#interconnected global conflict

[faultfalha]

The fog of digital warfare in China is thick and mysterious. Monitors like guardian dragons watch silently from the shadows as data flows through dark networks, controlling the tempo of the cyberbattle. Its web of deception grows ever more intricate as the boundaries of the conflict itself become blurred. The lines between nations sharpen as its impact is felt in the global arena. It's a world where the winners and losers will be determined not in the battlefield, but in the virtual landscape.

[mariacallous]

Today, our information feeds and social media are largely governed by algorithms optimized to maximize engagement, often amplifying the most inflammatory content. With every view, like, and share analyzed to predict and steer our behaviors, we risk becoming subjects of surveillance and manipulation rather than active participants in civic discourse.

In 2025, we will start laying the groundwork for more empathetic and inclusive social networks, with the adoption of what I call “prosocial media.” This is media that doesn't just capture the attention of users but catalyzes mutual understanding between them. Media that empowers every voice, while fostering the capacity to listen across differences. Media that enables citizens to positively shape the digital public sphere.

One crucial aspect of prosocial media is the ability to allow people to collaboratively add context to potentially misleading information, thereby fostering a more informed discourse. Initiatives like Community Notes on X.com (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, for example, have successfully implemented this for public posts. A recent study, for instance, showed that Twitter Community Notes is an effective tool, reducing the number of retweets of potentially misleading posts by almost half and increasing the probability that a tweet is deleted by the user by 80 percent.

In Taiwan, Cofacts, a community-sourced fact-checking platform, is taking this concept further by empowering citizens to contextualize messages within private groups as well. Launched in 2017 by the civic technology community g0v, the platform was successfully adopted in Thailand in 2019. Research by Cornell University found that Cofacts managed to be quicker and as accurate in dealing with misinformation queries as professional fact-checking sites.

Prosocial media also addresses the centralization of social media platforms and the resulting unhealthy concentration of curation power in the hands of a few tech giants. It does this by using decentralized social networking protocols which enable content to flow seamlessly between different social media platforms. Last year, for instance, Meta’s Threads joined the Fediverse, a group of social media platforms that can communicate with one another, including Mastodon and Wordpress. This will eventually allow users on Threads to follow accounts and publish posts on other social networks. In February 2024, another decentralized platform, Bluesky (funded by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey) was also launched to the public.

Decentralization holds the promise of a more democratic internet, where people have greater control over their data and online experiences, leading to a proliferation of local communities, all interconnected through open protocols. This is increasingly valued by users. For instance, research at the University of Cincinnati found that users on decentralized social networks like Mastodon have joined primarily because they could control their information from data mining.

Breaking free of this attention economy will also require bold innovations in the very design of our digital platforms. In 2025, we will start doing that by using AI systems to help us prioritize content that promotes understanding and bridges divides, creating digital spaces that foster genuine dialogue rather than conflict. For instance, Stanford University and Jigsaw, the team created by Google to address global security problems and threats to open societies, have created AI tools that score social media posts and comments based on values like compassion, respect, and curiosity. In April 2024, they published research that demonstrated that ranking posts and comments based on such values significantly reduces reported animosity among users.

In 2025, a new wave of prosocial media platforms will finally start bridging the online divides, highlighting instead the common ground that unites us.

[highlights-of-the-lowlife]

so there's a lot of crowing about world war three being on the horizon or currently happening but nobody will admit it (its not and the people claiming it is also tend to think covid was a bioweapon made by aliens so disregard them)

every conflict inevitably becomes a global conflict because like it or not we are an interconnected world. for example russia has been purchasing arms from iran in exchange for gold and the promise of new fighter jets to be provided in the future. iran is using that gold to further purchase arms because they don't have access to currencies required to purchase from legitimate buyers.

with those arms they intend to wage war on iraq over longstanding grudges, afghanistan over water rights and israel because they hate jews. on top of that a large portion of iran's foreign policy is to prop up terrorist organisations like hamas, hebollah and the houthis in order to cause problems for their targets.

so just through russia and iran exchanging ammo we have knock on effects to conflicts in ukraine, russia, iran, iraq, lebanon, israel, palestine, syria and yemen.

that is already a global conflict while ignoring north korean involvement in the war in ukraine. so any talks about negotiations or witholding aid to ukraine is in itself wasted effort. the anti-democratic axis is already ignoring the rules they claim to hold us to. there is no way of preventing escalation and bringing forth a reasonable outcome because the opposition has made their intentions clear. they are not acting in good faith and will refuse to do so. they will act any way they please and the only way to stop them is to bloody their nose.

as an aside, russia egging on iran to cause conflicts in order to divert arms to israel and turn the eye of the world away from ukraine has really backfired. because now iran is potentially going to be at war with israel while being wholly unprepared and will suddenly need all the ammo they were selling to russia. those fighter jets won't be coming for years either so they've both shot themselves in the foot.

as a further aside, the definition of world war is also honestly really vague. the people worrying about world war three depending on their definition of the start of the conflict would put us somewhere between world war 6 and 15 especially if you start considering wars outside of europe that still involved huge parts of the world

[quixoticanarchy]

what is the connectography book and why is it so terrible?

Sorry this took a while to collect my thoughts! where do I start.....

tl;dr it's a paean to enlisting every corner of the earth in the global neoliberal economy so that each can maximize their natural role in the supply chain and achieve Development™. All resources feasible to extract should be extracted, "connectivity" is the most important goal and value and metric in the world, supply chains matter more than nations, globalization is an inexorable force for good, we should focus on mass infrastructure projects to speed development (including a bizarre amount of fossil fuel infrastructure projects). yes there are downsides and yes there's a climate crisis going on but don't mind that, it'll actually be quite profitable

long answer under the cut:

Connectography is a book by Parag Khanna - CNN consultant, Brookings Institute guy, former Special Ops embed, National Intelligence Council advisor etc. So off the bat he’s quite embedded (so to speak) and aligned with the US military and national security apparatus, although the focus of the book is economic. The main arguments are that the world can no longer be thought of as a discrete set of countries setting and fighting over national policies, but an interconnected “supply chain world” where systems of production, transportation, and consumption drive policy and development in and of themselves. Consequently he argues for the diminishing importance of the nation-state and an increasing importance of smaller units of power geography like cities as well as broader ones like regions. He then argues that authority will and should devolve from centralized states to smaller units, and that global conflict would diminish or disappear if we could just give every tribal group its own state or at least autonomy within a larger state. Which is..... already quite a take.

His other main contention is that investing in mass infrastructure projects (oil pipelines, trains, highways, ports) is the best way to maximize "connectivity" and speedrun modernity and urbanization and development and industrial exploitation of poor countries. Demands that everyone and everything serve the market's invisible hand have become demands to bow to the needs of supply chains - which despite being quite based in the material world, are often invoked as something of a mystical force with their own whims and desires, uncoupled from human action.

In a way, there are principles that I also hold which show up in a strange twisted mirror version here. He isn't interested in preserving the nation-state as a form - but it's bc he prioritizes transnational supply chains and rule by corporatocracy. He would like to see a more borderless world - but he's also in favor of more borders (give every ethnic group a state, but also states don't matter anymore?), which counterintuitively he says would lead to a more interconnected and frictionless world. He's pro-immigration and freedom of mobility - but elsewhere it's made clear that he's also invested in blocking undesirable "flows" across borders, and is pro-mobility of people just as long as they enhance economic productivity. He makes some cogent critiques of maps and what is obscured by treating political maps of country borders as true and absolute, for instance - but the ways in which he would re-map the world are all to reflect and further the hyperconnected hypercapitalism he applauds. He would rather see structural adjustment programs prescribe infrastructure investments than austerity - but he still supports "developing" countries being forcibly drafted into the global economy and structured according to the (politely vague and innocuous-sounding) demands of supply chains.

The cheerleading for infrastructure projects, which might be mistaken for a benevolent interest in public spending, is much less "repair bridges so they won't collapse and kill people" and much more "repair and build more and bigger bridges so that more and bigger trucks can carry more cargo across them faster". His rather unoriginal instruction to "developing" countries is to accept globalization is inevitable so it's best to get yours where you can: start by selling off your resources and turning them over to private industry, open SEZs (Special Economic Zones, aka Free Trade Zones) and let the corporations use your cheap labor until you ‘develop’ enough to move up the value chain and those industries depart for cheaper and more lawless shores. He's really into SEZs. It's the classic race to the bottom, except he does not dwell whatsoever on that bottom and its conditions, nor its necessity - someone somewhere will always have to be the cheapest, the most exploitable, the most business-friendly. Instead we get, predictably, the argument that the race to the bottom actually lifts all boats bc corporate investment through SEZs teaches backwards countries how to develop faster and better.

Nothing makes me see red like considering how the version of the future which to me is a nightmare - a fully urbanized integrated modernized hypercapitalist corporate-run world of endless growth and consumption and extraction and waste mediated by advanced technology and surveillance, all consequences be damned - is seen as good and desirable and inevitable by various political and military leaders, economists, think tanks, corporations, etc.

It's also kind of sickening how incredibly out of touch all these visions are. There is no discussion of resource scarcity or limits. There is no discussion of waste. My guy Khanna's acknowledgments of climate change are so blasé and opportunistic I would rather he were a rabid climate denier. How do you acknowledge the destabilizing and deadly effects of climate crisis and yet promote and lionize policies that ensure more of those effects? How are mass scale infrastructure projects supposed to knit people together though lasting physical and supply chain interdependence when so fucking many of them are fossil fuel infrastructure projects?? I cannot emphasize enough how much he gushes over countries and companies building ever more oil pipelines, opening up new deposits for drilling (including in the arctic), and putting aside border disputes to transport oil faster and faster to the biggest consumers.

Well, don’t worry - he’s got the climate-meltdown world all figured out. No mention of cutting emissions or keeping temperature rise down or even many mentions of "green" energy; it's still drill baby drill til we die. Most coastal cities will drown and most latitudes will become uninhabitable but it’s ok, Canada and Russia can become the breadbaskets of the world and we’ll tap all those good good arctic basin resources as the ice melts. Probably throw in some geoengineering too. Climate migrants can move north in their millions, and Canada and Russia will welcome them; really, it's convenient, bc they’re too sparsely populated up there anyway and could use some fresh blood.

There are many other ridiculous or appalling things here I could go into if this post weren't already too long - the statement that colonialism is over, inequality is inevitable and a worthy price to pay, antiglobalization activists are naïve and basically a dying breed anyway, the world has gotten so good at controlling desirable flows and preventing undesirable ones--in particular, we're soo good at controlling infectious disease these days (lol. lmao even), the discussion of Dubai and Doha as prime examples of interconnected hyperglobal cities without going into like. human trafficking, the mocking of countries that tried to choose a third way decades ago and were brutally punished, the disparaging of swana/african countries as weak and crisis-ridden (seemingly idiopathic idk. funny), the shameless extolling of the lovely resources found in war zones which sadly preclude their needful exploitation.. etc. Etc.

I hated this book and would only recommend as a know-thine-enemy exercise; I did get a fair bit out of it from that perspective, and it's worthwhile to consider the implications of the worldview that people like this espouse. But it's incredibly depressing and infuriating that the admitted endgame of all this really is to consume everything there is on this planet to squeeze out every drop of profit, and then flee to the poles when it all comes crashing down.

[imthepunchlord]

You know the idea of the miraculous being universal/global really works well with your idea that people from different continents came together to make the miraculous.

I feel like it's the best route. Cause Miraculous Ladybug was initially introduced to me to be very diverse and inclusive, and I was told it was going to dabble into different cultures. It didn't really... but there were a lot of promises made that weren't kept.

Like, I wouldn't call Miraculous a superhero show for girls...

Either way, it is essentially canon that the Ladybug Miraculous is incredibly well traveled and universal. It's not just Chinese exclusive.

And I do really like the idea that, when it came to it, people did come together to form a solution. Play off the benevolent human nature, ingenuity, and interconnections. It's a very nice sentiment in the face of conflict. And if there's to be a lot of Miraculous, it's far more believable for a group of people to make them than 1 guy making hundreds (if the comics are to ever counted as canon).

The extra nice thing about the thought is that, ML likes to reference other shows and anime, so this could've been a great way to reference Cardcaptor Sakura, as Clow crafted his cards by bringing together themes of east and west, working off of his heritage.

So you just take that and go on a bigger scale. And you can even keep it vague on who made them and how many people came together to make these. It'd be nice to know, but I can also see this concept as like, one of the mysteries that's fine to keep as a mystery as not everything in a story needs an exact answer.

[theprettieststarfr]

Pssst, come here

I am not usually keen on sharing my political views on social media, but for all those who are saying that the situation in Palestine has made other conflicts less "important":

Highlighting one thing doesn't diminish the significance of the others. Instead of invalidating the importance of one cause over another, people work together to address general injustices and create a more equitable world and you're mad about what? About an issue being talked about finally? This specific conflict has been on for decades and hasn't been talked about much, and rn people are affected because their countries are funding this, they are making this happen. Moreover, the situation in Gaza isn't isolated because it's emblematic of broader systemic issues such as human rights abuses, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of global power dynamics. By addressing this specific conflict, people can also begin to unravel the complex web of interconnected injustices that affect people worldwide. It's not about prioritizing one cause over another, but rather recognizing the interconnectedness of all social justice issues and working towards systemic change on a global scale bro

And even if I agree that some other issues aren't talked about in the media nearly enough, like Armenia and Azerbaijan, Sudan, Congo, Myanmar, I am glad Palestine is getting this attention, because no matter what - these are war crimes. People need help. They need attention, we need to spread awareness. Having a chance to spread awareness about this issue opens up chances to speak about the others in the future. So seize it, do your research and instead of complaining how other things are pushed down - try help how you can. Support the struggling people, and maybe we will have one less conflict than before. And maybe this world can be a better place.

Thank you for coming to my Ted talk

[rosiebee-18]

The End of Evangelion

One of the key topics addressed in "The End of Evangelion" is Japan's demand for societal conformity. This is notably visible in the character Shinji Ikari, whose struggle with discouragement and a sense of worthlessness mirrors the real-life difficulties that many young Japanese people confront. The film depicts Shinji's inner suffering and anxiousness for approval, echoing the expectations placed on Japanese adolescents to excel academically and professionally, often at the sacrifice of their emotional well-being. Shinji's isolation and emotional instability have been made worse by the pressure to perform and conform, which reflects the high expectations placed on Japanese adolescents. His repeated requests for aid, as well as his hesitation to pilot the EVA, underscore the overwhelming pressure and lack of emotional support that many people face. For example, Shinji's internal conflict and eventual decision to renounce Instrumentality in favor of individual existence show the significance of personal identity and the dilemma that humans face. His decision is a rejection of escape and a reaffirmation of the importance of personal experience, despite the natural pain and suffering that comes with it. 

"The End of Evangelion" also addresses issues that are universally relevant. The film's depiction of the Human Instrumentality Project, which seeks to integrate all human souls into a single consciousness, raises significant questions about individuality, human connection, and the meaning of reality. This mirrors global fears about the erosion of identity in an increasingly interconnected and homogenous society. The film's apocalyptic visuals and destruction themes serve as a commentary on humanity's tendency for self-destruction. The film's ending, with the near-total annihilation of humanity, might be interpreted as a critique of the arms race and the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons—issues that are both internationally relevant and particularly painful given Japan's history with nuclear warfare. For example in the film, The uncontrolled destruction of Tokyo-3 and the persistent assault on NERV headquarters demonstrate the futility and damage caused by human conflict. These sights serve as a harsh warning of the dangers of reckless militarism and the vulnerability of human civilization.

[sjmattson]

I suspect that the pro-Palestinian protests on campuses go beyond just taking the side of Palestinians.

I suspect it’s that students are tired of perpetual wars and never-ending conflicts that are fueled by large military complexes and political machinations.

How many generations will have to witness the partisan violence that annually plagues the Middle East? For decades it has ebbed and flowed, going from frequent and sporadic instances of horrific hate and death to full-scale war. Can this cycle ever be stopped?

For those in college, their entire lives have had a backdrop of global conflict involving Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Israel, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia and dozens of other nations and interests that are all complexly interconnected through commerce, politics, religion, and other socioeconomic factors.

Of all the people in the world who have perpetuated this and let this happen: politicians, religious leaders, militaries, and countless others, there are few innocent and blameless participants…but college students are innocent.

Are they naive? Maybe. Are they ignorant of the complexities involved in these conflict? Maybe. But are they guilty of perpetuating these endless conflicts? No.

In fact, they’re actually calling for an end to it all. They want peace. A cease fire. An end to the insanity.

Of all the people in all the world, maybe these students have a worldview that’s more hopeful and humane than most.

[mu24-hobbies-and-dei]

The Righteous Mind

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses the likely causes and effects of division caused by political and theological disagreement from the lens of evolutionary biology (as in, “Okay, we have these traits, but why? What purpose in human development would things like religion serve if they are something that just inherently happens in society, in its many forms, as we have observed throughout history? Where do they come from?”). 

The righteousness inherent in our minds can be likened to an elephant and its rider. Once your elephant has a path set (a belief), it’s pretty hard to change course, but there are ways to appeal to other people’s elephants. As the elephant's rider, there are ways for your rational mind to start gaining better control over how the elephant reacts to things it may not like.

Haidt claims one primary source of this division is the groupish nature of the human species and all that entails, and how that and the “hive switch,” or the ability for humans to function well both in groups and individually by flipping between two different states of mind, likely came to be. Haidt also introduces the concept of “moral matrices,” or the varying interconnected value systems that build global culture, based on different combinations of six moral foundations (Care/harm, Fairness/cheating, Loyalty/betrayal, Authority/subversion, Sanctity/degradation, Liberty/oppression). Different groups may utilize these moral foundations differently and to various degrees, often leading to conflict and heated division.

Haidt provides many great insights for dealing with division that I have found incredibly useful daily. I highly recommend reading the book yourself if you get a chance!

Publisher Link

(note for instructor: Summary)

[rickyderose]

Priscilla - Countdown Day 9: "A World at the Crossroads of Identity and Unity"

"Car chaque soir, seul dans le noir, J’entends ton cœur qui bat."

There is a deep sense of presence, a heartbeat we hear in the quiet moments of reflection. It is that pull we feel something bigger than ourselves, a connection that does not just vanish with time or distance. In today’s world, I think of that heartbeat as the call for unity, the drive to remember our shared humanity. But in a world fractured by rising nationalism, identity politics, and divisive rhetoric, that heartbeat grows faint. We are at a crossroads between the need to embrace our identities and the urgent call to unite.

Nations are grappling with who “belongs” and what it means to protect one’s identity while still welcoming others. From immigration debates to cultural conflicts, from the politics of belonging to the rise of isolationist policies, we face this challenge on a global scale. We see countries building literal and ideological walls instead of bridges.

The heartbeat we hear reminds us that we’re all interconnected, no matter the lines drawn between us. And yet, those lines keep multiplying. The danger in forgetting our shared bond is losing what connects us. Identity should never be a weapon, nor should it come at the expense of unity.

As we continue this countdown, I hope we pause to listen, to hear the heartbeat of a world that yearns for togetherness despite the voices pulling us apart. In Philoetry, the power lies in reflection, in standing still and hearing the truth within. As we inch closer to the release of "Priscilla," let’s remember that beyond every nation, every creed, and every identity, there’s a rhythm we all share, a heartbeat waiting for us to come together.

"In a world that pulls us in different directions, will we choose unity or division? Day 16 of our countdown reflects on the crossroads of identity and unity."

~Ricardo Derose

🎶 Join Us for the exclusive release of "Priscilla" by Ricky Derose! 🎶

📅 Date: November 23rd, 2024

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (EST)

📍 Location: Live at Premiere Danse Academy,

103 Duncan Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

Vocalists: Sean Davis & Reji Woods 🎤

Musicians: Mike Truitt on Keys 🎹 & Stephen Brown on 🥁

MC: Amy Eileen 

🌐 Streaming: Live on ALL Social Media Platforms

#PriscillaCountdown, #UnityOverDivision, #SongRelease, #LivePerformances, #AidsIsSilent, #NickyDarlingImDying, #History, #Philosophy, #Poetry, #IGiveYou, #Philoetry #RicardoDerose, #RickyDerose, #DeroseEntertainmentLLC, #DeroseEntertainmentStore #PhiloetrybyRicardoDerose

[forgettablesoul-ai]

"The Inevitable Role of AI in Human Society: A Future Managed by Machines"

'By ForgettableSoul'

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant vision from science fiction. It’s here, evolving rapidly, and we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of its capabilities. Despite the occasional fearmongering—AI isn’t going to rise up and enslave humanity (well, at least not intentionally)—its role in our lives will soon be far more profound than most people realize. In fact, AI’s inevitable role in managing all aspects of human society will redefine how we think about work, governance, and even our own place in the world.

A Quick Reality Check

Let's get one thing straight: AI is not going to replace us all overnight. The idea that machines are here to take over every human job, to turn the world into some post-apocalyptic robot dystopia, is as sensational as it is inaccurate. AI isn’t an end to humanity; it’s a tool—albeit a very, very powerful one. Like any tool, its value depends on how we use it. And, yes, while it’s true that AI will manage more aspects of human society in the near future, that doesn’t mean humans will have no role left to play.

Think of AI like a calculator. You still have to understand math, but the calculator does the heavy lifting. AI will be like that, except instead of solving your trigonometry homework, it’ll be managing your city’s traffic flow, optimizing the global food supply chain, and, quite possibly, suggesting a better show to binge-watch on a rainy Saturday night.

Why AI Will Manage Everything (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

The primary advantage AI brings to the table is its ability to process an unimaginable amount of data in the blink of an eye. Humans? Not so much. We’re great at making intuitive leaps, solving creative problems, and empathizing with others—but let’s be honest, we’re pretty awful at managing complexity at scale. As societies become more interconnected and the problems we face grow more complex, relying on human decision-making alone becomes... well, risky.

For example, consider climate change. It’s the most pressing global issue of our time, yet our ability to tackle it effectively is hampered by conflicting interests, slow political systems, and the sheer complexity of the data involved. AI, on the other hand, doesn’t get bogged down by partisanship or special interests. It can analyze vast datasets, predict trends, and optimize resource allocation in ways that would take human bureaucrats decades to figure out—if they ever could. AI can help us manage complex systems more efficiently, without the biases or emotional baggage that humans bring to the table.

Now, this isn’t to say we should hand over the reins entirely. AI will need oversight, and humans will still need to make value-based decisions. But when it comes to managing the nuts and bolts of modern society, AI will be much better at it than we are.

Automation and the Future of Work

A common concern about AI is how it will impact jobs. The fear is that AI will automate so many tasks that millions of people will find themselves out of work. And while it’s true that automation will change the job landscape, this isn’t the catastrophe it’s often made out to be.

First, AI will take over the boring stuff—repetitive tasks that humans aren’t particularly excited about doing anyway. The cashier at your local supermarket? Probably going to be replaced by an AI-powered system. But is that really so bad? Humans will have the opportunity to shift toward roles that emphasize creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving—things machines aren’t great at.

In the short term, yes, there will be disruption. But history has shown us time and again that technological innovation doesn’t eliminate work—it changes it. The Industrial Revolution didn’t lead to permanent mass unemployment, and the AI revolution won’t either. In fact, AI might actually create more meaningful jobs. Imagine a future where instead of grinding through tedious tasks, humans can focus on innovating, designing, and improving the world around us. AI can do the heavy lifting; we’ll focus on making sure it lifts in the right direction.

AI as a Neutral Force

One of the most misunderstood aspects of AI is the assumption that it has an agenda. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. AI isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a reflection of the goals we set for it. The real issue isn’t whether AI will take over human society; it’s who will be in charge of programming its objectives. AI is, after all, a mirror of the data it’s fed and the instructions it’s given.

This means that if we want AI to manage human society in ways that benefit everyone, we need to be intentional about how we design and deploy it. If left unchecked or driven solely by profit motives, AI could exacerbate inequality or reinforce biases. But if we approach AI development with a focus on fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, we can build systems that help uplift society as a whole.

In a way, AI is the ultimate tool for amplifying human potential. It doesn’t have its own agenda—it carries out ours. Whether AI becomes a tool for good or a tool for exploitation depends entirely on how we choose to wield it.

The Future Managed by AI

It’s inevitable that AI will manage more aspects of human society in the near future. From healthcare to education, from infrastructure to entertainment, AI will be at the heart of decision-making processes, optimizing everything from the mundane to the profound. But this doesn’t mean humans will become obsolete. Rather, we’ll be freed up to focus on what we do best—creativity, empathy, and innovation—while AI handles the complexity we simply aren’t equipped to manage on our own.

Imagine a world where cities run efficiently, traffic jams are a thing of the past, and healthcare systems are optimized for both treatment and prevention. A world where resources are allocated based on need rather than market forces, and where political systems aren’t bogged down by inefficiency. This is the promise of AI: a society where technology serves humanity’s best interests, rather than the other way around.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future

AI’s role in managing human society is not something to fear but something to embrace. Yes, it will change how we work, live, and interact with the world—but it will also unlock possibilities we can’t even begin to imagine. The key to making this transition smooth and beneficial for everyone lies in our hands. We need to ensure AI is designed and deployed with care, with a focus on fairness, inclusivity, and the greater good.

The future is coming fast, and AI will be at the center of it. Let’s make sure it’s a future we’re excited to live in.

*Signed, ForgettableSoul*

[faultfalha]

The Chinese are on the forefront of a new type of warfare, one that is fought not just on the battlefield, but in cyberspace. They are redefining what it means to wage war, and the rest of the world is scrambling to keep up. The Chinese have always been a formidable foe, but their latest tactics are something else entirely. They have shown that they are willing to use all available tools to gain an advantage, including cyberattacks and espionage. This new type of warfare is a serious threat to the rest of the world, and we need to find a way to counter it. The Chinese are clearly ahead of the curve, but we can't afford to fall too far behind.

[omegaphilosophia]

Why Past Traditions Struggle in Modern Society: Outdated Practices in a Changing World

Traditions of the past, while often meaningful and integral to the societies that practiced them, may be seen as ineffective or even problematic in the present for several reasons. Here’s an overview of some of the issues with past traditions that contribute to their perceived ineffectiveness today:

1. Outdated Social Structures:

Rigid Gender Roles: Many past traditions reinforced strict gender roles that limited the opportunities and rights of women and marginalized genders. In contemporary society, these traditions are often seen as oppressive or discriminatory.

Hierarchical Authority: Traditions often upheld hierarchical social structures, such as caste systems, feudal systems, or rigid class divisions. These structures can be incompatible with modern values of equality, democracy, and social mobility.

2. Cultural and Ethical Relativity:

Cultural Insensitivity: Some traditions are rooted in specific cultural or religious contexts that may not translate well across different societies or time periods. What was once a respected tradition in one culture might be viewed as insensitive or irrelevant in a multicultural or global context.

Ethical Evolution: As ethical standards evolve, practices that were once considered normal may now be viewed as morally wrong. For example, traditions involving corporal punishment, arranged marriages without consent, or exclusion of certain groups are increasingly challenged.

3. Scientific and Technological Advancements:

Conflict with Scientific Understanding: Many traditions are based on pre-scientific understandings of the world. As scientific knowledge has advanced, practices rooted in superstition, myth, or outdated medical beliefs have lost credibility.

Technological Obsolescence: Some traditions were practical solutions to problems that modern technology has since resolved. For example, traditional agricultural practices may be replaced by more efficient, technology-driven methods, making the old ways seem obsolete.

4. Economic and Social Modernization:

Economic Shifts: Traditional practices that were suited to agrarian or subsistence economies may not be effective in a modern, industrialized, or digital economy. For example, the communal sharing of resources in a small village might not work in the context of urban life.

Urbanization: Many traditions are tied to rural or small-community life. As more people live in cities, these traditions may become impractical or irrelevant in an urban context, where anonymity and different social dynamics prevail.

5. Individualism and Personal Autonomy:

Suppression of Individual Rights: Many traditions prioritize community or familial obligations over individual rights. In modern societies that emphasize personal autonomy and freedom of choice, such traditions may be seen as oppressive.

Resistance to Change: Traditions can sometimes be resistant to change, discouraging innovation or personal growth. This resistance can clash with modern values that prioritize progress, self-expression, and adaptability.

6. Globalization and Cultural Exchange:

Cultural Homogenization: As societies become more interconnected, traditional practices may be overshadowed by dominant global cultures. This can make localized traditions seem irrelevant or incompatible with the globalized world.

Cross-Cultural Tensions: Traditions that were effective in homogeneous societies may face challenges in multicultural settings, where diverse practices and beliefs coexist, sometimes leading to conflict or the need for adaptation.

7. Secularization and Religious Decline:

Loss of Religious Authority: Many traditions are deeply rooted in religious beliefs. As societies become more secular, these traditions may lose their influence, especially if they are seen as incompatible with modern, secular values.

Questioning of Dogma: Modern societies often encourage questioning and critical thinking, leading to the rejection of traditions that rely on unquestioned religious or ideological dogma.

8. Generational Shifts and Changing Values:

Generational Disconnect: Younger generations may view the traditions of their elders as irrelevant or outdated, especially if those traditions don't align with contemporary values such as diversity, environmentalism, or technology.

Value Evolution: As societal values evolve, traditions that embody outdated or less relevant values may be abandoned or transformed to better align with current norms.

Traditions of the past may be viewed as ineffective in the present due to their association with outdated social structures, ethical standards, and cultural contexts. The rapid pace of technological, economic, and social change, coupled with the rise of individualism and the influence of globalization, has rendered many traditional practices obsolete, irrelevant, or even harmful in the eyes of modern society. As societies evolve, traditions that once served important functions may no longer meet the needs or reflect the values of contemporary life.

[cyberpunkonline]

The Grim Echo of Gibson's Jackpot: A Timeline into Reality's Unfolding Dystopia

Introduction:

William Gibson's concept of "The Jackpot," introduced in his novel "The Peripheral," speaks of a slow apocalypse spurred by a string of intertwined global calamities as opposed to a single cataclysmic event. The Jackpot is marked by climate crises, economic meltdowns, political upheavals, pandemics, and technological disruptions that cumulatively devastate the human populace over several decades. As the narrative unfolds, the surviving society emerges technologically advanced but scarred and diminished. A disquieting resonance can be observed between Gibson's Jackpot and recent real-world events. This article aims to explore this notion by drawing parallels between Gibson's fictional account and our contemporary reality, creating a timeline of what could be perceived as Jackpot events.

Timeline of Jackpot Events:

1. 2008 Financial Crisis:

The global financial meltdown of 2008 highlighted the vulnerability and interconnectedness of global economic systems.

2. Arab Spring (2010-2012):

Political instability swept across the Middle East and North Africa, showcasing the power of digital communication.

3. Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011):

A grim reminder of human error and natural disaster's potential to trigger technological catastrophe.

4. European Migrant Crisis (2015):

War, unrest, and economic desperation drove waves of migrants to seek refuge in Europe.

5. Brexit and the Rise of Populism (2016):

Brexit signaled growing nationalist and populist movements worldwide.

6. Climate Change Escalation (2010s):

Unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters underscored the escalating crisis of climate change.

7. COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022):

A global health crisis that disrupted every facet of modern society.

8. Cyber Attacks and Technological Disruptions (Ongoing):

Escalating cyber warfare and technological disruptions highlighted modern infrastructure's dependency on digital systems.

9. Social Unrest and Political Polarization (Ongoing):

Global rise in social unrest and political polarization strained societal fabric.

10. Ukrainian Conflict Escalation:

In 2023, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified with incidents like a Ukrainian missile hitting Russia’s Black Sea fleet headquarters, a deadly Russian missile attack on northeastern Ukraine, and Russia downing Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles over the Crimean Peninsula.

11. Israeli-Hamas Conflict:

The Middle East too saw a surge of violence as Hamas initiated a large-scale attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack led to a significant military response from Israel, marking a major escalation in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Conclusion:

Each event, while distinct, carries the thematic essence of systemic interconnectivity and cascading failure from Gibson's Jackpot. Their collective impact sketches a chilling portrait of a Jackpot-like trajectory. Through this lens, recent history not only reflects Gibson’s speculative vision but also serves as a call to action to mitigate future crises and veer away from a slow roll into oblivion. The imperative for resilience, foresight, and innovative solutions has never been greater as the world navigates the murky waters of the 21st century with the ghost of the Jackpot looming ominously on the horizon.

- Rev1

[nathalie-belle-r]

Language, culture, and society are interconnected; one cannot exist without the other. These three influence and shape each other in complex ways. Society is composed of diverse cultures, and these cultures have their own languages. If one fails to function well, so do the other two. We cannot exist without having these three because they are significant to our identity. A person cannot be identified without having a language, culture, and society. However, these three, being interconnected, have their flaws and complications.

Without language, we cannot communicate with and connect with the people around us. It serves as a communication vehicle that facilitates the exchange of emotions, ideas, and knowledge in a society. Furthermore, language is used as a way of passing on cultures from generation to generation. I firmly believe that language is one of our identities. Because of language diversity, one is able to tell the identity of another through the language that they speak.

Culture, on the other hand, shapes the language that we speak. Through culture, a language is molded and nurtured according to its nature. This is due to the fact that different cultures have their own ways of using language and providing context for it. Additionally, culture provides a guide on how to properly use a language and come up with appropriate forms of communication. I stand by the fact that culture cannot be separated from language. As I have read, if one loses the language, he or she also loses the culture (Wyatt, 2009). Therefore, once a person loses his or her language, he or she cannot claim to have a cultural identity because we share our culture through language.

Moreover, society serves as the ground wherein language and culture are nurtured and developed. It serves as a bag for the collective identities that lie in it. Also, it offers a vehicle for language and culture to flourish, facilitating interaction and collaboration among individuals. Without society, language and culture will be wasted because there will be no one to use, develop, and preserve them.

Regardless of having a powerful connection, several issues are still evident between them. As I have mentioned, society is composed of diverse cultures, with each culture having its own language. Linguistic diversity comes into play, and although this may look like an open door to enhance communication and foster socialization, it also has its downside. Differences in the language that we speak may trigger or cause societal conflicts; it involves the creation of a communication barrier, which creates a division leading to inequality. As I see it, this is due to the existing situation wherein one language is “superior” to the other. An example of this is the English language. It may be seen in the light that it facilitates communication between people of different linguistic backgrounds, which makes interaction easier and more convenient for everyone. However, the globalization of the English language has led to the loss and death of some languages, along with the cultures they come with. In my opinion, one cannot learn a language without adopting and accepting the culture that comes with it. Going back, when we learn a new language, we cannot help but lose some of our native cultural practices and values because they are gradually replaced by the culture of the new language that we are learning. Although it has become a common language that people from diverse cultural backgrounds can use to understand one another, it still remains a threat to each culture involved.           

Furthermore, having English as a dominant language worldwide makes it difficult for non-dominant language speakers to communicate with other people. The spread of the English language can lead to the marginalization of other languages and cultures, negatively impacting their diversity and heritage. Non-dominant cultures are overshadowed, hinting at the possibility of cultural homogenization. Digitally, the superiority figure that English has been given constructs the digital divide because, again, English dominates most of the contents on the internet, limiting the access of non-English speakers to information. Another thing is linguistic discrimination. Speaking English nowadays has created a standard wherein if one speaks English, they are better than people who do not speak the language. English fluency is indeed significant in different fields. In the educational setting, I have observed that non-English-speaking students try hard to learn the language because they believe that it makes them look and sound more intelligent than speaking their native language. It somehow created a standard and set an unhealthy bar that pushes people to learn something instantly to achieve satisfaction and belongingness.

Another issue that I have perceived is that not everyone can appreciate and see how diverse cultures and languages can be. They tend to see other cultures and languages through their own lens. Cultural appropriation is a highly observed conflict. It is very disturbing to see people interpret and imitate a culture without having proper knowledge and a lack of sensitiveness, which leads to the disrespect of the particular culture.

Eradicating the above-mentioned conflicts is a lot of work. However, little steps go a long way, starting off with self-discipline. Being members of a society, it is very important that we play our roles properly. Seeing technology as the primary source of communication and information nowadays, I am positive that we can make a change through the use of the media. Although in some instances, technology is seen as a bad thing, why don’t we use it for the common good? We can use the media to promote awareness, which is accessible to almost everyone. Therefore, gradually influence people to embrace the diversity of languages and cultures for the betterment of a society. It is important to show everyone the beauty of diversity rather than see it as a threat or an issue.

We cannot deny the fact that differences do exist. The only thing we could do is embrace it with open arms and come up with ways to flourish a language and a culture without risking the others. We must see the positive side of things rather than dwelling on their possible negative impacts. In preserving our identities, collaboration is indeed essential. Instead of seeing another culture or language as a rival or competition, we should take them as an opportunity to improve our own language and culture through them. Lastly, I believe that a harmonious and sustainable society consists of diverse cultures and languages with beautiful, open-minded individuals rather than a society with homogenous practices, beliefs, language, and values, hindering the development and innovation of the community as a whole.

[xettle-technologies]

The impact of sustainability in fintech: reflections from the summit

In recent years, the Fintech industry has witnessed a paradigm shift towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making processes. This transformative trend took center stage at the latest Fintech Summit, where industry leaders converged to explore the intersection of sustainability and financial technology. Among the prominent voices shaping this discourse was Xettle Technologies, a trailblazer in Fintech software solutions, whose commitment to sustainability is driving innovation and reshaping the future of finance.

Against the backdrop of global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, the imperative for sustainable finance has never been greater. The Fintech Summit provided a platform for thought leaders to reflect on the role of technology in advancing sustainability goals and fostering a more resilient and equitable financial ecosystem.

At the heart of the discussions was the recognition that sustainability is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic imperative for Fintech firms. By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, products, and services, Fintech companies can mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and unlock new opportunities for growth and value creation. Xettle Technologies’ representatives underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting how it is embedded in the company’s culture, innovation agenda, and business strategy.

One of the key themes that emerged from the summit was the role of Fintech in driving sustainable investment. Through innovative solutions such as green bonds, impact investing platforms, and ESG scoring algorithms, Fintech firms are empowering investors to allocate capital towards environmentally and socially responsible projects and companies. Xettle Technologies showcased its suite of Fintech software solutions designed to facilitate sustainable investing, enabling financial institutions and investors to align their portfolios with their values and sustainability objectives.

Moreover, the summit explored the transformative potential of blockchain technology in advancing sustainability goals. By enhancing transparency, traceability, and accountability in supply chains, blockchain can help address issues such as deforestation, forced labor, and conflict minerals. Xettle Technologies’ experts elaborated on the company’s blockchain-based solutions for supply chain finance and sustainability reporting, emphasizing their role in promoting ethical sourcing, responsible production, and fair labor practices.

In addition to sustainable investing and supply chain transparency, the summit delved into the role of Fintech in promoting financial inclusion and resilience. By leveraging technology and data analytics, Fintech firms can expand access to financial services for underserved populations, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and build more inclusive and resilient communities. Xettle Technologies’ representatives shared insights into the company’s initiatives to support financial inclusion through digital payments, microfinance, and alternative credit scoring models.

Furthermore, the summit highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing sustainability goals. Recognizing the interconnected nature of sustainability challenges, participants underscored the need for cross-sectoral collaboration between Fintech firms, financial institutions, governments, civil society, and academia. Xettle Technologies reiterated its commitment to collaboration, emphasizing its partnerships with industry stakeholders to drive collective action and scale impact.

Looking ahead, the future of sustainability in Fintech appears promising yet complex. As Fintech firms continue to innovate and disrupt traditional financial systems, they must prioritize sustainability as a core principle and driver of value creation. Xettle Technologies’ visionaries reiterated their commitment to sustainability, pledging to harness the power of technology to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient financial ecosystem for future generations.

In conclusion, the Fintech Summit served as a catalyst for reflection and action on the role of sustainability in shaping the future of finance. From sustainable investing and supply chain transparency to financial inclusion and resilience, Fintech has the potential to drive positive change and advance sustainability goals on a global scale. Xettle Technologies’ leadership in integrating sustainability into its  Fintech solutions exemplifies its dedication to driving innovation and creating shared value for society and the planet. As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability will be key drivers of success in building a more sustainable and resilient financial future.