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The Future of Politics is in AI

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The fast advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are going to change and improve many aspects of our lives, including the way people see and exist in democracy. While there are some concerns about the possible negative impacts of AI on democracy are valid, there is also a great potential for AI to redefine democratic processes and motivate civic participation.

One of the most important ways in which AI can influence democracy is through the development of generative AI, which may be able to create new forms of civic engagement and participation. A good example for this can be an AI that could be used to create interactive simulations and virtual environments that let people not only see but also experience the consequences of different policy choices firsthand. This could help increase public awareness of complex issues and encourage more research on given topic.

Another possibility of AI in democracy is the development of AI-powered citizen assemblies, which would allow for more direct input from citizens in the legislative process. AI could be used to identify and recruit a representative sample of citizens from the population, and then use algorithms to facilitate deliberation and consensus-building among the group.

In addition to these direct applications, AI can also play a role in improving the quality of information that is available to citizens. Then, AI can be used to identify and filter out misinformation, and guarantee people’s access to high-quality, verified information from trustworthy sources.

However there are always potential risks associated with the use of AI, including in democracy. For example, AI could be used to manipulate public opinion or to spread disinformation. It is important first and foremost to develop safeguards and regulations that will protect society against these risks.

In conclusion, the potential for AI to enhance democracy is more than likely. By correctly using the potential of AI, we can create better and more informed democracies, that people will be more willing to engage in. But, it is important to proceed with caution and to develop safeguards to protect against potential misuse.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/07/28/1076756/six-ways-that-ai-could-change-politics/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/28/artificial-intelligence-powering-politics-reboot-democracy

Omnichannel; Transforming Brick-and-Mortar for Modern Consumers

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Omnichannel Revolution

Retail market has experinaced a drastic change with the rise of e-commerce, causing debates about the relevance of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. However, an examination reveals that rather than facing its end, brick-and-mortar retail is undergoing a vital evolution to cater to the always changing needs of consumers.

Unveiling Brilliance of Omnichannel

Omnichannel retail shows itself as a strategic evolution that smoothly connects online and in-store experiences, forming a fluid customer journey. This approach empowers consumers to effortlessly move through diverse channels just like perusing products online, stepping into a physical store and/or engaging via a mobile app.

Omnichannel Relevance

Consumer inclinations are progressively gravitating towards a multi-channel shopping paradigm. A recent McKinsey study underscores this trend, indicating that a substantial 73% of consumers prefer a blend of online and in-store shopping. The drive behind this preference comes from the pursuit of convenience, immediacy, and personalized interactions.

Strategic E-Commerce by Brick-and-Mortar Players

Brick-and-mortar retailers are strategically embracing e-commerce to fortify their omnichannel prowess and sustain competitiveness. These are some of the most important strategies in this integration:

Online Ordering and Pickup: Offering this option for customers, to order products online and pick them up later in-store, addresses the need for immediacy and ate the same time eliminates the wait related to shipping.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Utilization: Leveraging digital platforms widens the audience reach, lets better promote products and services, but still directs people to physical stores through targeted online campaigns.

Mobile App Development: Crafting personalized and convenient shopping experiences, mobile apps enable customers to browse products, check inventory, and place orders from anywhere they need.

Transforming Stores for a Better Shopping Experience

Brick-and-mortar establishments are undergoing substantial metamorphoses to adapt to the omnichannel narrative:

Revamped Store Designs: Stores are undergoing redesigns to craft more engaging and interactive shopping experiences. This includes incorporating experiential zones, interactive displays, and increasing reality technology.

Elevated Customer Service Standards: Investments in employee training emphasize a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, whether in the physical space or the digital one.

Harnessing the Power of Data Analytics: Retailers are using data analytics to collect insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchase patterns. This enables special offerings and targeted promotions in accordance with customer’s needs.

The Future Envisioned for Omnichannel Mastery

Omnichannel retail isn’t a temporary trend; it stands as a key force created to shape the future of retail. As consumer expectations persist in demanding trouble-free and personalized shopping experiences, brick-and-mortar retailers that are investing into omnichannel strategies are primed to not only stay relevant but to thrive in this still evolving side of market.

Evolution and The New Future

In conclusion, contrary to premature claims of demise, brick-and-mortar retail is far from dead; it’s, in fact dynamically evolving to meet the growing demands of the modern consumer. Through wholehearted adoption of omnichannel strategies, these retailers are not surviving but strategiclly positioning themselves for enduring success in the years that lie ahead.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/10/17/how-brick-and-mortar-retailers-leverage-e-commerce-to-keep-pace/

https://www.inc.com/rebecca-deczynski/the-future-of-retail-isnt-direct-to-consumer-brands-embracing-brick-mortar-2023.html

AI In Film Industry

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Film industry is becoming more and more advanced every day, and with the help of still developing artificial intelligence (AI) it is becoming a transformative force, both encouraging creative endeavors and raising ethical concerns. One company at the forefront of this AI revolution is StoryFit, whose CEO, Monica Landers, navigates the delicate balance between technological advancement and the essence of human storytelling.

A StoryFit Revolution

StoryFit’s innovative use of AI extends beyond script analysis; it delves into the intricate nuances of audience connections with narratives and characters. The company compiles data on storytelling elements, offering insights that help studios in making important decisions like script acquisition, character promotion, and/or movie’s adaptations of books.

Originally designed to assist publishers in shifting through book submissions, StoryFit redirected its focus to the film industry, becoming the drive behind successful films and TV series. The company’s AI technology evaluates a script’s marketability, providing valuable data on the potential success of high-risk film investments.

Unveiling Character Dynamics

One of StoryFit’s remarkable achievements lies in its ability to analyze character traits using AI. By assessing audience responses, the technology determines the heroism or relatability of main characters, aiding creative professionals in identifying and improving potential imbalances.

The company’s application of AI extends to beloved TV series like “The Queen’s Gambit” and HBO’s “The Last of Us,” where it measures characters’ strength and originality. This data-driven approach not only celebrates exceptional storytelling but also serves as a tool to navigate the high-stakes film industry.

AI’s Influence Beyond Storytelling

As AI permeates various facets of filmmaking, concerns arise about its impact on content creation, especially in nonfiction and documentary spaces. The filmmaking industry is in dire need of advocacy for protections against AI and the establishment of ethical guidelines in decision-making processes.

The dark side of AI shows in the form of black box algorithms that dictate popularity, influencing which stories get told and how. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, reward content tailored to algorithms designed to trigger dopamine release. In Hollywood, producers secure lucrative deals by catering to AI-driven decision-making processes at studios and streaming platforms.

Documentary Filmmaking at Risk

The article underscores the vulnerability of documentary filmmaking to AI curation, where decisions based on data shape content exposure. It indicates the potential loss of human curation, transparency, and accountability as algorithms decide what projects to buy and how to create them.

Filmmakers and industry veterans express concerns about AI decision-making authority, potentially leading to risk aversion and a decline in innovative content. The ethical dilemmas surrounding deepfake technology, question the trustworthiness of content and the preservation of nonfiction storytelling’s integrity.

CONCLUSION

Even as AI demonstrates its value in boosting creativity and decision-making, it has too much authority. There is necessity to uphold human judgment, accountability, and openness in an industry that progressively depends on insights generated by AI.

In summary, there is a pressing need to safeguard the authenticity of nonfiction storytelling, placing a high value on truth and trust. With the ongoing integration of AI into filmmaking, maintaining a robust moral foundation rooted in principles like honesty and respect is essential to establish a balanced and cooperative relationship between technology and storytelling driven by humans.

AI Is Coming for Filmmaking: Here’s How – The Hollywood Reporter

Can Artificial Intelligence Help The Film Industry? It Already Is. (forbes.com)

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AI in Military: a chance for new peace or even a greatest threat?

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INTRODUCION

Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems and AI: Developments and Resistance in ...

In the world of military operations, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is fastly changing and altering. From Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) to advanced logistical support, the defense sector is embracing AI-driven technologies. However, as the abilities of AI develop, so do the challenges of controlling its use, especially in weapons deployment.


WHAT IS AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS SYSTEM?

An autonomous weapons system (AWS) is military technology that operates without direct human control, making decisions and executing actions based on programming and sensor inputs. Unlike traditional weapons, AWS can independently identify, select, and engage targets, raising concerns about loss of human control, ethical implications, and the rapid advancement of AI and machine learning in military contexts.


CONCERNS AND CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING AWS

Athena AI detection of civilian and military objects

The development of Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) is growing, raising concerns about the ethical implications of machines making life-and-death decisions. That includes apprehensions, anxieties, and reservations about the loss of human control, ethical dilemmas, and the rapid progression of AI and machine learning in military applications. Alexander Kmentt, the disarmament director of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, draws attention to the urgency of regulating this technology, noting that “humanity is about to cross a threshold of absolutely critical importance.” The challenge lies in keeping regulations aligned with the fast-paced advancements in AI.


AI IN DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

While AWS sparks concerns, AI’s applications in the defense sector extend far beyond lethal force. Companies like C3 AI are leveraging predictive maintenance for the US Air Force, utilizing AI to analyze vast datasets and predict device failures before they occur. Such applications not only enhance efficiency but also demonstrate the transformative potential of AI in military logistics and maintenance.


HUMAN OVERSIGHT

Ban Killer Robots protest with robot in front of campaigners at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

One of the most critical aspect of deploying AI in defense is the importance of maintaining human oversight. Catherine Connolly, the automated decision research manager for the Stop Killer Robots campaign, raises valid concerns about the potential for fully autonomous weapons. She argues that safeguards must be in place, ensuring meaningful human control over systems that detect and apply force. It cannot be expected when and where it comes to a tragedy beacuse AWS makes its own decision without someone’s input.


PRECISION VS. HUMAN ERROR

The precision promised by AI-enabled weapons is met with skepticism by some experts. Rose McDermott, a political scientist, questions whether AI can truly eliminate human errors, at the same time suggesting that algorithms should include brakes for human oversight. The debate underscores the need for a careful balance between leveraging AI for enhanced capabilities and preserving human judgment.


AI FROM GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Regulating AI in the military is an urgent global concern, not only for conflict situations but also for domestic security applications. Catherine Connolly (Stop Killer Robots campaign), remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of international humanitarian law catching up with technological advancements. Past agreements on weapons like landmines and cluster munitions provide a precedent for creating norms around the use of certain technologies.


BALANCING INNOVATION WITH ETHICS

Armies Race to Deploy Drone, Self-Driving Tech on the Battlefield - WSJ

As the defense industry embraces AI, finding the right balance between innovation and ethics becomes crucial. The integration of AI in military operations offers unprecedented capabilities, but the ethical considerations and potential risks require careful attention. Striking a balance that ensures meaningful human control and adherence to international regulations will be crucial as AI continues to play an increasingly central role in the future of defense.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66459920

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PALM PAYMENT DEVELOPMENT

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First country to accept palm payment.

In an era where convenience and security play key roles in our daily lives, China has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative payment methods. Among these advancements, palm payment technology has emerged as a fascinating and secure way to conduct transactions.

How does that work?

Palm payment, also known as palm vein recognition, is a biometric technology that allows people to link their bank accounts or mobile payment apps to their own, unique palm vein patterns. It definitely is a secure and  pretty convenient way to make transactions.

The process;

  1. Registration: Person interested in this kind o payment first registers their palm prints with a payment service provider or a bank. During registration, the system captures the unique vein patterns in their palm.
  2. Linking to Bank Account: After registration, user links their palm print data to their bank account or mobile payment app, fox example WeChat Pay (app mostly popular in China) .
  3. Payment Process: To make a payment, user places their palm on a scanning device at a point of sale. The device reads the palm vein pattern and matches it with the user’s linked account.
  4. Secure Transactions: Palm payment is popular for its high level of security. Each person’s palm vein pattern is special, making it almost impossible to copy. This technology eliminates the need for physical cards or cash, enhancing both security and convenience.

The Popularity of Palm Payment in China.

Palm payment technology has quickly gained popularity in China. It’s used in various settings, including retail stores, transportation systems, and even residential complexes;

  1. Convenience: Palm payment offers a swift and easy transaction experience. Users can complete payments in a matter of seconds by simply placing their hand on a scanner.
  2. Security: With its high level of security, palm payment reduces the risk of fraud or identity theft. The technology’s uniqueness results from palm vein patterns, which are nearly impossible to replicate.
  3. Integration: Major mobile payment apps in China, mainly WeChat Pay, have integrated palm payment into their services. This has made it more accessible for most user base.
  4. Diverse Applications: Beyond retail transactions, palm payment is used for access control in residential complexes and as a secure method for boarding public transportation.

Conclusion;

In conclusion, as we look into future, the success of palm payment in China gives hope on possibility of contactless payments. It shows the true potential for biometric technologies to change our way of looking at our finances. With each technological phenomenon people are more afraid about security of their financial properties and accounts that can be accessed online. Palm payment is first step into making sure that doesn’t become bigger problem.

https://www.gizmochina.com/2023/05/23/tencent-unveils-groundbreaking-palm-based-payment-system-in-china/

https://greekreporter.com/2023/06/08/palm-payment-china/

Exploring the Future of Payments: WeChat Palm Payment (linkedin.com)

China Introduces Pay with Palm! Watch How It Works | by Parth patil | Medium

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