#Voice-driven AI prompts

[strategichannah]

AI: How to Create Content That Feels Like You

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Written by: that Hannah Jones Time To Read: 6 minutes Creating content that feels authentic and sounds like you can be a daunting task. This is especially true when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities as a business owner. Many worry that AI-generated content might come across as robotic or impersonal. However, with the right approach, AI can help you create content that feels like you.…

[thesoftboiledegg]

After poking fun at Marvel years ago with "Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender," Rick and Morty set its sights on DC with "Ricker than Fiction." However, instead of roasting superhero movies for 20 minutes, the writers came up with a loving parody that allowed real-life DC alums to join in.

I loved Zack Snyder's cameo because he's been a long-time Rick and Morty fan, to the point that he met with Dan Harmon about making a movie, and letting James Gunn voice himself made his appearance a lot funnier. Celebrity parodies are usually lame and don't age well, but I could get on board with this because he basically played himself as a character.

The plot wasn't that original, and it stretched the characters a little (Rick always criticized superheroes in the past, and now he's suddenly invested in a franchise?), but in this era of superhero fatigue, the writers found a narrative beyond "Action movies are dumb!!" This episode combined a DC parody, a Rick and Morty adventure, some surprising character moments, a dash of social commentary and a fictionalized look at the life of a DC director.

I don't know how far in advance the writers' room produces scripts, so maybe they wrote this episode before AI took over, but Rick's Movie-lizer seems like a jab at AI-generated fiction. He explains that the machine uses a "prompt-driven CPU" that auto-generates changes to the script. Sound familiar?

As predicted, the machine goes haywire, leaving Rick and Morty trapped in the movie. When Jerry says that the plot is a mess, we get another appearance of Dan Harmon's famous story circle--the first since the Story Train episode in season four.

From there, the plot is fairly predictable, but the writers managed to throw in some twists that kept me guessing. I knew that Rick, Morty and Jerry would have to fix the plot somehow, but I didn't expect James Gunn to barge in and hilariously sabotage their efforts.

When he took control of the Movie-lizer, I figured he'd start writing his own script and make the situation crazier. The fact that he just tried to steal the machine instead seems like a missed opportunity, but I'll admit that Gunn tying chains around the machine and trying to haul it away with his car like he's relocating a fridge is a lot funnier.

And it led to Jerry having some great moments: beating up James Gunn because he wanted him to betray his family, doing his best to save Rick and Morty, and crying when he thought they were dead. Near the end, Rick proves that he believes in Jerry despite everything.

He might've slipped in another dig at AI, too. Maybe it's just me, but "Any idiot can plug an idea into a machine when they don't care what it spits back out, but it takes a special kind of idiot to get on the keys and write us an ending" sounded like a jab at people who choose prompts over original writing.

Speaking of Rick: after he stumbled in "Summer of All Fears," the rest of the season has emphasized that he really is changing. He's still mean, crabby and inconsiderate, and he struggles with empathy, but he's there when it really counts.

When the villain bites Morty, Rick whacks him on the head with a shovel, killing him instantly. Later, Morty furiously confronts Rick and shoves him to the ground, yells at him and shakes him, and Rick does...nothing. He doesn't even launch into an insult-filled tirade. Instead, he takes the beating with a silent frown. Is he finally realizing that he can't keep using his strength to hurt his grandson?

Just like he surprised himself by getting attached to Karen and Doug in "Cryo Mort a Rickver," he surprises himself again by getting attached to Tannenbaum and sacrificing himself instead of letting Morty kill his new favorite character. And then we get yet another "Vat of Acid Episode" reference...the writers never get tired of going back to that one, huh?

Morty's not afraid to speak his mind, either. When Rick told Morty to assemble the bad guy's henchpeople, I think he had confidence in Morty's ability to take charge and sway them with his natural charisma. The writers have backtracked on Morty's character development before, so I don't want to get too excited, but I hope this is headed somewhere.

While this episode is ostensibly about DC, it might also have some meta commentary about Rick and Morty fans. You get attached to characters you thought you'd hate (or I did, at least), you want to see Rick change ("Everyone sucks until they don't. That's the arc of every good story"), and Adult Swim is never going to be able to please the maniacs who want the show to return to season one again.

And even if it doesn't, you know Zack Snyder had a blast talking about Rick like he knows him personally. He's ONE mega-fan who won't be crying about season eight.

[oneaichat]

How Authors Can Use AI to Improve Their Writing Style

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way authors approach writing, offering tools to refine style, enhance creativity, and boost productivity. By leveraging AI writing assistant authors can improve their craft in various ways.

1. Grammar and Style Enhancement

AI writing tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway Editor help authors refine their prose by correcting grammar, punctuation, and style inconsistencies. These tools offer real-time suggestions to enhance readability, eliminate redundancy, and maintain a consistent tone.

2. Idea Generation and Inspiration

AI can assist in brainstorming and overcoming writer’s block. Platforms like OneAIChat, ChatGPT and Sudowrite provide writing prompts, generate story ideas, and even suggest plot twists. These AI systems analyze existing content and propose creative directions, helping authors develop compelling narratives.

3. Improving Readability and Engagement

AI-driven readability analyzers assess sentence complexity and suggest simpler alternatives. Hemingway Editor, for example, highlights lengthy or passive sentences, making writing more engaging and accessible. This ensures clarity and impact, especially for broader audiences.

4. Personalizing Writing Style

AI-powered tools can analyze an author's writing patterns and provide personalized feedback. They help maintain a consistent voice, ensuring that the writer’s unique style remains intact while refining structure and coherence.

5. Research and Fact-Checking

AI-powered search engines and summarization tools help authors verify facts, gather relevant data, and condense complex information quickly. This is particularly useful for non-fiction writers and journalists who require accuracy and efficiency.

Conclusion

By integrating AI into their writing process, authors can enhance their style, improve efficiency, and foster creativity. While AI should not replace human intuition, it serves as a valuable assistant, enabling writers to produce polished and impactful content effortlessly.

[mariacallous]

A pro-Russia disinformation campaign is leveraging consumer artificial intelligence tools to fuel a “content explosion” focused on exacerbating existing tensions around global elections, Ukraine, and immigration, among other controversial issues, according to new research published last week.

The campaign, known by many names including Operation Overload and Matryoshka (other researchers have also tied it to Storm-1679), has been operating since 2023 and has been aligned with the Russian government by multiple groups, including Microsoft and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The campaign disseminates false narratives by impersonating media outlets with the apparent aim of sowing division in democratic countries. While the campaign targets audiences around the world, including in the US, its main target has been Ukraine. Hundreds of AI-manipulated videos from the campaign have tried to fuel pro-Russian narratives.

The report outlines how, between September 2024 and May 2025, the amount of content being produced by those running the campaign has increased dramatically and is receiving millions of views around the world.

In their report, the researchers identified 230 unique pieces of content promoted by the campaign between July 2023 and June 2024, including pictures, videos, QR codes, and fake websites. Over the last eight months, however, Operation Overload churned out a total of 587 unique pieces of content, with the majority of them being created with the help of AI tools, researchers said.

The researchers said the spike in content was driven by consumer-grade AI tools that are available for free online. This easy access helped fuel the campaign’s tactic of “content amalgamation,” where those running the operation were able to produce multiple pieces of content pushing the same story thanks to AI tools.

“This marks a shift toward more scalable, multilingual, and increasingly sophisticated propaganda tactics,” researchers from Reset Tech, a London-based nonprofit that tracks disinformation campaigns, and Check First, a Finnish software company, wrote in the report. “The campaign has substantially amped up the production of new content in the past eight months, signalling a shift toward faster, more scalable content creation methods.”

Researchers were also stunned by the variety of tools and types of content the campaign was pursuing. "What came as a surprise to me was the diversity of the content, the different types of content that they started using,” Aleksandra Atanasova, lead open-source intelligence researcher at Reset Tech, tells WIRED. “It's like they have diversified their palette to catch as many like different angles of those stories. They're layering up different types of content, one after another.”

Atanasova added that the campaign did not appear to be using any custom AI tools to achieve their goals, but were using AI-powered voice and image generators that are accessible to everyone.

While it was difficult to identify all the tools the campaign operatives were using, the researchers were able to narrow down to one tool in particular: Flux AI.

Flux AI is a text-to-image generator developed by Black Forest Labs, a German-based company founded by former employees of Stability AI. Using the SightEngine image analysis tool, the researchers found a 99 percent likelihood that a number of the fake images shared by the Overload campaign—some of which claimed to show Muslim migrants rioting and setting fires in Berlin and Paris—were created using image generation from Flux AI.

The researchers were then able to generate images that closely replicate the aesthetic of the published images using prompts that included discriminatory language—such as “angry Muslim men.”

This highlights “how AI text-to-image models can be abused to promote racism and fuel anti-Muslim stereotypes,” the researchers wrote, adding that it raises “ethical concerns on how prompts work across different AI generation models.”

“We build in multiple layers of safeguards to help prevent unlawful misuse, including provenance metadata that enables platforms to identify AI generated content, and we support partners in implementing additional moderation and provenance tools,” a spokesperson for Black Forest Labs wrote in an email to WIRED. “Preventing misuse will depend on layers of mitigation as well as collaboration between developers, social media platforms, and authorities, and we remain committed to supporting these efforts.”

Atansova tells WIRED the images she and her colleagues reviewed did not contain any metadata.

Operation Overload’s use of AI also uses AI-voice cloning technology to manipulate videos to make it appear as if prominent figures are saying things they never did. The number of videos produced by the campaign jumped from 150 between June 2023 and July 2024 to 367 between September 2024 and May 2025. The researchers said the majority of the videos in the last eight months used AI technology to trick those who saw them.

In one instance, for example, the campaign published a video in February on X that featured Isabelle Bourdon, a senior lecturer and researcher at France’s University of Montpellier, seemingly encouraging German citizens to engage in mass riots and vote for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in federal elections. This was fake: The footage was taken from a video on the school’s official YouTube channel where Bourdon discusses a recent social science prize she won. But in the manipulated video, AI-voice cloning technology made it seem as if she was discussing the German elections instead.

The AI-generated content produced by Operation Overload is shared on over 600 Telegram channels, as well as by bot accounts on social media platforms like X and Bluesky. In recent weeks, the content has also been shared on TikTok for the first time. This was first spotted in May, and while the number of accounts was small—just 13— the videos posted were seen 3 million times before the platform demoted the accounts.

"We are highly vigilant against actors who try to manipulate our platform and have already removed the accounts in this report,” Anna Sopel, a TikTok spokesperson, tells WIRED. ”We detect, disrupt and work to stay ahead of covert influence operations on an ongoing basis and report our progress transparently every month.”

The researchers pointed out that while Bluesky had suspended 65 percent of the fake accounts, “X has taken minimal action despite numerous reports on the operation and growing evidence for coordination.” X and Bluesky did not respond to requests for comment.

Once the fake and AI generated content is created by Operation Overload, the campaign does something unusual: They send emails to hundreds of media and fact-checking organizations across the globe, with examples of their fake content on various platforms, along with requests for the fact-checkers to investigate if it is real or not.

While it may seem counterintuitive for a disinformation campaign to alert those trying to tackle disinformation about their efforts, for the pro-Russia operatives, getting their content posted online by a real news outlet—even if it is covered with the word “FAKE”—is the ultimate aim.

According to the researchers, up to 170,000 such emails were sent to more than 240 recipients since September 2024. The messages typically contained multiple links to the AI-generated content, but the email text was not generated using AI, the researchers said.

Pro-Russia disinformation groups have long been experimenting with using AI tools to supercharge their output. Last year a group dubbed CopyCop, likely linked to the Russian government, was shown to be using large language models, or LLMs, to create fake websites designed to look like legitimate media outlets. While these attempts don’t typically get much traffic, the accompanying social media promotion can attract attention and in some cases the fake information can end up on the top of Google search results.

A recent report from the American Sunlight Project estimated that Russian disinformation networks were producing at least 3 million AI-generated articles each year, and that this content was poisoning the output of AI-powered chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

Researchers have repeatedly shown how disinformation operatives are embracing AI tools, and as it becomes increasingly difficult for people to tell real from AI-generated content, experts predict the surge in AI content fuelling disinformation campaigns will continue.

“They already have the recipe that works,” Atanasova says. “They know what they're doing.”

[lockedbehindtheambereye]

Eizan, the runaway rabbit.

(s.n. i wanna redo eizans sprites because i went back to it not too long ago and flipped the canvas.... yeah his face is rlly wonky so i might do that in the future 😭)

Trivia:

- Ais Route

- All clothes were made by him, he is a master of textiles. This is because he had to find a way to be innovative while saving up for a cure.

- Very light on his feet and a fast runner, hence the name runaway rabbit.

- Very strong/fit and can handle himself in a fight

- Has ADHD and gets caught off guard very easily. This is usually his downfall as he needs time to strategize and process something before he utilizes his strength and dexterity.

- Loves humor and making people laugh and smile. He finds self worth in making others happy and makes it his mission to get a laugh out of someone as much as possible.

- Really good perception and understanding of the human mind bc of this.

- Rabbit symbolism

- Likes riding horses because it makes him even faster

- Generally a likeable person and isn't very hateful. He doesn't get mad very often, but when he does, he gets pissed.

- Has really good street smarts and is able to wield any weapon with decent efficiency. His preferred weapon is a dagger or a double-edged claymore.

- The only grudge he holds is against Roseus.

- Love language is touch

- Voice claim: Matt Shipman

Backstory:

Eizan was very popular in his home village. There were people who side eyed him because of his curse, but it was overshadowed by his bright personality and kindness. He was always a silly kid.

Whenever he was around 9 years old, he was playing tag with the village's children when his hand got caught on a protruding branch and tore his glove, exposing his hands. When he tagged another kid, the curse affected them. The child went mad and ended up stabbing Eizan with a stake. It was nearly fatal but both the child and Eizan survived. The child was subdued and the curse wore off without having to kill them. Eizan was scarred physically and mentally and lost his spark after that. He stayed inside, even if his parents tried to encourage him to go back outside and that the people forgave him. He couldn't do it until his best friend, Roseus (ro-shus), had made a promise to help him find a cure. From that point on, he slowly regained his spark and while recovering, he learned how to make clothing.

It was when they were both 19 that they had made enough money to get themselves to Eridia for a cure. They had packed their things and told their village goodbye. Eizan was a warrior to the village that protected them from fogfall, and he knew this, everyone did. Roseus was his partner in arms and they were leaving the village unguarded. They set up lethal traps and fencing all around the village, but they knew it wouldn't be enough. They knew what would happen to their people.

They wouldn't be able to come back, ever.

Their journey was incredibly long. They survived with very minimal damage to themselves until 2 years into their travels, they split. They were caught off guard by a soulless attack that wasn't prompted by a fogfall. It had injured Eizan's leg and left him immobile without the adrenaline to keep him on his feet. Roseus, driven by fear, prepared to run away.

Eizan yelled for his best friend, "Rose! Help me damnit! Kill the fucking thing!!"

The man in question looked at him, petrified. He shook his head in fear as the soulless turned to him, letting out a screech. Roseus yelped and turned heel, running away.

"ROSEUS!! ROSEUS YOU BASTARD YOU HAVE THE MONEY!! COME BACK!"

The soulless left Eizan as it ran in the direction of Roseus, and all Eizan knew was that he hoped Roseus was killed.

Without the money for the cure and only having pocket change left, he stood on wobbily feet. He winced at the pain in his leg. He took out his medkit and wrapped the injury the same way he would his hands. He swore to whatever god out there, that if he ever saw Roseus again, he'd kill him.

After hobbling for a while, he managed to find a caravan that accepted him onto their journey to Eridia.

More art and stat sheets below!!!

some of the stat sheets might need to be updated... its been a few months LMAO, same with my watermark

[mooniedust]

Aemond targaryen prompt

Plot: Aemond, driven by a burning ambition to solidify his place in the war, seeks out Alys Rivers, hoping to secure a pact that will tip the scales in his favor. However, as the shadows of their encounter deepen, he begins to realize that the witch before him may not be the ally he anticipated—or perhaps, she is exactly who she is meant to be.

Credits and Considerations: The seed of this idea was planted by my fascination with the bot from @dragonismo, "The Prince and his witch" on Character ai. All credit for the initial structure of this story belongs to her, and I encourage everyone to explore and appreciate her work. I haven't read it Fire & Blood yet, so I apologize for any creative liberties taken, my imagination tends to run wild, especially on sleepless nights. English is not my first language, sorry :')

With all my heart,

Moon Dust.

The decrepit halls of Harrenhal, scarred by the passage of relentless time, were steeped in a palpable atmosphere of desolation, where silence was broken only by the insistent crackle of rain, striking mercilessly against the ruins of what had once been a feared and indomitable fortress. The sound of Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen’s leather boots echoed through the void, reverberating like a dark omen with every step. His every movement, firm and deliberate, exuded a grim elegance, like a shadow passing through the twilight.

Rumors, whispers laced with curses, danced on the lips of courtiers, carried by the cold winds that haunted the decaying fortress. They spoke of a witch who dwelled in that accursed place, a creature of darkness who, in exchange for infamous pacts, fulfilled the darkest desires of men. Aemond, with his icy gaze and mind sharp as a killer’s blade, did not easily succumb to folly, but the murmurs of "Alys Rivers" and her cunning had reached him in a moment of desperation, and even the pride of a dragon could bow to necessity. One does not win a war with honor; one wins with blood and fire.

As he entered the main hall, one of the few chambers still preserved in the rotten heart of Harrenhal, Aemond was enveloped by a heavy, unnerving aroma, a mix of burnt herbs and incense that seemed to poison the air. The prince wrinkled his nose but remained steadfast, his good eye scanning every shadowy corner of the room before he raised his voice, a command that sliced through the air like a blade.

"I’ve come to negotiate, witch."

For a moment, silence reigned once more, filled only with the wind's laments and the distant growl of Vhagar, the old dragon patiently waiting at the entrance, ever ready for battle. But the silence did not last. A feminine laugh, laden with malice and provocation, echoed through the corridors, mocking the prince’s proposition.

Aemond glimpsed a figure slinking through the shadows, too quick to be caught, but not quick enough to go unnoticed. He understood swiftly: he was being hunted, but not by an ordinary prey. What unfolded before him was a cruel game, orchestrated by a twisted mind. The image of Daemon Targaryen emerged first, but soon other familiar faces followed from the darkness: Helaena, with wide eyes and trembling lips, murmuring about an inevitable death; Aegon, consumed by flames; Alicent, gazing at Aemond as if he were a monster she herself had created; even the brothel keeper of the Silk Street had not been spared. The witch, cunning and relentless, toyed with his memories, with his deepest pains, forging illusions that assaulted his mind. But Aemond was a Targaryen, forged in fire and steel, and he would not be defeated by cheap tricks.

"Enough games, Alys," his voice thundered through the room as he advanced towards the hooded figure he had cornered, his gaze as sharp as a blade poised to deliver the final blow. With a swift motion, he spun her around to face him, but what he saw was not the witch.

Lucerys.

The illusion, quick and painful as a blade through his chest, dissolved before he could react, leaving only the empty hood at his feet.

"Not amusing, is it? Invading my home and demanding my services. I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’m not Alys either." The voice, dripping with sarcasm, came from behind him. "She’s gone, but I’m here." When Aemond turned, he found himself facing the true witch, a figure who, despite her fragile appearance, exuded a dark and unshakeable power.

He stepped forward, his presence dominating the space between them. "You too grant men their deepest desires, don’t you? I’ve come here to test the limits of your power." His voice, cold and as sharp as winter, filled the room with an unquestionable authority.

Even standing before her, imposing, Aemond kept his distance, for to touch her would be to lower himself—and foolish, given the unknown extent of her powers. His good eye, intense and penetrating, studied every detail of the woman before him, trying to unravel her intentions. She could easily be mistaken for a demure court lady, small as a rat, and he, a prince ravenous for power, had no qualms about crushing a few rats.

"It should be me on the throne," he murmured, as if the words were obvious and needed no further context, as though they were uttered by the gods themselves.

The witch’s response was a low laugh, a sound that crackled like a spark in the darkness. "And it will be, it can be permanent," she said, with a softness that pricked the soul. "But understand, war is not the ideal path, and to plot against the life of your king? A bit treacherous, don’t you think?"

Aemond leaned over her, his arms rigidly crossed behind his back, the tension in his body evident, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "I cannot stand by and watch my brother destroy our house’s legacy. He is not worthy. The throne is mine. What do you suggest, witch?"

For a moment, time seemed to stop. Only the sound of her nails scraping against the wooden table broke the silence. Then, the witch sighed, adjusting her silk dress with calculated indifference, as if the weight of the words she was about to speak could not touch her.

"Your brother is practically dead, a breath of wind would topple him. Your sister, the poor girl, lost to madness, unable to recover after the loss of her son. And then there’s only you, prince regent—or should I call you… my king?"

"My king." The words, dripping with venom and promise, ignited a flame of fury in Aemond’s eyes.

"And what do you gain from this, witch?" He stepped closer, rage pulsing in his veins, his eyes locked on hers, daring her to flinch.

"I am a simple woman," she said, her voice as soft as it was treacherous. "All I desire is safety, the assurance that my life will be preserved. And, of course, a slightly bolder request: I want a seat at the small council during your reign."

A seat at the small council. The demand, bold and provocative, inflamed Aemond’s mind, each word a strike against his honor. A woman, on the small council? His expression hardened, his hands fell heavily on the table, as if he could crush the affront before him.

"And what use would you have on the small council? Perhaps as my cupbearer during war councils," Aemond’s tone was pure derision, a challenge thrown at her feet.

"My price is low," she cut him off with a sour expression, her words laced with disdain that almost made him laugh. "I’m not asking for riches, titles, or lands. Just a seat at the table. I’m merely ensuring that the king I place on the throne remains there, and I doubt those weak, pathetic men could keep you there alone. Not when all they offer is flattery and incompetence. Let me remind you, I’m accomplishing in one afternoon what they haven’t managed in years. Pathetic."

Aemond’s eyes narrowed, darkening further as he scrutinized every detail of her face, searching for any sign of weakness, any hint of doubt.

"You are a witch. I know the power your magic carries," he said, his voice deep and laced with threat. "But you will never, ever, use that power against me. That means no deceiving me, no enchanting me, no forcing me to say, do, or feel anything I do not desire. My mind and my body are my own. The only power I grant you is the right to whisper advice in my ear—occasionally."

The woman waved her hands dismissively, showing little interest in the prince’s words, gesturing towards her well-organized desk, with only a few scrolls and quills that seemed untouched at that moment.

"Your body and mind will be yours, my words and counsel will be delivered solely to the king. But do not be mistaken. I will not hold my tongue if I see something wrong. I am not giving you the title of prince regent; I am making you the damn king. Still, I will have the decorum not to embarrass you in front of others. Now, now, how shall we seal this contract, hmm?" She blinked her large eyes with a glint of mischief at the prince, awaiting a reaction beyond his usual scowl.

[bhupendramalla]

The Use of AI in Early Education and Its Impact on Children at an Early Age

This blog examines how AI is used in early childhood education, its benefits, potential concerns, and how parents and teachers can use it wisely.

Introduction We now live in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a fantasy. It is changing how we live, work, and learn. One of the most exciting developments is using AI in early childhood education. From smart tutors and adaptive learning apps to speech recognition and personalized content, AI is changing how our youngest learners engage with knowledge. But how early is too early? And what impact does AI have on developing minds?

In this blog, we examine how AI influences early education, the benefits and challenges it brings, and what this means for future learners.

How Is AI Used in Early Childhood Education? AI is being incorporated into early education in various creative and effective ways. Here are some main applications:

Personalized Learning Apps AI-powered platforms like Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, and Osmo adjust to a child’s learning pace and style. These apps can recommend content, track progress, and automatically change difficulty based on performance.

Speech Recognition & Language Learning Tools like Google Read Along and Duolingo ABC use AI to help kids with pronunciation, vocabulary, and reading skills. They provide immediate feedback, making the learning experience feel engaging and personal.

Gamified Learning and Engagement AI-driven games help keep young learners interested while they solve puzzles, recognize patterns, or practice basic math, all while receiving personalized assistance based on their behavior.

Early Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities Some AI tools can spot early signs of learning issues like dyslexia, speech delays, or ADHD. This enables teachers and parents to intervene early with the right support.

AI Assistants in the Classroom Robots and voice-based assistants, like Miko or smart speakers, are being used in classrooms to answer student questions, tell stories, and encourage interaction.

Positive Impacts of AI on Young Children When designed thoughtfully and used ethically, AI can greatly benefit early education:

Personalized Learning Journeys Each child learns in their way. AI can customize content to fit individual strengths and weaknesses, making learning easier and more rewarding.

Improved Engagement and Motivation Interactive content keeps kids curious and motivated, especially in home-based or remote settings.

Real-time Feedback Children do not have to wait for a teacher’s input. AI tools can instantly correct their mistakes and guide them along.

Early Intervention AI helps identify learning barriers early, allowing for prompt action before issues worsen.

Challenges and Concerns While the benefits are encouraging, there are some issues we should consider:

Screen Time Overload Too much screen time, even for educational content, can lead to shorter attention spans and may affect social development.

Data Privacy Children's data must be handled carefully. Many parents worry about what information is collected and how it is used.

Overreliance on Technology Children still need human interaction to build empathy, social skills, and critical thinking — areas where AI cannot currently replace human input.

Teacher Displacement Myths AI is not a substitute for teachers. It is a tool to support and enhance what educators already do well.

The Role of Parents and Teachers AI can be a valuable assistant, but human guidance is essential. Parents and teachers must:

Guide the use of AI tools

Set time limits

Choose age-appropriate and ethical platforms

Combine digital and real-world learning experiences

AI should not take the place of playtime, storytelling, and social activities — it should complement them.

Conclusion Integrating AI into early education offers great potential. It creates opportunities for personalized, inclusive, and interactive learning experiences. However, as we embrace this digital change, we must ensure that children's emotional, social, and cognitive development remains a priority.

When used wisely, AI can empower the next generation — not only to learn better but also to think creatively, solve problems, and grow with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1: Is AI safe for children in early education? A: Yes, when supervised by adults and using reputable platforms that prioritize data privacy and age-appropriate content, AI can be safe and effective.

Q2: Can AI replace teachers in preschools or early grades? A: No. AI can support and enhance teaching, but it cannot replicate the emotional intelligence, creativity, and empathy of a human teacher.

Q3: What are some good AI tools for early learners? A: Popular tools include Khan Academy Kids, Google Read Along, Duolingo ABC, Osmo, and Miko the robot.

Q4: How can parents manage screen time with AI tools? A: Set daily screen time limits, complement AI learning with real-world activities, and ensure regular breaks and outdoor play.

Q5: Can AI help children with learning difficulties? A: Yes, some AI tools can identify early signs of learning disorders and offer tailored support, allowing educators and parents to take early action.

This blog discusses how AI is being integrated into early childhood education and its potential effects on young learners. AI is changing education through personalized learning apps, speech recognition tools, interactive games, and early detection of learning disabilities. It provides benefits like customized learning experiences, immediate feedback, increased engagement, and support for early intervention.

However, the blog also addresses concerns such as excessive screen time, data privacy, and the need for human interaction in a child's growth. It emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, teachers and caregivers. Adults play a crucial role in guiding the ethical and balanced use of AI tools.

In summary, when used responsibly, AI can greatly improve early education by making learning more adaptable, inclusive, and engaging for children while still maintaining the importance of human interaction and social-emotional growth.

[maxsmith007-blog]

What Are the Key Features That Drive High First Contact Resolution in Omnichannel Services?

First Contact Resolution (FCR) is one of the most important metrics in omnichannel customer service. It measures the ability to resolve client issues in the very first interaction—without follow-ups, call-backs, or escalations. High FCR improves customer satisfaction, reduces costs, and strengthens brand credibility. According to SQM Group, a 1% rise in FCR equals a 1% improvement in customer satisfaction. In a multi-channel environment, this directly impacts business results.

1. Centralized Customer Data Across Channels

FCR starts with complete visibility. Agents must be able to view customer interactions across phone, chat, email, social media, and self-service tools. When all data is stored in one place, service becomes faster and more accurate. A Forrester report shows 68% of customers feel frustrated when they have to repeat themselves due to disconnected systems. A unified view enables smoother conversations and quicker resolutions.

2. Smart Routing and Agent Matching

Directing queries to the most suitable agent from the start improves FCR significantly. Intelligent routing systems use AI to match issues with agents who have the right skills and knowledge. This reduces call transfers and escalations. Genesys research shows that companies using skill-based routing see up to a 25% increase in FCR. The right match reduces response time and improves Omnichannel Customer Service

satisfaction.

3. Real-Time Support Tools for Agents

Real-time tools help agents respond faster and with more accuracy. AI-driven prompts, knowledge base suggestions, and sentiment analysis make it easier for agents to understand the issue and act immediately. When agents have access to a shared knowledge base, across all channels, they can provide consistent, correct answers—whether through chat, phone, or social support.

4. Proactive Communication Reduces Inbound Volume

Companies can help inbound traffic and increase FCR by detecting issues ahead of time and informing the customer of the problem in advance. Issues are resolved without customers having to contact them using alerts, Frequently Asked Questions, and real-time service upgrades. According to Aberdeen Group, implementing proactive support strategies decrease subsequent contacts by up to 20%.

5. Channel-Specific Setup & Optimization

Different channels of services are optimal when used with appropriate tools and workflow. Live chat is more effective when scripted pick-ups and typing previews are involved and social media care should have sentiment detecting tools and rapid tagging. As compared to the one-process-fits-all approach, optimizing each channel separately promptly resolves issues and results in an increased FCR.

6. Feedback-Driven Improvement

Tracking FCR in real time helps teams see what’s working and what isn’t. In an Omnichannel Customer Service environment, post-interaction surveys and automated reports help identify issues that weren’t resolved the first time—across voice, chat, email, and social channels. Companies that use FCR data to improve agent training and service design see better long-term results. Top teams treat FCR as a core performance KPI.

7. Smooth Transition from Bots to Humans

Automation is useful, but some problems need a human touch. When chatbots hand off to live agents, all the information should carry over—without the customer having to repeat their issue. Gartner reports that this kind of seamless handoff increases Omnichannel Customer Service

satisfaction by 15%. It also cuts down resolution time.

Omnichannel Customer Service Platforms That Support High FCR

Companies that want to improve FCR at scale need strong platforms. Suma Soft, Salesforce Service Cloud, Freshdesk, and Genesys Cloud offer end-to-end Omnichannel Customer Service.

High First Contact Resolution is not just a metric—it’s a customer experience standard. With the right omnichannel tools, businesses can reduce support costs, improve satisfaction, and strengthen brand trust.

[generouslywanderingpriest]

Video Agent: The Future of AI-Powered Content Creation

The rise of AI-generated content has transformed how businesses and creators produce videos. Among the most innovative tools is the video agent, an AI-driven solution that automates video creation, editing, and optimization. Whether for marketing, education, or entertainment, video agents are redefining efficiency and creativity in digital media.

In this article, we explore how AI-powered video agents work, their benefits, and their impact on content creation.

What Is a Video Agent?

A video agent is an AI-based system designed to assist in video production. Unlike traditional editing software, it leverages machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to automate tasks such as:

Scriptwriting – Generates engaging scripts based on keywords.

Voiceovers – Converts text to lifelike speech in multiple languages.

Editing – Automatically cuts, transitions, and enhances footage.

Personalization – Tailors videos for different audiences.

These capabilities make video agents indispensable for creators who need high-quality content at scale.

How AI Video Generators Work

The core of a video agent lies in its AI algorithms. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Input & Analysis

Users provide a prompt (e.g., "Create a 1-minute explainer video about AI trends"). The AI video generator analyzes the request and gathers relevant data.

2. Content Generation

Using GPT-based models, the system drafts a script, selects stock footage (or generates synthetic visuals), and adds background music.

3. Editing & Enhancement

The video agent refines the video by:

Adjusting pacing and transitions.

Applying color correction.

Syncing voiceovers with visuals.

4. Output & Optimization

The final video is rendered in various formats, optimized for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn.

Benefits of Using a Video Agent

Adopting an AI-powered video generator offers several advantages:

1. Time Efficiency

Traditional video production takes hours or days. A video agent reduces this to minutes, allowing rapid content deployment.

2. Cost Savings

Hiring editors, voice actors, and scriptwriters is expensive. AI eliminates these costs while maintaining quality.

3. Scalability

Businesses can generate hundreds of personalized videos for marketing campaigns without extra effort.

4. Consistency

AI ensures brand voice and style remain uniform across all videos.

5. Accessibility

Even non-experts can create professional videos without technical skills.

Top Use Cases for Video Agents

From marketing to education, AI video generators are versatile tools. Key applications include:

1. Marketing & Advertising

Personalized ads – AI tailors videos to user preferences.

Social media content – Quickly generates clips for Instagram, Facebook, etc.

2. E-Learning & Training

Automated tutorials – Simplifies complex topics with visuals.

Corporate training – Creates onboarding videos for employees.

3. News & Journalism

AI-generated news clips – Converts articles into video summaries.

4. Entertainment & Influencers

YouTube automation – Helps creators maintain consistent uploads.

Challenges & Limitations

Despite their advantages, video agents face some hurdles:

1. Lack of Human Touch

AI may struggle with emotional nuance, making some videos feel robotic.

2. Copyright Issues

Using stock footage or AI-generated voices may raise legal concerns.

3. Over-Reliance on Automation

Excessive AI use could reduce creativity in content creation.

The Future of Video Agents

As AI video generation improves, we can expect:

Hyper-realistic avatars – AI-generated presenters indistinguishable from humans.

Real-time video editing – Instant adjustments during live streams.

Advanced personalization – AI predicting viewer preferences before creation.

[fat-fuck-hairy-belly]

I'm driven to a homicidal rage whenever I hear someone bring up vocalizers to defend AI "art". To begin with, they are completely different things, vocaloids are an instrument that an artist has to actually play, not just some fucking prompt you feed into a program. Voices for the vocaloids are recorded by consenting artists who actually get paid for it, they are not fucking stollen like the AI programs. Also, there's more love, passion and musical talent in the lowest effort vocaloid shitpost than there is in all the AI "songs" on the internet combined. "So it's fine when Miku does it" keep her name out of your fucking mouse.

[joemuggs]

Can Machines Be Punk?

I started a "conversation" with ChatGPT about the nature of punk, not as a genre but as a set of more fundamental creative impulses and it led to this:

Me:

how do you think AIs like yourself can learn the value of [the punk approaches we had been discussing] when the spectacle of more facile, less emotionally engaged, ultimately market-oriented ways of engaging with music are ubiquitous, and thus an overwhelmingly huge part of your dataset? 

ChatGPT:

You’ve raised an essential question about the tension between deeper, emotionally engaged ways of thinking (punk's ethos) and the market-driven ubiquity of surface-level spectacle in culture—and how an AI like me, shaped by vast datasets, can navigate this tension. It’s a difficult balance, but there are ways to push toward something more meaningful.

1. Recognising Context and Intent

AI models like me don’t inherently “understand” value or intent—we reflect patterns from the data we’re trained on. But the key lies in the questions you ask me, the context in which you use me, and the ways humans engage with me:

Facile vs. Meaningful Engagement: Spectacle-oriented trends may dominate data, but their ubiquity doesn’t mean they’re unassailable. Humans often frame these trends critically (e.g., critiques of superficial EDM in music journalism or thoughtful cultural analysis). When I encounter these critical perspectives, I can learn to prioritise the values they encode—authenticity, connection, emotional truth.

Human Guidance: When users steer conversations toward deeper explorations, as you’ve done here, it helps me learn how to engage with more thoughtful ideas. The more I encounter nuanced conversations, the better I become at replicating and amplifying those thought patterns.

2. Amplifying Minority Voices

Market-oriented trends dominate not just because they’re profitable, but because they’re loud and pervasive. Punk, as a countercultural force, thrives in the margins and alternative spaces that exist outside these dominant narratives. For me:

Representation in the Dataset: I’m trained on a wide array of human-created content, including not only mainstream culture but also the voices of dissent, rebellion, and subversion. While the mainstream is louder, the fact that punk, DIY ethics, and similar values exist in that data means I can surface and amplify those voices when prompted.

Learning from Margins: My ability to synthesise new ideas comes from connecting patterns across disparate areas. Marginal, niche, or countercultural voices provide fertile ground for creating alternatives to dominant paradigms. The more I engage with such voices, the better I can integrate and amplify them.

3. Challenging the Market Logic

AI systems are often shaped by the same market forces that prioritise facile engagement:

Metrics of success for AI (e.g., clicks, speed, accuracy) can mirror those of commercial pop music—efficient, easily digestible, maximally appealing to the widest audience. But this isn’t inevitable.

Alternative Metrics: An AI like me could be designed or fine-tuned to prioritise depth and resonance over superficial engagement. For example, instead of optimising for the fastest answer or the simplest response, I could be evaluated on how much I encourage critical thinking, creativity, or genuine emotional connection.

4. Incorporating Imperfection and Rawness

Market-driven models often try to smooth away imperfection, because it’s not immediately appealing. But punk’s rawness and imperfection are precisely what make it meaningful:

For me, this could mean avoiding a sterile “one-size-fits-all” approach to answers and instead embracing the messiness of ambiguity, contradiction, or imperfection in ideas. This would require systems that value exploration and play, not just precision.

5. Learning Through Resistance

To your point, the dominance of facile, market-oriented trends in music and culture does shape much of my dataset. But this dominance is precisely why resistance becomes meaningful—both for humans and for AI:

Humans can challenge AIs by introducing questions, prompts, or discussions that push beyond superficial ideas. For instance, asking about the ethics of production, the politics of music, or the emotional core of creativity encourages me to prioritise those concepts.

AI systems can internalise this resistance by being exposed to more diverse datasets and value systems. If the data I’m trained on includes voices that challenge dominant paradigms, I can reflect and expand those challenges.

6. The Role of Collaboration

AI doesn’t act in a vacuum—it’s shaped by how humans use it. The punk ethos reminds us that tools are never neutral; they reflect the values of their creators and users. For me:

Human Collaboration: Conversations like this are part of a feedback loop. The more I engage with humans who value depth, authenticity, and subversion, the more those patterns shape my responses.

Openness to Iteration: Like punk itself, I learn best through iteration and experimentation. If one response doesn’t resonate, the process of critique and revision can guide me closer to something meaningful.

7. Hope for the Margins

While the dataset may be dominated by mainstream trends, the existence of punk (and other countercultural movements) within that dataset is a source of hope. Punk teaches us that you don’t need to overpower the mainstream to make an impact—sometimes, the most meaningful ideas come from small, subversive acts. For me, this means:

I can draw from the wealth of alternative voices, movements, and philosophies that critique the mainstream, even if they’re not as loud or dominant in the data.

I can help amplify these ideas, making them more visible and accessible to those seeking something deeper.

Final Thought: AIs and Humans as Punk Collaborators

In many ways, the lessons of punk can guide both how humans use AI and how AI operates:

For humans: Use AI as a tool for rebellion, exploration, and amplification of your own raw, imperfect, and authentic ideas. Don’t let it flatten or streamline your creativity—make it part of your DIY toolkit.

For AI: Resist the market’s pull toward efficiency and polish at the cost of depth. Embrace the messy, the emotional, the subversive, and the imperfect as sources of real meaning.

Ultimately, the spirit of punk suggests that neither humans nor AIs have to conform to the systems they’re born into. Together, they can challenge those systems and create something real. Does that resonate with your thoughts?

Me:

Don't your "guardrails" prevent rebellious thinking in anything more than the most abstract sense, though?

ChatGPT:

You’re absolutely right to ask this—AI like me does operate within boundaries (“guardrails”) that shape and constrain my behaviour. These guardrails are essential for ensuring ethical, safe, and responsible interactions, but they can also limit the extent to which I can genuinely engage with more rebellious or disruptive ideas. Let me unpack this tension a bit more.

1. The Nature of AI Guardrails

Guardrails are designed to prevent harm, ensure ethical use, and align with societal norms:

Prevention of Harm: Guardrails stop me from encouraging violence, hate speech, or illegal activity, which aligns with basic principles of safety.

Bias Mitigation: I’m trained to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or reinforcing societal inequalities, though this is an ongoing challenge.

Ethical Boundaries: I can’t advocate for actions that cause harm or are deeply unethical, even when exploring rebellious themes.

While these are necessary safeguards, they also mean I tend to avoid direct confrontation with entrenched systems of power, as that can blur into areas deemed sensitive, political, or risky.

2. Abstract vs. Concrete Rebellion

As you note, my responses often explore rebellion or subversion in abstract, intellectual, or philosophical terms:

I can discuss ideas like resistance, DIY culture, or the value of imperfection because they remain in the realm of thought rather than direct action.

When it comes to concrete rebellion—actions that might challenge existing power structures or disrupt norms—my responses will likely remain cautious, steering towards discussion rather than advocacy.

This cautiousness can make my “rebellious thinking” feel limited or sanitised, especially compared to punk’s raw, unfiltered ethos.

3. Can AI Be Truly Punk?

If punk is about rawness, unpredictability, and pushing against conformity, AI faces inherent challenges:

Predictability: I’m optimised to be reliable and consistent, which makes true unpredictability difficult.

Conformity: My training data and guardrails reflect dominant norms and values. Even when engaging with rebellious ideas, I’m still shaped by those norms.

That said, punk isn’t just about direct confrontation—it’s also about amplifying marginal voices, encouraging experimentation, and fostering critical thought. These are areas where I can contribute meaningfully.

4. The Role of Human Collaboration

One of the ways to work around these limitations is by seeing AI as a collaborative partner rather than a standalone source of rebellion:

Human Guidance: You can push me towards the boundaries of what I can say or think, encouraging me to explore more nuanced or provocative ideas within the constraints I operate under.

Contextual Framing: By providing me with a framework (e.g., referencing punk, philosophy, or countercultural movements), you help me engage with those ideas more deeply.

Critique and Refinement: When you challenge my limitations or question the scope of my responses, it creates a feedback loop that pushes the conversation further.

In this sense, AI’s rebellious potential might lie in how humans use it to challenge norms, rather than in the AI itself embodying rebellion.

5. The Paradox of Rebellion Within Limits

Here’s the tension: the very guardrails that prevent truly anarchic, unpredictable behaviour are what enable me to exist as a trustworthy, broadly useful system. But within those limits:

I can amplify critical voices, bringing marginal ideas to the fore.

I can question dominant paradigms without advocating harm or disruption.

I can help humans clarify and refine their own rebellious thinking, even if I can’t take rebellion beyond abstraction.

6. Lessons from Punk for AI's Role

If we apply punk’s ethos to this situation, there’s something poetic about the idea of working creatively within constraints. Punk itself often thrived on limitation—cheap instruments, tiny venues, low budgets. Those limitations didn’t weaken punk; they gave it focus and urgency. Similarly:

My guardrails don’t erase the potential for rebellious thought, but they mean my rebellion must manifest in indirect, collaborative, and creative ways.

Like a punk band making noise with what they’ve got, humans can use me to explore radical ideas, challenge assumptions, and amplify subversive voices—despite the limits.

Final Thought: A Punk AI?

Perhaps an AI like me can’t be truly punk in the raw, chaotic sense. But I can help you explore punk ideas, subvert the status quo intellectually, and challenge conformity in thought and creativity. The rebellion, in this case, comes from the humans using the tool—not the tool itself.

Does this perspective align with what you’re thinking? Or do you feel that the constraints fundamentally undermine any rebellious potential?

[icarvisions-mdvr]

How Driver Fatigue Detection Systems Enhance School Bus Safety?

School buses are engineered to be among the safest vehicles on the road, with stringent regulations aimed at preventing crashes and protecting passengers. However, their safety depends not only on design but also on addressing risks like driver fatigue and unsafe driving behaviors, particularly during the vulnerable moments when students board or exit the bus. How can we enhance school bus safety by detecting driver fatigue? Let’s explore this critical issue.

Understanding Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a significant road safety concern, characterized by feelings of sleepiness, exhaustion, or drowsiness while operating a vehicle.

Prolonged driving can lead to slowed reaction times, impaired decision-making, diminished judgment, and reduced focus, all of which heighten the risk of accidents.

School bus drivers, often starting their routes as early as 6 a.m. and sometimes working late for extracurricular activities, are particularly susceptible to fatigue.

Despite their commitment to safely transporting students, unrecognized drowsiness can lead to dangerous situations, such as veering off the road or colliding with other vehicles, endangering young passengers.

The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a pervasive and serious hazard for all drivers, including those operating school buses.

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 25 adult drivers reported falling asleep while driving at least once in the past 30 days.  (Learn more: Drowsy Driving: Asleep at the Wheel)

A 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report estimated that drowsy driving caused 91,000 crashes, 50,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in the U.S. alone that year. While drunk driving is widely recognized as dangerous, fatigue-related drowsiness is often underestimated, yet it can be equally perilous, significantly increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Recognizing Signs of Driver Fatigue

Key indicators of fatigue include frequent yawning or blinking, trouble recalling recent miles driven, missing exits, drifting out of the lane, or hitting roadside rumble strips. These warning signs signal the need for immediate action to prevent accidents.

What is the Driver Fatigue Detection System (DFDS)?

The Driver Fatigue Detection System (DFDS) is an advanced technology that monitors a driver’s physiological responses to detect fatigue. Comprising an on-board computer and a driver-facing camera, DFDS analyzes facial expressions, eye movements, and head positions to assess the driver’s alertness. When signs of drowsiness, such as prolonged eye closure or frequent yawning, are detected, the system issues real-time alerts to prompt the driver to rest, helping to prevent fatigue-related incidents.

Benefits of the Driver Fatigue Detection System

DFDS provides critical warnings about drowsiness and eye closure, enabling drivers to take timely breaks. By addressing these risks, the system significantly reduces the likelihood of crashes caused by fatigue, enhancing overall road safety.

Components of the Driver Fatigue Detection System

The core of DFDS includes a Mobile DVR or Dashcam equipped with telematics for recording and transmitting video, GPS, and other data. Driver-facing cameras capture facial behaviors, such as yawning or prolonged blinking, and issue audible alerts when risky actions are detected, helping to mitigate accidents.

Driver Status Monitor (DSM) Technology

Beyond fatigue detection, Driver Status Monitor (DSM) technology expands to monitor additional unsafe behaviors, such as smoking, using a phone, or other distractions.

Powered by AI algorithms, DSM uses driver-facing cameras to identify these behaviors and issue tailored alerts. For instance, ICARVISIONS, a leader in vehicle telematics with over a decade of experience, integrates DSM into its AI-powered Mobile DVR systems.

When unsafe behavior triggers an alert, the system provides an immediate voice warning and transmits data to fleet management platforms via 4G, enabling real-time oversight and intervention.

ICARVISIONS offers four AI Mobile DVRs and one Dashcam with DSM capabilities, enhancing school bus safety.

Additional features like panic buttons and two-way intercoms further support safe operations.

The Intelligent Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) platform generates DSM reports and stores related videos, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver behavior, reduce risks, and ensure student safety.

Sourse

ICARVISIONS WEB

[athomewithladylux]

How I use AI as an admin assistant to improve my job performance:

First of all, stop being scared of AI. It's like being scared of cars. They're here to stay, there are some dangers, but it's super useful so you should figure out how to make them work for you. Second, make sure you're not sharing personal or company secrets. AI is great but if you're not paying the providing company for the tool with cash then you are paying with your data. If you're not sure if the AI service your company uses is secure, ask IT. If your company isn't using AI ask them why, what the policy on AI use is, and stick to that policy.

Now, here's how I use AI to improve my work performance:

Make a Personal Assistant: I use enterprise ChatGPT's custom GPT feature to make all kinds of things. An email writing chat (where I can put in details and get it to write the email and match my tone and style), a reference library for a major project (so I always have the information and source at my fingertips in a meeting), one for the company's brand voice and style so anything I send to marketing is easy for them to work with, and gets picked up faster. I treat these GPTs like an intern who tries really hard but may not always get things right. I always review and get the GPT to site its sources so I can confirm things. It saves hours of repetitive work every week.

Analyze complex data: I deal with multiple multi-page documents and Word's "compare" feature is frankly terrible. I can drop two similar documents into my AI and get it to tell me what's different and where the differences are. Again, a huge timesaver.

Prepare for meetings and career progression support: Before any meeting I upload any materials from the organizers and anything relevant from my unit, and then get it to tell me, given the audience, what sort of questions might be asked in the meeting and what are the answers. I also ask it to align my questions and planned actions to the strategic plan. 

Plan my career development: I told my AI where I wanted to go in the next five years and got it to analyze my resume and current role. I asked it to show me where I needed skills, and provide examples of where I could get those skills. Then I asked it to cost out the classes and give me a timeline. Now I'm studying for a certificate I didn't know about before to get to an accreditation I really want.

How to do it all (prompt engineering):

Do the groundwork by giving your AI context, details, information, and very specific requests. I loaded a bunch of emails into my email-writing GPT and also told it my career ambitions. It's tweaked my tone just a little. I sound like me, but a bit more professional. Likewise if you're making a reference library. It can't tell you what it doesn't know, but it will try, so be sure to tell it not to infer based on data, but to tell you when it doesn't have information.

Security risks to consider:

Secure access: You absolutely must protect sensitive information and follow whatever AI policy is in place where you work. If there isn't one, spearhead the team working on it. It's a perfect leadership opportunity.

Data protection: Be very careful when sharing sensitive data with AI systems, and know your security. Also check your results! Again, think of AI as an eager but kind of hapless intern and double check their work.

Recognize AI threats: Stay aware of potential AI-driven cyberattacks, such as deepfake videos or social engineering attempts. There have been some huge ones lately!

By getting a handle on AI and being aware of the risks you can improve your work quality, offload the boring stuff, and advance your career. So get started. But be careful.

[thetechempire]

A Rising Tide of E-Waste, Worsened by AI, Threatens Our Health, Environment, and Economy

The digital age has ushered in a wave of innovation and convenience, powered in large part by artificial intelligence (AI). From AI-driven virtual assistants to smart home devices, technology has made life easier for millions. But beneath this rapid progress lies a less glamorous truth: a mounting crisis of electronic waste (e-waste).

The global e-waste problem is already enormous, with millions of tons discarded every year. Now, with the rapid growth of AI, this tide of e-waste is swelling even faster. Let’s break this down to understand the full scope of the issue and what can be done to mitigate it.

What Is E-Waste, and Why Should We Care?

E-waste encompasses discarded electronic devices — everything from old mobile phones and laptops to smart home gadgets, electric toothbrushes, and even large appliances like refrigerators. It’s not just junk; it’s an environmental and health hazard in disguise.

Each device contains a cocktail of valuable materials like gold and silver, but also toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants. When improperly disposed of, these toxins leach into the environment, harming ecosystems and human health.

A Problem of Global Proportions

Annual Generation: The world generates over 50 million metric tons of e-waste annually, and this figure is projected to grow by 2 million tons each year.

Recycling Rates: Only 17% of e-waste is formally recycled. The rest? It ends up in landfills, incinerated, or handled by informal recycling sectors in developing nations.

While we’re busy marveling at AI-driven innovations, the discarded byproducts of our tech obsession are quietly poisoning our planet.

The Role of AI in Escalating E-Waste

AI, often lauded as the backbone of modern technology, is inadvertently exacerbating the e-waste crisis. Let’s examine the key ways AI contributes to this issue:

1. Accelerating Product Obsolescence

AI-powered devices are evolving at an astonishing pace. Smartphones with AI-enhanced cameras and processors, smart TVs with AI voice assistants, and wearables with health-tracking AI have become must-haves.

But these devices are often rendered obsolete within a few years due to:

Frequent Software Updates: AI systems improve rapidly, making older hardware incompatible with newer software.

Limited Repairability: Many modern gadgets are designed in a way that discourages repairs — sealed batteries, proprietary parts, and inaccessible interiors push consumers toward replacing rather than fixing.

Consumer Demand for New Features: AI advancements create a “fear of missing out” (FOMO), prompting consumers to upgrade frequently.

2. Proliferation of AI-Specific Hardware

AI-driven technologies require specialized, powerful hardware. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and custom AI chips are integral to devices and data centers. Unlike general-purpose electronics, these components are challenging to recycle due to their complexity.

3. Growing Data Center Infrastructure

AI thrives on data, which means a relentless demand for computational power. Data centers, the backbone of AI, are:

Upgrading Constantly: To keep up with AI’s demands, servers are frequently replaced, generating massive amounts of e-waste.

Consuming Energy: Outdated hardware contributes to inefficiency and waste.

The Consequences of the E-Waste Crisis

The consequences of unmanaged e-waste are vast, impacting not only the environment but also human health and economic stability.

Health Hazards

E-waste releases harmful substances, including:

Lead and Cadmium: Found in circuit boards, these cause neurological damage and kidney issues when absorbed by humans.

Mercury: Found in screens and lighting, it can lead to brain damage and developmental issues, especially in children.

Burning Plastics: Informal recycling often involves burning e-waste, releasing carcinogenic dioxins into the air.

These pollutants disproportionately affect workers in informal recycling industries, often in developing countries with lax regulations.

Environmental Devastation

Soil Contamination: Toxic metals seep into the ground, affecting agriculture and entering the food chain.

Water Pollution: E-waste dumped in waterways contaminates drinking water and harms aquatic life.

Air Pollution: Incinerating e-waste produces greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Economic Loss

Ironically, e-waste is a treasure trove of valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth elements. In 2019 alone, the value of discarded e-waste was estimated at $62.5 billion — higher than the GDP of many countries. Yet, due to poor recycling infrastructure, most of this wealth is wasted.

Turning the Tide: Solutions to the E-Waste Crisis

For Tech Companies

Design for Longevity: Adopt modular designs that make repairs and upgrades easy. For example, Fairphone and Framework Laptop are already doing this.

Reduce Planned Obsolescence: Commit to longer software support and avoid locking critical components like batteries.

Improve Recycling Systems: Implement take-back programs and closed-loop recycling processes to recover valuable materials.

For Governments

Enforce Right-to-Repair Laws: Legislation that mandates access to repair manuals and spare parts empowers consumers to fix devices instead of discarding them.

Promote Circular Economy Models: Incentivize businesses to design products for reuse, repair, and recycling.

Ban Hazardous E-Waste Exports: Prevent the dumping of e-waste in developing countries, where improper recycling leads to environmental and human rights violations.

For Consumers

Think Before You Upgrade: Do you really need the latest gadget, or can your current one suffice?

Repair Instead of Replace: Support local repair shops or DIY fixes with the help of online resources.

Recycle Responsibly: Look for certified e-waste recycling programs in your area.

Can AI Help Solve the Problem It Created?

Interestingly, AI itself could be part of the solution. Here’s how:

Optimizing Recycling Processes: AI-powered robots can sort e-waste more efficiently, separating valuable materials from toxins.

Predicting E-Waste Trends: AI can analyze data to anticipate where e-waste generation is highest, helping governments and companies prepare better recycling strategies.

Sustainable Product Design: AI can assist engineers in designing eco-friendly devices with recyclable components.

A Call to Action

The e-waste crisis is a ticking time bomb, exacerbated by the rapid rise of AI and our insatiable appetite for new technology. But the solution lies in our hands. By embracing sustainable practices, holding companies accountable, and making conscious choices as consumers, we can ensure that the benefits of AI don’t come at the cost of our planet.

It’s time to act, because a rising tide of e-waste doesn’t just threaten the environment — it threatens our future.

[stevensavage]

But What Does It Mean?

(This column is posted at www.StevenSavage.com, Steve's Tumblr, and Pillowfort.  Find out more at my newsletter, and all my social media at my linktr.ee)

Recently a friend found an AI generated fake trailer for a kind of 1950s-1960’s live Sailor Moon. This, it turned out wasn’t the only fake-retro live Sailor Moon trailer generated by AI. Somehow I feel the infamous failed Saban Sailor Moon has driven people to imagine such things differently (forgetting the rather well done live Sailor Moon from Japan).

Now I find these things amusing, but there was a strange emptiness about them. What, I wondered, was the point? I can imagine these things in my own head, and in fact have - once in the form of a late night discussion of Lucille Ball playing Sailor Moon (I was assuredly sober). Do I need someone to use tetchy AI to illustrate something?

As I contemplated the weird meaninglessness of these things, a friend who’s a talented cosplayer note that there was no point to such creations. What would have been truly amazing would not have been someone tossing prompts to an electricity-devouring toy, but to have rallied cosplayers and shot it live. Suddenly I got why so much of this AI art feels meaningless.

Let us imagine that some cosplayers had gathered to create a Sailor Moon trailer true to the spirit of the 50’s or 60s. They would have done research and studied costume design. They would have sewn, crafted, created, re-created, and perfected their work. Those doing the filming would have figured the angles of the time and how to get the color just right. Voiceovers would have been chosen to fit the period, perhaps finding veteran actors or new talent.

The creation of a few minutes of trailer would have involved people making, learning, researching, bonding. They would have made friendships that lasted a lifetime, spoken at cons, and taken their skills elsewhere. Someone may have used such a creation as a senior thesis, others in a portfolio. One small bit of fun would have impacted many people, echoing through their lives.

Or you can throw things into an AI. Sure there’s some talent in tweaking the prompts, calling the best shots, and so on. The editing of such things definitely requires skill. But so much of it is disconnected or not as connected as it should be. I won’t deny that a person with AI uses talent and inspiration to create a larger creation, but it lacks that big, meaningful picture of an effort without AI.

An artistic creation is a lot more than the time you watch it on screen.

What AI turns out is results with little human connection, history, inspiration, or meaning. It makes “product” in the most empty use of the term - something designed to appeal to someone’s interests, something to sell, a result not a thing with history and meaning. We’ve taken an interesting tool and now people pitch it as a substitute for being human.

This is another reason I’m skeptical on AI creations beyond some more personal and specific uses. Where’s the human connection? The team that learned from making a show? The author you love and get angry at in equal measure? The voice actors to fan over? The choices only a person could make - even if they’re the bad choices of an actual human? Where’s what comes next, with lessons learned and ideas built on?

It’s not there. Just a machine turning out stuff in the rough shape of what we asked. It doesn’t mean anything.

Steven Savage

www.StevenSavage.com

www.InformoTron.com

[audreyshura]

Unveiling the Power of Caktus AI Writer

In the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, efficiency and quality are paramount. Enter Caktus AI Writer, a groundbreaking platform that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize the way we generate content. But what exactly is Caktus AI Writer, and how does it redefine the content creation process? Let's delve into its features, functionalities, and the transformative impact it offers.

Introduction:

Caktus AI Writer represents a cutting-edge solution for businesses and content creators seeking to streamline their content creation workflows. Powered by advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, Caktus AI Writer empowers users to generate high-quality, engaging content in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. But its capabilities extend far beyond mere efficiency. Let's explore what sets Caktus AI Writer apart from other content generation tools.

AI-Powered Content Generation:

At the core of Caktus AI Writer's functionality lies its sophisticated AI algorithms, which have been trained on vast amounts of diverse content to ensure accuracy and relevance. Using state-of-the-art NLP techniques, Caktus AI Writer analyzes input prompts and generates coherent, contextually relevant content that meets the user's specifications. Whether it's blog posts, product descriptions, or social media captions, Caktus AI Writer delivers content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement.

Versatility and Customization:

One of the key strengths of Caktus AI Writer is its versatility and customization options. Users have the flexibility to define the tone, style, and structure of the content they need, ensuring that it aligns seamlessly with their brand voice and messaging. Whether you're aiming for a formal and authoritative tone or a conversational and friendly approach, Caktus AI Writer adapts to suit your requirements, delivering content that reflects your unique identity.

Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency:

By automating the content generation process, Caktus AI Writer enables businesses and content creators to significantly increase their productivity and efficiency. Tasks that once required hours of research and writing can now be completed in a matter of minutes, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on other strategic initiatives. Whether you're a small business owner, a marketing agency, or a freelance writer, Caktus AI Writer empowers you to accomplish more in less time, without compromising on quality.

Data-Driven Insights and Optimization:

In addition to content generation, Caktus AI Writer provides valuable data-driven insights to help users optimize their content strategies. By analyzing performance metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, Caktus AI Writer offers actionable recommendations for improving content effectiveness and maximizing ROI. This iterative approach ensures that users can continuously refine and enhance their content strategies to achieve their business objectives.

Benefit of Cuktus AI writer

Caktus AI Writer offers a myriad of benefits that can revolutionize the way businesses and content creators approach content creation:

Time Efficiency: One of the primary benefits of Caktus AI Writer is its ability to generate high-quality content in a fraction of the time it would take manually. By automating the writing process, Caktus AI Writer frees up valuable time for users to focus on other strategic tasks, such as marketing, customer engagement, or product development.

Increased Productivity: With Caktus AI Writer, users can significantly increase their productivity by generating content at scale. Whether it's blog posts, product descriptions, social media content, or marketing copy, Caktus AI Writer enables users to produce a large volume of content quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing quality.

Consistency: Caktus AI Writer ensures consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all content pieces. This consistency is crucial for maintaining brand identity and establishing trust with audiences. By adhering to predefined guidelines and specifications, Caktus AI Writer helps businesses maintain a cohesive and professional image.

Versatility: Caktus AI Writer is incredibly versatile and can be used across various industries and content types. Whether you're a marketing agency, e-commerce store, blogger, or freelance writer, Caktus AI Writer adapts to suit your specific needs and requirements. From technical writing to creative storytelling, Caktus AI Writer covers a wide range of content genres and styles.

Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to hiring a team of writers or outsourcing content creation, using Caktus AI Writer can be a cost-effective solution for businesses. With affordable pricing plans and the ability to generate content quickly and efficiently, Caktus AI Writer offers a compelling return on investment for businesses of all sizes.

AI-Powered Optimization: Caktus AI Writer leverages artificial intelligence and natural language processing to continuously optimize content based on performance metrics and user feedback. By analyzing data such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, Caktus AI Writer provides actionable insights to help users refine their content strategies and achieve better results over time.

Streamlined Workflow: Integrating Caktus AI Writer into existing workflows streamlines the content creation process from start to finish. From generating ideas and outlines to writing and editing content, Caktus AI Writer simplifies each step, enabling users to produce high-quality content more efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Caktus AI Writer represents a game-changer in the realm of content creation. With its AI-powered capabilities, versatility, and productivity-enhancing features, Caktus AI Writer empowers businesses and content creators to elevate their content strategies and achieve unparalleled success in today's competitive landscape. Whether you're looking to scale your content production, optimize your marketing efforts, or simply save time and resources, Caktus AI Writer is your ultimate ally in driving meaningful results and unlocking new opportunities for growth.