‘We’re all feeling Puerto Rico’s pain’: Tweets and social posts from disasters change how we help

Druzhkivka Despite new digital communications tools, those who need us most are likely to have trouble connecting First Hurricane Harvey swept through the United States and into our social media feeds. Then, deadly earthquakes shook Mexico. Now, Hurricane Maria has ravaged Puerto Rico, filling up our timelines with news alerts and photos of despair. Social media bombards

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When algorithms go bad: Online failures show humans are still needed

Disturbing events at Facebook, Instagram and Amazon reveal the importance of context Social media companies rely on algorithms to try to match their users with content that might interest them. But what happens when that process goes haywire? Over the past two weeks, there have been some serious fails with algorithms, which are the formulas or

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‘I’m sorry to hear that’: Why training Siri to be a therapist won’t be easy

Privacy and understanding the nuances of language are just two of the concerns experts raise We already turn to our smartphones for help with all sorts of tasks, such as checking the weather or getting directions. But could the next role for your hand-held device be as your therapist? Apple plans to make Siri, its

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Drones, tractor hacks and robotic sprayers: the technology of farming

AI machines and digital tools can make farming more efficient and reduce its environmental impact ?Farming may not be the first industry that comes to mind when we think of technological advancement, but that’s changing — fast. Agricultural giant John Deere, for instance, just spent $305 million to buy a robotics company. The farm machine manufacturer has been around for almost two centuries,

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