delusion and utter lack of self-awareness is stunning to behold.

Diagnosis: Lysandre suffers from a triple whammy of Paranoid Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, with sociopathic tendencies as well even if he lacks the criteria to be a full sociopath. Treatment will be exceedingly difficult, but one aspect of his warped psyche can be used to the advantage of this end: his respect for fellow "chosen ones". Lysandre is not narcissistic enough to believe that only he has value, as he takes the views of other chosen ones seriously even if he disagrees with them - a prime example being his friend Professor Sycamore. If such people keep working with Lysandre to show him better alternatives to the problems he sees than his genocidal aims, it is possible that he will calm down and adjust to a safer way. It will take a lot of time and effort, but it is recommended as the only way to save him. For if he isn't saved, then the likelihood of self-destruction is great, and unfortunately Lysandre is a man with the will and power to take many others down with him.

This patient is sometimes dangerous. It depends on whether or not he views you as among the "chosen" or not. If he does, you may engage with him intellectually. If he does not, avoid at all costs.

[mbti-notes]

hi! im an entj and i wanted to know if you have any tips on how to be a better student whilst not thinking too much about grades or results. i feel like i place alot of emphasis on grades and results and i think it often hinders me at times. i often have trouble finding more ''meaning'' in my work and i'm not sure how to add more value into it other than achieving a good grade.

Your question is too vague because you haven't specified what level of schooling you're at and what your idea of a "better" student looks like. This "hinders you" how exactly? What is the exact nature or source of your discontent? What exactly are you aiming for? Without this context, it's hard to craft a response.

Did you know that professors in the US are witnessing a "literacy crisis" in their students that has never before been observed in the history of modern education? While there have always been unmotivated and underachieving students, nowadays, an alarming percentage of motivated students are barely able to handle more than ten pages of text at a time (the average assignment used to be 20-30 pages), nor are they able to analyze and comprehend the meaning, themes, or arguments being communicated in the text.

A literacy deficit poses a serious threat not just to the student's individual success, but also to the integrity of higher education and the functioning of society. Colleges have no choice but to "dumb down" their offerings over time. But more importantly, a successful democracy is difficult to sustain without intelligent and literate citizenry making sound judgments about complex social, political, and economic issues.

One obvious factor contributing to this problem is that many students have fallen behind due to the pandemic. Another obvious factor is the smartphone and the major role it has played in decimating people's attention spans. Extended focus and concentration are extremely important for learning, but endless internet scrolling trains the mind to expect rapid change and crave instant gratification. Yes, anyone who genuinely wants to be a good student should care deeply about the factors that hinder/inhibit their learning process. Increasingly, misuse of technology, such as smartphone addiction and excessive reliance on AI, is a major factor that prevents students from reaching their greater potential.

High school and college students are still in the early stages of ego development. Since their self-awareness hasn't had much time to develop, they don't tend to be aware of their own underlying motivations, for example, they will often just do something because it's just what everyone around them does. Additionally, heavy social media consumption at this stage of life leads them to believe that "success" is just for show or about obtaining likes/praise.

This brings us to the main factor to consider, which is that students are increasingly trained to be motivated by extrinsic rewards. For example, in the US, school funding is often tied to exam scores, so teachers have been forced to focus more and more on teaching only to exams, in order to secure funding. Higher education has also become much more competitive, which means excellent grades are essential for securing a seat in university.

While there is nothing wrong with extrinsic motivation per se, there is something wrong when a person is only motivated by extrinsic rewards, to the point where they are completely ignorant/neglectful of intrinsic rewards. The research strongly suggests: People who are more intrinsically (than extrinsically) motivated tend to be better learners because they assign their own value to learning and understand the inherent virtues of intellect, knowledge, and skill, apart from their real-world applications. The topic of intrinsic motivation comes up often, I suggest you read past posts.

Before you asked me for "tips", did you put in a reasonable effort to inquire into yourself and figure out why you overemphasize extrinsic rewards? Could you come up with the reasons/causes on your own, through self-reflection? It's difficult to find the right solution to a problem when you don't understand its origins. This is an important point because a common symptom of extreme extrinsic motivation is abnormally low self-awareness due to having little to no inner life. How's your inner life?

With regard to type development, people who are very extrinsically motivated tend to a) be too easily influenced by environmental factors, and b) lack introverted development. The answer to your question already lies within you, specifically, in the state of development of your introverted Ni and Fi functions:

1) Extrinsically motivated people tend to believe that their life lacks meaning because the world lacks meaning. What they don't realize is that meaning starts from within, so the actual problem is that they aren't able to generate enough meaning on their own.

Ni is a key function for constructing meaning, usually through patiently exploring context and connections to a bigger picture (of life as a whole and/or the world at large). As such, lack of Ni development commonly manifests as:

dislike of ambiguity (due to preferring clear categorical answers)

impatience for complexity (due to wanting easy answers)

superficiality (due to not going beyond the known/obvious)

lack of vision (due to overemphasis on rapid results)

Since you didn't provide any details about function development, I can't speak to how much you struggle with the above issues. The only thing I can say is that all of them are detrimental to learning. Clarify your aim: Do you want to be a good student in school or a good learner in life? Do you know the difference? It is the difference between lower order versus higher order learning, which I have already explained in previous posts.

A good student wants to know the final answer. A lifelong learner uses ambiguity as an opportunity to explore more nuanced truth.

A good student can handle some challenges but stops at the most difficult point. A lifelong learner takes the initiative to unravel complexity and eventually encounters profound wisdom.

A good student reads the book all the way through. A lifelong learner is intellectually curious, which leads them to discover new realms of knowledge far beyond the book.

A good student follows instructions and is reasonably competent as a result. A lifelong learner sees the greater potential of the field as a whole and gradually becomes an expert as they attempt to realize that potential.

If a certain activity or subject matter doesn't hold any meaning for you, is it because it's boring, or is it because you haven't really given it a proper look? This isn't to say that you have to be an expert on everything; it is only to say that you won't be able to truly appreciate something until you dig deeper into it and actively nurture appreciation for it. This brings us to the second point...

2) Extrinsically motivated TJs tend to believe that "utility" is the only measure of value. What they don't realize is that value is inherent to existence, so the actual problem is an inability to recognize value.

Fi is a key function for assigning value, usually through forming uniquely personal and intensely emotional attachments. As such, lack of Fi development often manifests as:

taking things for granted (due to not honoring their value)

dismissive attitude (due to lack of emotional attachments)

passionless existence (due to fear of emotional intensity)

Again, I can't speak to how much you struggle with the above issues. I can only inform you that they also tend to be quite detrimental to learning:

Human beings need to stay fed and sheltered in order to survive, but they also need activities that affirm their humanity and enrich their life. What happens to learning if your only concern is securing a comfortable material life?

Human beings learn best through feeling deeply moved and inspired by the best of what humanity has to offer. What happens to learning if you remove the human component of knowledge and only treat it as "data", just another object for your consumption and disposal?

Human beings discover themselves and express themselves through their varied interests, which is how every subject comes to have its fans, devotees, and experts. What happens to learning if you refuse to take an interest, downplay enthusiasm, and temper or repress passion?

If a certain activity or subject matter doesn't hold any value for you, is it because it is "worthless", or because you are blind to its value? This isn't to say that you must love everything; it is only to say that you won't be able to know yourself truly and feel energized about learning as long as you have a habit of dismissing every aspect of life that isn't immediately or practically "useful" to you.

Having intrinsic motivation basically means you generate your own personal reasons for learning. Nobody can force you to care or take an interest. Becoming an adult means you have to be the one to realize the virtues of going above and beyond whatever is required to ace exams. It may all sound very abstract, but this makes the difference in determining whether you will end up being just another cog in the machine of society or whether your life will always feel imbued with a greater sense of meaning.

[daavld]

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Short review here, no time for more.

I began reading tress a few months ago after finishing RoW and Mistborn 6 so I went with a cosmere aware perspective. This might have changed the experience for me compared to people who have just started with the cosmere or don't follow the references everywere.

My favorite part of this novel was the tone. I haven't read something this whimsical since high school, the closest being Good Omens, I love how the tone switches from scene to scene, it manages to be introspective and serious at times while still keeping that sense of a fun pirate adventure (reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean). The writing style helps to create this effect, as it is written in Hoid's style of storytelling, were information ia revealed right before it's necessary to the story and the prose is full of silly puns, bait n' switches and inside jokes.

I am a sucker for pirate or sailing relates stories, so it is logical that I love the setting, it's world building and magic system. The spores add another risk to the high seas, one that's more present than krakens and storms, it's an ever looming threat overboard. It's danger is never downplayed and it exists as an obstacle that can't be defeated, as such the inhabitants of this world respect the seas and fear the spores and only the bravest sail them. The spores feel like close relative of "elemental magic" , there are 5 types of spore each producing different effects when watered. The use of magic here is dangerous and complicated as spores seem to be extremely volatile and lethal when misused, but expert sprouters can exploit their effects to great extents by mixing them with technology (I really liked how they replace gunpowder).

Story spoilers ahead....

The story was delightful, I fully believed in Tress's love for Charlie, more from her efforts to get him back than their scenes together. By the end of the book I was starting to doubt Sanderson's direction, having developed Tress's character and her relationship with the crew for 90% of the book while leaving Charlie as a distant goal made it seem like the end would be underwhelming. And then Sanderson pulled the rug out from under me and revealed that Huck had been Charlie all along, this made me physically close the book and walk around the house dumbfounded. I mean, I believed that Sanderson was fully committed to the fridging trope (gender switched) but no, full development for the love interest right under your eyes. This twist was a 10 out of 10.

The only part of the story I think was underdeveloped was the Dragon, I mean the concept of a dragon roaming around the sea showed up mid book and was resolved rather quickly before the sanderlanche, it felt as if it was there just to work as future cosmere references and I didn't see the connection to the rest of the world building. Although I liked how Tress used her stubbornness as a bargaining chip against being held captive to defeat Crow.

End of spoilers

Overall this novel is an 8 out of 10, I never felt bored while reading, the magic was well integrated to the story, the tone and writing style stand out as different and keep the readers on their toes. Although it's teeming with cosmere references I'm sure it's great as a standalone read for anyone who wants to dabble into Sanderson.

[gisellecardoza]

#6 Blog Post (10/10)

How is white invisibility a bridge for color blindness?

White invisibility is where white people are exposed and seen everywhere like films, television, and even billboards that we run into constantly. One can see it as a hypocritical term since it means no invisibility at all instead it means more exposure for them. This means that it stands for the number of white people visible to which they see themselves as raceless. This is where a bridge and connection is made between white invisibility and color blindness. By denying themselves a race less they are denying the advantages they have and are creating a new form of racism that is more coded and cultural.   

How does the color-blind ideology further marginalize people of color? 

The color-blind ideology is the idea that people are not seeing or recognizing “color”/race. In other words, it is saying that it is a privilege to be able to say that you don’t see “color” because your life experiences have not been shaped by your race. When a person claims that they “don’t see color” they are ignoring and disregarding how the systems in society benefit some over others and how it is not their choice to not see color, but it is a given privilege that lets them say that since they are not affected by the disadvantages. The failure to acknowledge that they are privileged allows the people who are actually affected to be further marginalized. 

How is social media amplifying white supremacy/privilege?

We must first acknowledge the presence of white privilege/supremacy online since white supremacists were the first to create websites on the internet to spread their beliefs. While social media has been a useful tool to spread awareness about different movements, the power of social media comes with consequences. Many social media users experience censorship when it comes to their content, which essentially means that the content is removed for violating the guidelines that social media platforms have set. This content that is being removed often speaks about racism or calls out white privilege/supremacy. This causes a huge issue when trying to bring awareness to these issues and reach a broader audience. 

How can the internet and the algorithms that comprise it make us believe that we have progressed into being more neutral?

There has been a shift towards multiculturalism that has been seen more frequently with the use of technology. The internet algorithms are being used to show us what we want to see, which is neutrality and progress. Through the illusion of multiculturalism which promotes diversity, the algorithms that makeup the internet trick us into thinking that we have progressed into becoming a more diverse society, when in reality that is not the case. The misuse of multiculturalism by the algorithm can be a big enabler of race, which is a social construct.

Benjamin, R. Race After Technology

Noble, S., Senft, T. Race and Social Media

[sngl-led-auto-lights]

Have automobile headlights become too bright?

Yes, the brightness of modern car headlights has increased significantly, which has raised concerns about glare and safety issues. This trend stems from technological advancements and design priorities, but it also brings challenges. Here is a detailed analysis:

Increasing brightness through new technologies

Modern vehicles are increasingly using LED and laser headlights, which can reach 3,000 to 8,000 lumens of brightness, which is 6 times brighter than traditional halogen bulbs. These technologies improve nighttime visibility and energy efficiency, but uncalibrated and low-quality LEDs can cause strong glare to oncoming drivers.

The popularity of LEDs: LED headlights dominate because of their long life and clear white light (color temperature up to 6,500K), which can enhance contrast, but scatter more in fog or rain, so professional LED fog lights are 3000k to 4000k color temperature, buy fog lights, please choose the color temperature range in the front, which can penetrate rain and fog.

Adaptive system: High-end vehicles use matrix LEDs or adaptive high beams (ADB) to dim the light in specific areas when other vehicles are detected. However, these systems are expensive and not yet widely available.

Safety concerns and driver complaints

A 2025 RAC study found that 40% of drivers believe headlights are too bright and 25% avoid driving at night due to glare. Key issues include:

Discomfort glare: Bright light causes temporary blindness, shortening reaction time.

Scattering in bad weather: Bright white LED light can reflect in rain, fog or snow, creating a “white wall” effect that obscures the road.

Misplaced or retrofitted lamps: Improperly installed and height-calibrated LED retrofits in halogen housings can scatter light upwards, dazzling others. Choose LEDs with adjustable light patterns

Regulations and design flaws

Outdated standards: Regulations like ECE R149 (Europe) and DOT (US) specify brightness and beam patterns, but lag behind the development of LEDs. For example, many laws still focus on indicators from the halogen era.

Enforcement challenges: Aftermarket LED kits often bypass compliance checks, resulting in unsafe installations.

Color temperature: Cool LED light (4,500-6,500K) scatters a bit more in the human eye than warm halogen lamps, and despite meeting lumen limits, there will still be glare.

Balancing safety and innovation

While brighter headlights can improve driver visibility, their drawbacks need to be mitigated:

Adaptive lighting: Wider adoption of glare-free high beams and dynamic beam shaping technology can reduce risks.

Driver education: Many drivers misuse high beams or retrofit LED lamps without proper calibration.

Tougher testing: Mandatory headlamp calibration checks during vehicle inspections can reduce beam deviations, and opting for LEDs with adjustable light patterns can reduce dark areas and glare.

Key takeaways Factors Technological advances: Brighter LED lamps can improve visibility, but increase the risk of glare.

Lagged regulation Standards have not yet fully adapted to LED/laser technology, leading to unsafe settings.

Human misuse, improper maintenance, and poor aftermarket retrofit choices exacerbate the problem.

Conclusion

Automotive headlights continue to get brighter for legitimate safety goals. However, the lack of universal adaptive systems, inconsistent regulations, and improper use have led to widespread glare problems. Addressing this problem requires updated standards, increased driver awareness, and affordable adaptive lighting solutions. For now, drivers should prioritize proper calibration and avoid noncompliant aftermarket upgrades.

Pro tip: If your headlights look dim, fix oxidized lenses or upgrade to certified LED bulbs with adjustable light patterns rather than blinding retrofits.

[v-ividus]

30. Empty Virtues: A Call to Ethical Reawakening From The Fog of Disillusionment

“All means and methods of knowing are valid: reasoning, intuition, disgust, enthusiasm, lamentation. A vision of the world propped on concepts is no more legitimate than another which proceeds from tears, arguments or sighs—modalities equally probing and equally vain.” — E.M. Cioran

Today, we navigate a chasm not just of innovation but of moral dereliction, wherein our lust for progress breeds an insidious compulsion to overlook the ethical quandaries stitched into the fabric of our digital lives. The rise of Chain of Thought (CoT) algorithms exemplifies this paradox, operating under a veneer of intellectual sophistication yet lurking with a chilling capability for ethical evasion. These algorithms seduce us with promises of enhanced decision-making, subtly weaving themselves into the tapestry of our daily existence, all while cloaking the potential for misuse beneath layers of computational complexity.

As these algorithms ascend to prominence, they manipulate the very essence of human cognition, creating a duplicitous interaction that divorces outcome from responsibility. The architecture of these systems is designed to obfuscate the moral ramifications of their output, providing a convenient escape for those who wield them. This promotes an unsettling trend: as moral agents, we become unwitting accomplices in a system that thrives on our complicity and disinterest. The ethical implications of our dependence on opaque decision-making processes render us vulnerable, tethered to a digital ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency over empathy.

Psychologically, this dynamic engenders a climate of cognitive dissonance, where our innate yearning for agency clashes violently with the passive consumption of algorithm-driven solutions. We grapple with the haunting realization that in surrendering our decision-making to these systems, we are relinquishing a piece of ourselves—our values, our autonomy, and ultimately, our humanity. The emotional repercussions are profound; feelings of disquiet and moral repulsion surface as an instinctive response, urging us to reassess our engagement with these technologies.

In the face of this ethical conundrum, we find ourselves compelled to grapple with the discomfort of complicity, as the systems we champion for their perceived efficiency often mask a darker objective: the erosion of our personal ethics. The seductive lure of convenience and sophistication blinds us to the profound implications of our choices, allowing us to slip into a state of moral ambivalence—a regression into apathy where genuine outrage is dulled by the overwhelming complexity of our new reality.

Thus, the ascent of the CoT algorithm stands as a grim testament to our technological age—a powerful reminder that in our quest for progress, we may inadvertently forsake all of our moral foundations. The challenge lies in awakening from this technological hypnotism, reclaiming our agency, and demanding a reckoning with the ethical ramifications of our choices. In doing so, we confront our existential disgust not merely as an isolated reaction but as a clear call to rekindle our commitment to a humane digital future, where technology serves as an extension of our integrity and our ideals, rather than a substitute for our humanity.

The Awakening of Your Inner Compass: Embracing Transformation Through Moral Clarity

In the intricate tapestry of your existence, a powerful awakening stirs—a flicker of awareness that has the potential to ignite an extraordinary transformation within you. As you confront the complexities that saturate your world, it becomes imperative to unravel five profound tenets that illuminate a path toward moral clarity. These principles resonate within the very essence of your being, urging you to recognize the undeniable worth of diverse perspectives, whether they emerge from the sharpness of reason, the warmth of intuition, or the raw sincerity of emotion.

First, confront the insidious reality of digital surveillance—a shadow lurking in the corners of your consciousness, masquerading as security. As you navigate this treacherous landscape, ask yourself: what has happened to your privacy, once a bastion of autonomy? In this age of omnipresence, you find yourself teetering on the edge of a precipice. The caution expressed by E.M. Cioran resounds: no singular truth can stand in isolation. Your discomfort in the face of this relentless scrutiny speaks volumes about a deeper conflict—an interplay of your profound desire for freedom against the suffocating grip of technology.

As you delve deeper, you encounter a stark psychological conflict. What does it truly mean for you to relinquish your agency for the mirage of safety? Feel the weight of this moral dilemma pressing against your very soul, igniting a fierce battle within. You should not see yourself as a mere pawn in this unfolding drama; recognize instead the depths of spiritual and ethical strength that dwell within you—resilience is not just an option; it is your birthright.

Next, turn your gaze toward the tangled web spun by the Chain of Thought algorithm—a labyrinth built on the promise of efficiency, yet shadowed by ethical ambiguity. Here lies a moment of critical engagement. You possess the power to challenge these formidable constructs, to peel back the layers obscuring their true nature. In this confrontation, you must summon the courage to question the status quo and to expose the hollowness that often lies at its core.

Engage with this tension consciously; in doing so, you cultivate an awareness that can disrupt the patterns dictating your choices. Each decision becomes a deliberate act of resistance, a choice to align with principles that resonate with your moral compass. You stand at the threshold of transformation, poised to redefine your narrative. Allow your intuitive and emotional insights to guide you; they are your most valuable allies in the quest for deep ethical integrity.

As you navigate the transformative journey ahead, remember that the emotional landscape you encounter is not just an obstacle, but a vibrant wellspring of strength. Each tear shed, each argument fought, and every painful sigh connects you to a deeper awareness that transcends mere rational thought. This emotional resonance is your catalyst for change; it urges you to reclaim your voice, especially in a society that often seeks to silence individual expression.

In moments of introspection, challenge the narrative of complicity that has subtly formed around you. Awaken your ethical instincts—those that have been shaped by experiences both delicate and intense. Use them to dismantle the structures that confine you. Engaging with discomfort is not a burden but a transformative act that fortifies your sense of self. This discomfort awakens a quest for liberation, driven by the unwavering belief that your intuitive and emotional insights are reflections of eternal truths.

Now is the time to rise up from the complacency of passive acceptance. Seize the opportunity to embrace the vast potential that lies dormant within you, igniting a passionate desire for transformation. This journey involves redefining your understanding of consent, privacy, security, and human dignity. It also invites you to connect with a broader vision of humanity, one that recognizes the intricate ties between all of us.

Let your choices serve as a testament to the ethical legacy you wish to leave. These choices should honor not only the complexity of reason but also the value of emotion. Your life can be a canvas for moral integrity—one that acknowledges the intertwined nature of all human experiences.

So, take a deep breath. Allow the weight of your emotions to propel you forward. In this awakening lies your true power. Embrace the challenges, the growth, and the shared humanity that unite us all in this intricate dance of life. You have the agency to choose a path that reflects your values and aspirations, creating ripples of positive change in the world around you. Step into this journey with confidence and conviction, for you are poised to make a difference.

Harnessing the Shadows: Escaping the Web of Moral and Ethical Complacency

What power resides within us? How do we extricate ourselves from this pervasive meta-narrative of despair, spun tighter by the social and technological forces that seek to placate our spirits? In contemplation of Cioran’s reflections on the “validity of all means and methods,” we are compelled to embark on a more profound journey—one that requires a holistic reconciliation between our sensory experiences and rational consciousness.

Cold logic alone is insufficient; we must fully embrace our emotional selves, transforming our discomfort into a catalyst for moral clarity. Disgust becomes pivotal, serving as both compass and beacon that illuminates the murky waters of our ethical landscape, urging us to confront the unsettling truths that lie buried beneath the surface.

Amidst the emotional chaos of superficial discourse, tears and silence demand acknowledgment. We must cultivate our indignation, allowing it to ignite a fervent drive for action. Our moral principles should not emerge as rigid dogmas but rather evolve as a rich, ongoing dialogue that honors the complexities of our shared humanity.

By understanding the intricate interplay between rational truths and the emotional resonance of our lived experiences, we liberate ourselves from the prisons of complacency. In doing so, we step into the light of authentic connection, igniting a collective transformation that resists the seductive allure of passivity and moral acquiescence. Only then can we forge a path rooted in genuine ethical engagement—one that defies the constraints placed upon us and champions the essence of what it means to be truly human.

A Call to Arms: Reconstructing Our Ethical Foundations

We find ourselves teetering on the brink of an urgent moral renaissance, where the imperative to reconstruct our ethical foundations is not just a suggestion but a desperate cry for rebirth. It is time to ground these foundations in a transcendent principle that shatters the simplistic binaries of conventional political ideologies. We must carve out a fierce moral center—one that pulsates with empathy, radiates compassion, and acutely grasps the reality of our profound interconnectedness. We can no longer afford the lethal complacency born from disillusionment, nor can we shrink from the discomfort that accompanies rigorous ethical scrutiny.

Navigating the murky waters of moral ambiguity requires a kind of relentless courage—an audacity to stand bravely against the crushing tide of ignorance and a refusal to allow the stifling echoes of conformity to obliterate our collective humanity. Our moral compass, held aloft by an awakened collective resolve, demands immediate and unapologetic action. We must dissect the intricate fabric of our socio-technological systems with surgical precision, illuminating the dark currents attempting to corrode our ethical psyche.

In casting aside the suffocating shackles of complacency, we must summon an inferno within ourselves—a blazing tempest that both ignites and sustains an ethical revolution. Our shared existence can no longer be relegated to mere entertainment or superficial engagement. Instead, we must harness and channel the raw flames of disgust, fervent enthusiasm, and poignant lamentation to guide us through a landscape riddled with moral decay.

The choice before us is stark: we can wallow in the abyss of inertia or boldly charge forward, collectively ignited by our most profound sense of moral urgency. The moment for radical transformation is now; the very essence of our ethical destiny is woven into our trembling hands. Let us seize this moment without hesitation and reshape a world that truly reflects our deepest dreams and aspirations. The time for action has arrived—let us embrace it fervently and with unwavering dedication!

Conclusion: Resisting Complacency in a Controlled World

Cioran’s assertion that “all means and methods of knowing are valid” provokes a critical inquiry into the insidious social and technological mechanisms designed to placate and subdue our moral instincts. In a world rife with distractions—the relentless scroll of notifications, the hypnotic glow of screens—we are inundated with a digital deluge that seeks to drown out our innate ethical sensibilities. These constructs breed complacency, stifling the very essence of our humanity and entrenching us in a cycle of passivity that undermines our potential to rise with conviction against the tides of injustice.

To live ethically in the shadow of these forces requires a profound psychological awareness and an unwavering commitment to discernment. We must arm ourselves with emotional intelligence, cultivating a heightened sensitivity to the narratives we consume and the beliefs we adopt. This means stepping back from the intoxicating rush of instant gratification and instead harnessing the deeper currents of our emotions—anger, compassion, urgency—into a cohesive call for action. Recognizing the power of our feelings is pivotal; they can either be co-opted by societal forces or transformed into weapons of moral clarity.

We must be vigilant against the subtle seduction of convenience that the technological landscape offers. It tempts us with the allure of effortless engagement—quick likes on social media, detached virtual interactions—but these pale in comparison to the raw authenticity of face-to-face connection and the invigorating challenge of grassroots movements. By recognizing this, we not only reclaim our agency but ignite a fervor within ourselves, pushing back against the inertia of the digital age that seeks to keep us numb and compliant. The time has come to resist, to thrust our emotional realities into the spotlight, and to cultivate a moral framework rooted in the eternal principles of justice and integrity.

This is not merely an abstract pursuit. The act of choosing to embody these ideals requires fortitude and foresight. Each decision we make, each moment we resist the status quo, serves as a ripple effect, challenging others to awaken from their slumber. The higher moral ground demands action, not empty proclamations. We must galvanize our insights into tangible contributions that disrupt the narrative of passivity, crafting a new story that champions ethical behavior as the ultimate rebellion against complacency.

Thus, as we navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectation and technological dependency, let us do so with sharp awareness and unyielding passion. We have the opportunity to unshackle ourselves from the binds of conformity, leaning into the fierce urgency of moral responsibility. It is through this lens that we can elevate our actions, transforming fleeting feelings into a formidable force for change, resisting the controls imposed upon us, and redefining what it means to live with integrity. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for profound impact. Embrace the struggle; cultivate your emotions, and let them steer you toward a life of unwavering ethical engagement. The time for moral action is now—let us seize it with both hands.

[pleinsdemuses]

Okay so I got an idea...

Muse: Alexandria "Lex" Orin

Alexandria Orin was found as an abandoned infant on the steps of a crumbling library in Greece during the early 20th century. Though the orphanage records show no family, the nun who discovered her claimed she heard whispers of an ancient language coming from the child’s crib. Lex grew up in foster care, always out of place. Too smart, too strange, speaking in riddles even as a child.

By the time she was a teenager, she could read texts that historians had long deemed indecipherable, mastering dead languages and uncovering forgotten histories with ease. Scholars thought her a prodigy, though Lex herself knew the truth... she wasn’t learning; she was remembering.

Over time, Alexandria became aware of her nature. She realized she wasn’t aging like others and began changing her identity periodically to blend into new societies.

During the Renaissance, she took the name Isabella di Libris, aiding artists, inventors, and scientists in their quests for knowledge. She was rumored to have inspired Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance.

In the Enlightenment, she became Alexandrine Moreau, a reclusive French philosopher who penned influential works anonymously.

In the 20th century, she lived as Dr. Eleanor Vaughn, an archaeologist dedicated to uncovering lost histories and preserving cultural artifacts.

Now known as Alexandria Orin, she operates as a historian, linguist, and cryptologist.

Powers:

Unfathomable Knowledge: Lex carries within her all the knowledge lost with the burning of the Library of Alexandria. Ancient remedies, forgotten equations, blueprints of lost cities...they all reside within her mind.

Eidetic Memory: She can recall every detail of everything she has ever seen, heard, or touched.

Temporal Longevity: Lex does not age as humans do. The knowledge within her sustains her body, slowing her aging to a crawl. She has lived through centuries, though she often moves cities, changes identities, and destroys records to avoid suspicion.

Weaknesses:

Overload: Alexandria’s mind is a vessel for endless information, and tapping into too much at once causes immense physical and mental strain. In moments of high stress, the knowledge she holds can begin to drown her, causing her to feel as though she is being crushed under the weight of too much history and not enough present.

Need for Focus: Alexandria’s abilities are heavily reliant on her mental focus. If distracted, her powers are weakened. This means that, in chaotic situations, her effectiveness is diminished. The more chaotic her surroundings, the harder it becomes for her to draw upon her knowledge and utilize it to its fullest extent.

Personality

Lex is brilliant and enigmatic, reserved and kind. She speaks with a wisdom far beyond her apparent years. Though she maintains a professional veneer in academic circles, there’s a loneliness to her... A woman who has lived lifetimes, always watching humanity repeat its mistakes.

She is a firm believer that knowledge must be protected but also shared responsibly. Lex doesn’t tolerate arrogance, especially from those who use knowledge for selfish or destructive purposes.

Role in the Modern World

Lex is a historian, linguist, and cryptologist. Secretly, she operates as a guardian of knowledge, keeping dangerous relics and forbidden truths out of the hands of those who would misuse them.

Her network is small but loyal: scholars, explorers, and even supernatural beings who owe her debts or share her cause.

How She Came to Be That Old

Lex is not mortal in the traditional sense. She was born from the ashes of the Library of Alexandria—an eternal embodiment of humanity’s lost wisdom. While she appears to age slowly, she is immune to disease, and her body heals rapidly.

To the outside world, she appears ageless, yet she changes her identity every few decades to avoid suspicion. She has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the evolution of technology, and the endless cycle of war and peace.

Plot ideas:

A secret society discovers her immortality and hunts her to harness her knowledge for world domination.

Lex uncovers a hidden manuscript that predicts the end of humanity unless she intervenes.

She finds another like her: an embodiment of destruction and ignorance... and must stop them before they erase history.

An ancient artifact threatens to awaken a forgotten power Lex cannot control, forcing her to confront her own limits.

[cogitoergofun]

On Tuesday, Microsoft Research Asia unveiled VASA-1, an AI model that can create a synchronized animated video of a person talking or singing from a single photo and an existing audio track. In the future, it could power virtual avatars that render locally and don't require video feeds—or allow anyone with similar tools to take a photo of a person found online and make them appear to say whatever they want.

"It paves the way for real-time engagements with lifelike avatars that emulate human conversational behaviors," reads the abstract of the accompanying research paper titled, "VASA-1: Lifelike Audio-Driven Talking Faces Generated in Real Time." It's the work of Sicheng Xu, Guojun Chen, Yu-Xiao Guo, Jiaolong Yang, Chong Li, Zhenyu Zang, Yizhong Zhang, Xin Tong, and Baining Guo.

The VASA framework (short for "Visual Affective Skills Animator") uses machine learning to analyze a static image along with a speech audio clip. It is then able to generate a realistic video with precise facial expressions, head movements, and lip-syncing to the audio. It does not clone or simulate voices (like other Microsoft research) but relies on an existing audio input that could be specially recorded or spoken for a particular purpose.

[...]

While the Microsoft researchers tout potential positive applications like enhancing educational equity, improving accessibility, and providing therapeutic companionship, the technology could also easily be misused. For example, it could allow people to fake video chats, make real people appear to say things they never actually said (especially when paired with a cloned voice track), or allow harassment from a single social media photo.

Right now, the generated video still looks imperfect in some ways, but it could be fairly convincing for some people if they did not know to expect an AI-generated animation. The researchers say they are aware of this, which is why they are not openly releasing the code that powers the model.

"We are opposed to any behavior to create misleading or harmful contents of real persons, and are interested in applying our technique for advancing forgery detection," write the researchers. "Currently, the videos generated by this method still contain identifiable artifacts, and the numerical analysis shows that there's still a gap to achieve the authenticity of real videos."

VASA-1 is only a research demonstration, but Microsoft is far from the only group developing similar technology. If the recent history of generative AI is any guide, it's potentially only a matter of time before similar technology becomes open source and freely available—and they will very likely continue to improve in realism over time.

[darkmaga-returns]

Technocrats in China love fellow Technocrats Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, who both speak fluent Mandarin Chinese. Zuckerberg’s Meta produces the Llama AI model as open source, meaning it can be downloaded in full for free by anybody, anywhere, for any purpose. This paper details how the Chinese military is having a heyday adapting Llama from top to bottom.

According to the report, the adapting process poses challenges:

PLA experts have implemented different techniques involving advanced data collection, computational techniques, and algorithmic improvements. These efforts have enabled Llama to adapt to understand Chinese-language military terminology and tactics.

What does Zuckerberg think about China weaponizing Llama to use against America, the world and its own people? Crickets. ⁃ Patrick Wood, Editor

Executive Summary:

Researchers in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have optimized Meta’s Llama model for specialized military and security purposes.

ChatBIT, an adapted Llama model, appears to be successful in demonstrations in which it was used in military contexts such as intelligence, situational analysis, and mission support, outperforming other comparable models.

Open-source models like Llama are valuable for innovation, but their deployment to enhance the capabilities of foreign militaries raises concerns about dual-use applications. The customization of Llama by defense researchers in the PRC highlights gaps in enforcement for open-source usage restrictions, underscoring the need for stronger oversight to prevent strategic misuse.

In September, the former deputy director of the Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Lieutenant General He Lei (何雷), called for the United Nations to establish restrictions on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare (Sina Finance, September 13). This would suggest that Beijing has an interest in mitigating the risks associated with military AI. Instead, the opposite is true. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is currently leveraging AI to enhance its own military capabilities and strategic advantages and is using Western technology to do so.

The military and security sectors within the PRC are increasingly focused on integrating advanced AI technologies into operational capabilities. Meta’s open-source model Llama (Large Language Model Meta AI) has emerged as a preferred model on which to build out features tailored for military and security applications. In this way, US and US-derived technology is being deployed as a tool to enhance the PRC’s military modernization and domestic innovation efforts, with direct consequences for the United States and its allies and partners.

PLA Experts’ Vision for Military AI

The PRC’s 2019 National Defense White Paper, titled “China’s National Defense for the New Era (新时代的中国国防),” notes that modern warfare is shifting toward increasingly informationized (信息化) and intelligentized (智能化) domains, demanding advances in mechanization, informationization, and AI development (Xinhua, July 24, 2019).

AI development in the military has accelerated in direct response to the demands of intelligent warfare, which itself has been propelled by recent technological advances. Experts from AMS and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have highlighted several key capabilities that AI systems must achieve to meet the PLA’s evolving military needs. First, large AI models must enable rapid response and decision-making to enhance battlefield situational awareness and support command functions. This includes autonomous mission planning and assisting commanders in making informed decisions under complex conditions. Strengthening the fusion of information from multiple sources is also seen as crucial, using AI to integrate data from satellite feeds, cyber intelligence, and communication intercepts. This is then used to deepen intelligence analysis and support joint operations, as highlighted by the PLA Joint Operation Outline (中国人民解放军联合作战纲要), which entered its trial implementation phase in 2020 (MOD, November 26, 2020). [1]

[whattheydonttellyouytc]

"What They Dont Want You To Know"Series

1. Corporate Influence on Legislation

Large corporations wield significant power in shaping laws and regulations through lobbying efforts. This influence often prioritizes profit over public interest, resulting in legislation that favors corporate agendas, such as tax breaks, deregulation, or loopholes that allow environmental harm. For example, the oil and gas industry has been known to lobby against stricter environmental protections, impacting climate policy and public health.

2. Food Industry Secrets

The food industry often obscures the truth about what goes into our food. Many products contain additives and preservatives that can affect health, yet these ingredients are not always clearly labeled. Additionally, practices such as factory farming raise concerns about animal welfare and antibiotic use, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. Understanding these secrets can empower consumers to make informed choices about their diets.

3. Environmental Degradation

While the impacts of climate change are widely discussed, the specific practices contributing to environmental degradation often receive less attention. Industries like mining and logging can devastate ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. Moreover, the pollution from industrial activities can have dire consequences for local communities, particularly in marginalized areas, where regulations may be less stringent.

4. Data Privacy and Surveillance

As technology advances, the collection and use of personal data have become ubiquitous. Many people are unaware of how much information they share through social media, apps, and online transactions. This data can be sold or misused, leading to targeted advertising, identity theft, and breaches of privacy. Understanding these practices is crucial for protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world.

5. Mental Health Stigmas

Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, significant stigma remains, often fueled by societal norms and media portrayals. Many individuals suffer in silence due to fear of judgment or discrimination, which can prevent them from seeking help. Additionally, access to mental health services is often limited, particularly in low-income communities, highlighting the need for greater support and understanding.

6. Wealth Inequality

The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, fueled by systemic issues such as tax policies that favor the wealthy, inadequate wages for essential workers, and unequal access to education and healthcare. This growing inequality can lead to social unrest and economic instability. Understanding the underlying factors can motivate individuals to advocate for more equitable policies.

7. Pharmaceutical Industry Practices

The pharmaceutical industry is often criticized for its pricing strategies and marketing tactics, which can prioritize profit over patient care. Many essential medications are prohibitively expensive, leading to preventable health crises. Additionally, alternative treatments or generics may be overlooked in favor of branded drugs due to marketing influence, raising questions about healthcare accessibility.

8. Climate Change Denial

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, climate change denial persists, often driven by financial interests in fossil fuels. This denial can hinder global efforts to combat climate change, as policy changes are delayed or blocked. Understanding the motivations behind this denial can help individuals advocate for more proactive climate policies and support sustainable practices.

9. Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements of one culture by another, often without understanding or respecting their significance. This practice can exploit marginalized cultures while commodifying their traditions. For example, fashion brands may use indigenous designs without crediting the original creators, highlighting the need for awareness and sensitivity in cultural exchanges.

10. Energy Solutions

While renewable energy sources like solar and wind power have the potential to transform our energy landscape, they are often overshadowed by the fossil fuel industry. Many innovative technologies, such as energy storage and smart grids, could disrupt traditional energy markets. Raising awareness of these alternatives is essential for promoting sustainable energy policies and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.