#understandable with anti-ai measures!

[receivemymajesty]

A Best Enemies AO3 Analysis Part 1

Hello! I had the burning urge to put together some rough stats around Thoschei fanfiction on AO3. As I had problems scraping the data, most of this analysis is pulled from the aggregations on AO3's tagged works page. If I find a better way to extract this from AO3 I'll likely come back and do something more comprehensive!

(This analysis is not statistically robust and may be subject to errors. Please keep in mind this is just for fun!)

To start with, what are the top pairings in the "The Doctor/The Master" tag on AO3?

Thirteen/Dhawan!Master sits at the top of the list, occupying 23% of all Doctor/Master content on AO3.

The first seven pairings listed here make up 83% of all Doctor/Master fics, the remaining Other category comprising of all possible Doctor x Master combinations make up 27%. *

*Multiple relationship tagging means that some pairings may overlap for the same fanfiction

What are the ratings of the top pairings?

Five/Ainley!Master stand as the raunchiest pairing in the list, with 34% of all Five/Master fanfictions falling under the Explicit category.

How do the top pairings compare over time?

There were just 53 fanfics completed in 2008 on AO3. While fanfic volumes increased in line with the growing popularity of AO3, the reappearances of a certain fictional villain resulted in spikes in publication.

Though the global pandemic definitely had an impact on AO3 activity during 2020, this also coincided with the introduction of a pairing that saw a meteoric rise in fanfiction. Can you guess which one?

Thirteen/Dhawan!Master saw 615 fanfictions during 2020. For comparison, that's more than the total amount of Doctor X Master fanfiction published in 2018 and 2019 combined!

That's it from me for now - but I'll be back soon to look at a few other areas of interest in the AO3 fandom sphere!

[koalemoslepus]

//Warning I have a tendency to accidentally hide my true vents in the tags by total accident

-----

I just saw an AI bot meant to give you the AI prompts to write AI image generations like at what point do we literally just get to revoke brain if you're not going to do it like literally we don't need you to copy and paste the machines could do that quite easily with a script and frankly I vote we pay them instead of you because shit maybe we could get some deflation in here if the money starts disappearing and it's not like you're fucking doing a damn thing for it also in my like in my warped verision of reality I cling to maybe?? If we let everyone go down this rabbit hole of the tech we have at present being sentient we could somehow crackpot loop our way back around them being regulated more than a worker maybe we'd help curb the cash incentives cause I know they'd get more protections / freedoms than a woman would in my lifetime FUCK anyway

[leoisstillalive]

im sorry to be such a lame bitch but that AI generated photo of inho and gihun kissing pisses me off so bad😭 like why has everybody abandoned their anti-AI stance all of a sudden???

i understand the magnetism of old man yaoi, but there are so many amazing artists in this fandom- we do not need to resort to such crude, harmful measures to obtain content!!!!

[modmad]

Hi! I was just curious if you have heard about the Cara art platform? I kinda stumbled upon it in a desperate google excavation when looking for websites that incorporate anti-ai measures for art, and it turns out this one does...? If I understand it correctly, they can apply Glaze automatically to your art posts, and they use an ai detection software that rejects ai generated art. It looks reeeally tempting, but I have never heard of it before, but maybe you or your followers have any experience with it...?

never heard of it, anyone else? would be interested if it's cool!

[kingme1002]

RADICAL LIFE EXTENSION:

### Key Areas of Research and Approaches:

1. **Genetic Engineering**:

- **CRISPR and Gene Editing**: Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 allow scientists to modify genes associated with aging and age-related diseases. By editing or repairing genes, it may be possible to slow down or reverse aging processes.

- **Telomere Extension**: Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. Research is exploring ways to extend or maintain telomere length to delay cellular aging.

2. **Senescence and Cellular Repair**:

- **Senolytics**: These are drugs designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction and chronic diseases. Removing these cells can improve health and extend lifespan.

- **Stem Cell Therapy**: Stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Research is ongoing to harness stem cells for repairing age-related damage and restoring function.

3. **Metabolic and Dietary Interventions**:

- **Caloric Restriction**: Studies have shown that reducing calorie intake without malnutrition can extend lifespan in various organisms. Researchers are investigating the mechanisms behind this and developing drugs that mimic the effects of caloric restriction.

- **Rapamycin and mTOR Inhibition**: Rapamycin, a drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway, has been shown to extend lifespan in animal models. It is being studied for its potential to delay aging in humans.

4. **Regenerative Medicine**:

- **Tissue Engineering**: Creating replacement tissues and organs using bioengineering techniques can address age-related degeneration and organ failure.

- **3D Bioprinting**: This technology allows for the creation of complex tissues and organs layer by layer, potentially providing replacements for damaged or aging body parts.

5. **Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology**:

- **AI in Drug Discovery**: AI is being used to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and therapies for aging-related conditions.

- **Biomarkers of Aging**: Developing accurate biomarkers to measure biological age and the effectiveness of anti-aging interventions.

6. **Cryonics and Mind Uploading**:

- **Cryonics**: The practice of preserving bodies or brains at extremely low temperatures with the hope that future technology can revive and rejuvenate them.

- **Mind Uploading**: A speculative concept where a person's consciousness is transferred to a digital substrate, potentially allowing for indefinite existence in a virtual environment.

### Ethical and Societal Considerations:

- **Equity and Access**: Ensuring that life-extending technologies are accessible to all, not just the wealthy.

- **Overpopulation**: Addressing the potential impact on global population and resources.

- **Quality of Life**: Ensuring that extended life is accompanied by improved health and well-being, not just prolonged existence.

### Current Status:

While significant progress has been made in understanding the biology of aging, most radical life extension technologies are still in the experimental stages. Human trials are ongoing for some interventions, but widespread application is likely still years or decades away.

Radical life extension remains a highly interdisciplinary field, combining insights from genetics, biotechnology, medicine, and computational science. The ultimate goal is to not only extend human lifespan but to ensure that those additional years are lived in good health and vitality.

[tendermiasma]

I Hope this question won't attract unwanted crowd, I'll try to type it in a way it hopefully will prevent it, but I have a question. As a professional artist, do you have any advice on how to not feel discouraged by A /i g3 ner*a/t3d images? And what to do to protect my art from being stolen? Recently I discovered one person close to me, also an artist, started incorporating that into their works and got into selling stuff assisted by it, and I feel kind of... heartbroken, betrayed? I don't know what to do, it makes me not want to continue the relationship, because this stuff is, in my opinion, actively hurting artists, but on the other hand, I don't want to lose a friend over it. Also, I am afraid that the only way to prevent what I create from being stolen is to not share it online at all, which is also heartbreaking, because one of the biggest part of creating (at least to me) is a form of dialogue with fellow humans, sharing emotions, and interaction between the creator, the art and the audience. I just feel lost. Also, I really admire your art, your skill, and you inspire me in a very profound way, just wanted to say that. Hope you have a good day!

Hi! It's a really shitty situation and I also often feel really doom and gloom about the whole thing. But the reason I keep making art is simple: It is my greatest joy to communicate through art and with every piece I make I continue to assert over and over that my human soul and the expertise that comes with it is a thousand times more valuable than a machine, and even though a lot of people wouldn't give a shit if a person or AI made it, there are always people out there who will care. I just really, really love doing it even while capitalism and our culture of consumption is taking on new and terrible forms. If we stop making art, what's left? Just the machine and nobody to speak up otherwise. Do nothing and lose everything vs keep fighting and something else, something better by some measure happens. Action is always the cure. I'm a big believer in that because I've found it to be true.

We're at a crucial time in the entertainment and arts industries. We all have some measure of power we can use against emerging policies and trends that don't benefit/actively hurt us. The WGA is currently striking in part to make AMPTP reconsider their AI policy of essentially just updating the WGA on the technology's progess annually. Other organized labor in entertainment and visual arts can negotiate anti-AI clauses into their contracts to make it less acceptable as a practice overall. You can use Glaze on your work to confuse AI engines and they just came out with a new version that I hear is a pretty nice jump in how detectable the texture is to your eye in the images.

I'm sorry you're going through that with your friend, though. It's hard and messy and there's no set way to go about it. It all depends on what you value most and what your own moral compass is telling you what you need to do here. Personally if it were a close friend of mine, I would talk to them about it. Depending on how they respond, your decision still might be a hard one or they could make it very easy. They will absolutely tell you how much time you should invest into this. Even if their attitude is clearly signaling that they do not care about you here and that you should move on from the friendship, it's probably still going to be painful and you'll grieve it for a while. Surround yourself with friends who understand how you feel and time will do its thing.

I think you should take comfort in that if you continue with art, this won't be the hardest decision you'll ever have to make. You'll have to make harder ones and will still come out on the other side. Even if you choose not to share your art on the wider internet and keep it as a precious thing among a smaller group of friends, it still has just as much worth and as you go along you will naturally find a balance between risks and reward. Don't forget that speaking out does actually have power in itself. Remember we've been able to bully a few companies into rolling back harmful practices in the past year or so.

I hope that was somewhat helpful. We're all trying to figure this out together and there's always going to be a future for artists as long as we keep pushing back hard. Capitalism takes a mile when you give an inch so it always, always matters to be vocal, spread useful information, use anti-ai apps on your art etc. It takes more energy to stay away from something you really want to do so I'm sure you'll find a way to share your art in the capacity you're comfortable with.

[mariahorsa]

Brand new anti-bot and scam measures <3

I am getting a load of bot scammers on my Fiverr and it's annoying the crap out of me to copy-paste "why are you interested in buying my services?" So I present to you the best turing test I can come up with:

please hide a potato (🥔) in the middle of your answer 🥰🥰🥰

I don't know how but most ai goof this up, ai does not know or understand where the middle of a sentence or paragraph is compared to actual people going... "Yeah that looks like it's in the middle ig"

[stevensavage]

The Morals of Madness

(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)

I’m fascinated by cult dynamics, because they tell us about people, inform us of dangers, and tell us about ourselves. Trust me, if you think you can’t fall into a cult you can, and are probably in more danger if you think you can’t. Understanding cults is self-defense in many ways.

On the subject of the internet age, I was listening to the famous Behind the Bastards podcast go over the Zizian “rationalist” cult. One of the fascinating things about various “rationalist” movements is how absolutely confidently irrational they are, and how they touch on things that are very mainstream. In this case the Zizians intersected with some of the extreme Effective Altruists, which seemed to start by asking “how do I help people effectively” but in the minds of some prominent people became “it’s rational for me to become a billionaire so I can make an AI to save humanity.”

If you think I’m joking, I invite you to poke around a bit or just listen to Behind the Bastards. But quite seriously you will find arguments that it’s fine to make a ton of money in an exploitative system backed by greedy VC because you’ll become rich and save the world with AI. Some Effective Altruism goes all our into arguing that this is good because you save more future people than you hurt present people. Think about that - if you’ll do more good in the future you can just screw over people now and become rich and it’s perfectly moral.

If this sounds like extreme anti-choice arguments, yep, it’s the same - imagined or potential people matter more than people who are very assuredly people now.

But as I listened to the Behind the Bastards hosts slowly try not to loose their mind while discussing those that had, something seemed familiar. People whose moral analysis had sent them around the bend into rampant amorality and immorality? An utter madness created by a simplistic measure? Yep, I heard echos of The Unaccountability Machine, which if you’ve paid attention you know influenced me enough that you are fully justified in questioning me about that.

But let’s assume I’m NOT gong to end up on a Behind the Bastards podcast about a guy obsessed with a book on Business Cybernetics, and repeat one point from that book – obsessive organizations kill off the ability to course correct.

The Unaccountability Machine author Dan Davies notes some organizations are like lab animals who were studied after removing certain brain areas. The animals could function but not adapt to change at all. Organizations that go mad, focusing on a single metric or two (like stock price), will deliberately destroy their own ability to adapt, and thus only barrel forward and/or die. They cannot adjust without major intervention, and some have enough money to at least temporarily avoid that.

The outlandish “future people matter, current do not, so make me rich” people have performed a kind of moral severance on themselves. They have found a philosophy that lets them completely ignore actual people and situations for something going on in their heads (and their bank accounts). Having found a measure they like (money!) they then find a way to cut themselves off from actual social and ethical repercussions.

If you live in the imaginary future and have money, you can avoid the real, gritty present. A lot of very angry people may not agree, but at that point you’re so morally severed you can’t understand why. Or think they’re enemies or not human or something.

Seeing this cultish behavior in context of The Unaccountability Machine helped me understand a lot of outrageous leadership issues we see from supposed “tech geniuses.” Well, people who can get VC funding, which is what passes for such genius. Anyway, too many of these people and their hangers-on go in circles until they hone the right knife to cut away their morality. Worst, they then loose the instinct to really know what they did to themselves.

Immorality and a form of madness that can’t course-correct is not a recipe for long-term success or current morality. Looking at this from both cultish dynamics and The Unaccountability Machine helps me understand how far gone some of our culture is. But at least that gives some hope to bring it back - or at least not fall into it.

And man I do gotta stop referencing that book or I’m gonna seem like I’m in a cult . . .

Steven Savage

www.StevenSavage.com

www.InformoTron.com

[0ystercatcher]

half the problem i have with ai is that the guys making it havent heard, or more likely, refused to care about, the whole. dont design for yourself thing. to me this would kinda explain why ai performs well (but not great) at generating code but kind of really mediocre and sometimes straight up bad at anything else. code writing being one of the main metrics of how every model is measured is pretty funny. yes its an important part of the world now but its so specific compared to everything else they measure i cant help but to think this is a case of developers just developing toys for themselves and theyre having trouble getting this toy work really well for most other things. in part because they havent really tried to understand how other things Work. yes yes it writes cool texts and is good at summarizing but there is still no real reasoning behind it and the output for most other tasts is Fine but requires double check almost every time and because of that its really risky to scale up. the idea that were gonna have "phd agents" in the next year or so is pretty unbelievable... because i dont think its that easy to make a general use machine that can just do everything at the same level of competence. being able to generate language like it does is pretty awesome and def has use cases rn but intelligence is more than statistically putting words together and a lot of tasks id love to automate require real reasoning behind the putting words together part of things. sadly. im still bullish on it for anti copyright reasons tho. kill that thang

[rocketspinsblog]

Rocket Spin: Redefining the Boundaries of Digital Play

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital entertainment, few platforms have had as profound an impact as Rocket Spin. With a vision that goes beyond conventional gaming, Rocket Spin is redefining what it means to play in the digital age. Through innovative technology, immersive experiences, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries, Rocket Spin is setting new standards for the future of online gaming.

1. Breaking New Ground with Innovative Technology

AI-Driven Personalization

Rocket Spin stands at the forefront of gaming innovation with its use of artificial intelligence (AI). The platform leverages AI to analyze player behavior and preferences, offering personalized gaming experiences that adapt in real-time. This level of customization ensures that every player’s journey is unique, providing a tailored experience that keeps gamers engaged and satisfied.

Virtual Reality (VR) for Total Immersion

Rocket Spin is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) in gaming, creating fully immersive environments that transport players beyond the screen. With VR, players can explore new worlds, interact with characters, and experience games in ways that feel incredibly real. This cutting-edge technology is redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in digital play, offering experiences that are as captivating as they are groundbreaking.

2. Expanding the Horizons of Gaming

An Unmatched Game Library

Rocket Spin offers an extensive library of games that cater to all types of players. From high-intensity slots and live dealer games to intricate strategy games and VR adventures, the platform has something for everyone. Each game is designed with top-tier graphics, engaging narratives, and smooth gameplay, ensuring that players have access to the best that digital gaming has to offer.

Cross-Platform Integration

Understanding the importance of flexibility in today’s digital world, Rocket Spin ensures that its games are accessible across multiple devices. Whether you’re on a desktop, mobile, or VR headset, Rocket Spin provides a seamless experience, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games anytime, anywhere.

3. A New Standard of Fairness and Security

Blockchain-Powered Transparency

In an industry where trust is crucial, Rocket Spin utilizes blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security. Blockchain provides a tamper-proof record of all transactions and digital asset ownership, giving players confidence in the fairness and integrity of the platform. This commitment to security sets a new standard in the gaming industry, making Rocket Spin a trustworthy and reliable platform for all gamers.

Advanced Anti-Cheating Measures

Rocket Spin employs advanced anti-cheating systems to maintain a fair gaming environment. These systems detect and prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring that all players compete on an even playing field. This focus on fairness is integral to Rocket Spin’s mission of providing a gaming experience that is both enjoyable and just.

4. Building a Thriving Digital Community

Social Features that Connect Players

Rocket Spin goes beyond just providing games; it fosters a vibrant community where players can connect, share, and compete. With features like live chat, multiplayer games, and community-driven events, Rocket Spin Casino creates a social environment that enhances the gaming experience. This emphasis on community building is key to Rocket Spin’s success, turning gaming into a shared adventure rather than a solitary activity.

Player-Driven Content and Development

Rocket Spin actively involves its community in the development process, listening to feedback and implementing changes that reflect the desires of its players. This player-driven approach ensures that the platform evolves in line with the needs and preferences of its community, keeping Rocket Spin at the cutting edge of digital gaming.

Conclusion

Rocket Spin is not just a gaming platform; it’s a movement that is redefining the boundaries of digital play. By integrating innovative technology, expanding the horizons of gaming, ensuring fairness and security, and building a thriving community, Rocket Spin is setting new standards for what online gaming can be. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Rocket Spin will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, leading the way into the future of gaming.

[acceptccnow]

High-Risk Payment Processing Techniques: Best Practices

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-Credit-Cards-Now.com

In the ever-evolving realm of e-commerce, payment processing takes center stage, enabling businesses to smoothly accept credit card payments and ensure seamless customer transactions. However, for industries deemed high-risk, such as credit repair and CBD sales, navigating the payment processing landscape presents distinct challenges. In this article, we dive into the intricacies of high-risk payment processing methods and present best practices to guarantee secure and efficient transactions. Whether you're a newcomer to high-risk payment processing or looking to refine your current strategies, these insights will steer you toward favorable outcomes.

DOWNLOAD THE HIGH-RISK PAYMENT PROCESSING INFOGRAPHIC HERE

Understanding High-Risk Payment Processing Effective navigation of the high-risk payment processing sphere necessitates a clear comprehension of high-risk industries. Sectors like credit repair and CBD sales often fall into this category due to intricate regulations and an elevated risk of chargebacks. Consequently, high-risk merchants require specialized payment processing solutions tailored to mitigate associated risks.

The Importance of Merchant Accounts Merchant accounts form the backbone of efficient payment processing. These accounts, specifically designed for high-risk businesses, facilitate the secure transfer of funds from customers' credit cards to the merchant's bank account. Establishing a high-risk merchant account ensures seamless payment processing, enabling businesses to broaden their customer base and enhance revenue streams.

Exploring High-Risk Payment Gateways High-risk payment gateways serve as virtual checkpoints between customers and merchants. These gateways safeguard sensitive financial information by encrypting data during transactions. When selecting a high-risk payment gateway, emphasize security features and compatibility with your business model to guarantee safe and smooth payment processing.

Tailored Solutions for Credit Repair Businesses Credit repair merchants face unique challenges due to the industry's regulatory landscape. Obtaining a credit repair merchant account equipped with specialized payment processing solutions can aid in navigating these complexities. Implementing robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures ensures compliance and fosters customer trust.

CBD Sales and Payment Processing CBD merchants operate in a market brimming with potential but also shrouded in uncertainty. Shifting regulations demand a flexible approach to CBD payment processing. Collaboration with experienced payment processors well-versed in the intricacies of CBD sales and the utilization of age verification systems can streamline transactions and bolster customer confidence.

Mitigating Chargeback Risks Chargebacks pose a significant threat to high-risk merchants, frequently arising from disputes, fraud, or unsatisfactory service. Proactively address this issue by providing exceptional customer support, transparent refund policies, and clear product descriptions. Consistent communication can forestall chargebacks and maintain a healthy merchant-consumer relationship.

Future-Proofing High-Risk Payment Processing Advancing technology necessitates the evolution of high-risk payment processing techniques to stay ahead of potential threats. Embrace emerging solutions like AI-driven fraud detection and biometric authentication to enhance security and streamline payment processing. Staying informed and adapting to industry trends ensures the future-proofing of payment processing strategies for high-risk merchants.

High-risk payment processing amalgamates industry knowledge, tailored solutions, and cutting-edge security measures. Whether operating in credit repair or CBD sales, a comprehensive understanding of high-risk payment processing intricacies is imperative. Leveraging specialized merchant accounts, payment gateways, and proactive chargeback prevention methods enables high-risk merchants to confidently accept credit card payments and cultivate long-term customer relationships. In an ever-evolving landscape, embracing innovative payment processing solutions guarantees a secure and prosperous future for high-risk businesses.

[the-stray-liger]

sorry to intrude, your post about the AI disturbance overlays is unfortunately misinformation. i’m in a discord with more knowledgeable people (including one of the creator of glaze) and they discuss emerging anti-AI measures often. from my understanding, a simple overlay with transparency means absolutely nothing to protection; what glaze and nightshade do is more technologically advanced than that and what little distorted artifacts you can see are simply what is visible, not all that was applied to the pictures. i believe that the consensus on ibis’ tech is that “its potency hasn’t been proven with evidence, but overall (they) believe ibis won’t scam its users”. the pictures taken from tiktok are flat out a hoax though

thanks for the headsup! I've deleted the post

[rollercoasterwords]

hi this isn’t exactly to do with ask game but i would love to hear your thoughts on why ai art is bad/unethical etc etc. rather than the typical complaints that it’s not real and produced my labor …. love ur mind mwah xx

hi laura i am of course always happy 2 share my thoughts w u <3 <3 w the caveat that i am by no means an expert on ai + am not trying to position myself as such, + all my opinions are informed by things smarter/more knowledgeable people have said lol BUT. basically all the convincing critiques i have seen abt ai have been focused around the way it is used to exploit people or deepen already-existing inequality so like. with the wga strike for example--apparently companies are sometimes using ai to create scripts etc which they can then hire writers to fix, and in doing so they can pay those writers less by saying that they're "editing" something instead of creating something new. so in situations like this one, i think ai is something to be wary of not because ai writing a script in and of itself is inherently a bad thing, but because of the way companies are using it to exploit workers--a condition that existed before ai and will continue to exist regardless of ai, bc capitalists can only profit by exploiting workers, and so any anti-ai stances here that act as tho ai is the problem rather than the structural inequality of capitalism sort of miss the mark imo. obviously we need to find ways to respond + protect workers' rights when capitalists use new technology to exploit us, but we shouldn't lose focus of the fact that it isn't the technology itself that is exploitative but rather the capitalists' use of it.

beyond that, i have also seen people critique ai bc it is often assumed to be "objective" or neutral, when in fact ai often relies on biased datasets + therefore ends up reflecting preexisting biases in society--but those biases are assumed to be natural/normal/invisible bc it's a machine spitting them out, not a person. i definitely think that is a reason to be wary of ai--but again, that's due to preexisting inequality and not so much a product of ai itself, y'know? similarly, i've seen people talk about how they're wary of ai (esp things like facial recognition) bc of the ways it contributes to + is used for state surveillance, which i think makes a lot of sense (but is, again, less an issue with the technology in and of itself + more a broader problem w state uses of technology to surveil people).

so like -- all of these are definitely real issues + there are definitely reasons that i can understand being wary of ai (+ reasons that i am wary of it myself!). but honestly most of the critiques i've seen thus far abt ai specifically in fandom spaces seem more reactionary than anything. i guess maybe i'm missing something? but so far the main critiques i've seen about ai art/fics are like

1. it's not "real art" which. i personally do not find to be a compelling argument + quite often seems to devolve into positions about art + value that i am pretty fundamentally opposed to. for example that the amount of time/labor/etc put into an art piece is what confers value, or that the 'quality' of art as measured by [socially constructed list of standards often hearkening back to white western academic tradition] is what makes it 'real' or 'not real.'

2. it's "stealing" which. again i am not quite sure what the underlying argument there is bc i usually just see people making this claim w no further explanation but. i guess if ai is copying and pasting someone else's work that seems like plagiarism yeah, but my understanding of ai is that it is essentially derivative in that it 'learns' by looking at already-created content but is then creating a 'new' work, albeit derivative. but in fandom spaces it seems like we're all pretty much on board with derivative art, y'know? so i honestly don't really understand how different it is for like. a human being to read my writing + get inspired by it + write something that echoes or builds off it versus a machine doing that. again don't know a ton abt how ai works so maybe i'm missing something but currently i just truly do not understand what's going into the stealing argument

and honestly i think both the idea that ai art [art including writing here] isn't 'real' and that it's 'stealing' sort of rely on the myth of meritocracy + manufactured scarcity economies. as in. personally i do not see any downside to there being more art in the world--whether i personally think it's good or bad--unless i am supposed to be competing for limited space in the ~art world~ with other people. but like. in fandom spaces it's not like we're out here competing for resources, y'know? i'm just writing for fun, so why do i care if someone posts like. a chatgpt fic on ao3. i don't have to read it, and if other people are choosing to read it that isn't like....taking anything away from me, y'know? unless we're trying to say that only certain fics/art is "deserving" of attention but. that sort of position relies on a manufactured scarcity economy by acting as though "attention" is some sort of limited resource we must all compete for, and also depends on very arbitrary standards for determining who's "deserving" and i just. do not really buy into either of those stances. so! maybe there are other reasons people are upset abt ai in fandom spaces specifically that i'm missing but currently those r my thoughts on critiques of ai that make sense vs critiques that do not make sense

edit bc i realized i didn't actually answer the question lol - basically i don't think ai art is bad! i think ai is frequently used in bad ways by capitalists but in and of itself i do not really see an issue with creating ai art

[tittyinfinity]

I know it's been said before, but even with how dangerous the internet is, a lot of kids would be in even more danger if their parents went through their phone or browser history. Either way, it's an invasion of privacy, and it doesn't stop them from doing anything - they only learn that they need to get better at hiding things from their parent(s).

If you want to keep your child safe on the internet, you have to take preventative measures.

As soon as they're old enough to understand, you need to regularly have conversations with them about how the internet works and how to keep themselves safe.

Talk to them about:

how a lot of content on the internet is made to grab your attention so they get more clicks and track your info.

how an algorithm-based internet is designed to constantly stimulate dopamine and other emotional responses and keep you online as long as possible.

Setting both time limits AND emotional limits - if something is making them so angry that it's ruining their whole day, then it's time to step away.

How to tell if a story is made up/exaggerated, or if a picture is ai/photoshopped. Have them ask themselves why they think it's fake, what kind of agenda the OP/ad/website might have, and how to double-check sources and do backwards image results. And on that note —

HOW TO SPOT HATE & PROPAGANDA. This is probably the most important. Talk about how algorithms can start showing them things that push them towards certain beliefs. Teach them about how hate groups and whole governments use the internet to spread their agenda by manipulating information and tugging at a person's emotional response. Teach them how to critically consume their media and when they should back away from

How to use ad blockers and other anti-tracking software.

How to safely pirate things. Don't feel bad about it. Almost everything is subscription-based now, shows are always getting canceled, video games cost $60-80 with additional in-game purchases. The multi-billion dollar companies are still making record profits anyway.

Not to steal content from others and post it as their own.

What kind of information isn't safe for them to reveal online.

How to speak to others kindly online.

Find websites for them that aren't social media or youtube!

When it comes to youtube - don't rely on Youtube Kids to filter out harmful content by itself.

I'm sure there's more. You can't always be watching over your kid's shoulder wherever they go. They won't trust or respect you if you watch their every move. And once your kid knows how to safely navigate the internet, they can teach their friends, too!

[theic-manic]

Just thinking on this, there are some Biblical arguments that would not only support The Church in their anti-AI-Imagery take but would actually deem this usage of AI as biblically Heretical and as such, The Church has a holy obligation to obliterate AI image generation. 💅

I mean, they already have a few solid stances:

Pope Francis has addressed the ramifications of AI from a gospel perspective. For Pope Francis, while this fast-advancing technology presents new opportunities, it also poses serious challenges to human fraternity and the development of a Christian culture. AI challenges public policymakers who enact laws, who must guarantee AI serves human solidarity and peace. The Pope calls upon world leaders to make certain AI does not worsen inequality and injustice in our global community.

Pope Francis calls for discernment and vigilance to guide the growth of AI so that it promotes freedom and fulfillment for people of every race, language, and nation. The Pope worries that if we are inattentive to the evolution of AI, the human person will become “fodder for algorithms.” The Holy Father warns world leaders to look beyond regulation so that AI does not create a false separation between information and living personal relationships because humankind’s progress depends on hearts striving for communion.

What Does the Church Teach About AI, and What Should Catholics Do About It?

(1) The use of artificial intelligence systems and models in the reproduction, extraction, and creation of textual, musical, photographic, audiovisual, and radio and visual arts content must comply with the provisions of the Law on the Protection of Copyright on Intellectual Works and Related Rights

(4) The use of artificial intelligence systems and models in the reproduction, extraction and creation of textual, musical, photographic, audiovisual and radio content and figurative arts must not cause harm to the honor, reputation, decorum and prestige of the Supreme Pontiff, the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State.

New Vatican AI Guidelines for the development and use of AI models: from AI training to Vatican’s authorship and ownership of AI-generated outputs (at least within the Vatican City State), Article 7.

33. Human intelligence is not primarily about completing functional tasks but about understanding and actively engaging with reality in all its dimensions; it is also capable of surprising insights. Since AI lacks the richness of corporeality, relationality, and the openness of the human heart to truth and goodness, its capacities—though seemingly limitless—are incomparable with the human ability to grasp reality. So much can be learned from an illness, an embrace of reconciliation, and even a simple sunset; indeed, many experiences we have as humans open new horizons and offer the possibility of attaining new wisdom. No device, working solely with data, can measure up to these and countless other experiences present in our lives.

35. Considering all these points, as Pope Francis observes, “the very use of the word ‘intelligence’” in connection with AI “can prove misleading” and risks overlooking what is most precious in the human person. In light of this, AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence but as a product of it.

67. However, while AI promises to boost productivity by taking over mundane tasks, it frequently forces workers to adapt to the speed and demands of machines rather than machines being designed to support those who work. As a result, contrary to the advertised benefits of AI, current approaches to the technology can paradoxically deskill workers, subject them to automated surveillance, and relegate them to rigid and repetitive tasks. The need to keep up with the pace of technology can erode workers’ sense of agency and stifle the innovative abilities they are expected to bring to their work.

68. AI is currently eliminating the need for some jobs that were once performed by humans.

If AI is used to replace human workers rather than complement them, there is a “substantial risk of disproportionate benefit for the few at the price of the impoverishment of many.”

Additionally, as AI becomes more powerful, there is an associated risk that human labor may lose its value in the economic realm. This is the logical consequence of the technocratic paradigm: a world of humanity enslaved to efficiency, where, ultimately, the cost of humanity must be cut. Yet, human lives are intrinsically valuable, independent of their economic output. Nevertheless, the “current model,” Pope Francis explains, “does not appear to favor an investment in efforts to help the slow, the weak, or the less talented to find opportunities in life.”

In light of this, “we cannot allow a tool as powerful and indispensable as Artificial Intelligence to reinforce such a paradigm, but rather, we must make Artificial Intelligence a bulwark against its expansion.”

70. Since work is a “part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment,” “the goal should not be that technological progress increasingly replaces human work, for this would be detrimental to humanity”—rather, it should promote human labor. Seen in this light, AI should assist, not replace, human judgment.

And for the Holy mic drop...

Similarly, it must never degrade creativity or reduce workers to mere “cogs in a machine.”

Therefore, “respect for the dignity of laborers and the importance of employment for the economic well-being of individuals, families, and societies, for job security and just wages, ought to be a high priority for the international community as these forms of technology penetrate more deeply into our workplaces.”

Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence, ANTIQUA ET NOVA, DICASTERY FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH, DICASTERY FOR CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Oh damn the Catholics have joined in on the war against AI "art".

[centizen]

Cloud Squatting: Understanding and Mitigating a Modern Cyber Threat

Cloud computing is central to both business and personal data storage. A critical and emerging threat is cloud squatting.This phenomenon, a digital variant of the notorious domain squatting, involves the unauthorized occupation of cloud resources. It poses significant risks, making it a crucial concern for everyone, from casual cloud users to IT professionals and business owners.

Understanding cloud squatting

Cloud squatting is the practice of occupying cloud resources, such as storage accounts, domain names, or service identifiers, often for exploitative purposes. This could range from reselling these resources for profit to hosting harmful content or phishing scams. Cloud squatting not only mirrors traditional domain squatting but also extends to trafficking cloud resources like cloud computing instances or web applications, typically for malicious intentions.

The risks involved

Cloud squatting presents various risks:

Data theft: Unauthorized instances can store or transmit stolen data.

Security breaches: They can act as platforms for attacks on other systems.

Reputation damage: Companies suffer if their services are impersonated.

Legal and financial repercussions: In cases of brand damage and loss of customer trust.

For example, an attacker might use a service resembling a legitimate one, deceiving users into sharing sensitive information, leading to data breaches and tarnished reputations.

Mitigation strategies

Effective mitigation of cloud squatting involves a multi-faceted approach:

Proactive registration: Secure variations of your business’s cloud resource names.

Regular audits: Ensure all cloud services are legitimate.

Monitoring and alert systems: Detect unauthorized or misleading registrations.

Employee training: Educate about risks and the identification of suspicious services.

Legal protections: Utilize trademarks and enforce anti-squatting policies.

Security tools and best practices: Use AI-driven solutions and update security measures regularly.

Stakeholder education: Inform teams and customers about these risks.

Rapid response plan: Have a plan to address incidents swiftly.

Collaboration with cloud providers: Utilize their anti-squatting policies.

Reserved IP addresses: Transfer owned IPs to the cloud and manage records.

Policy enforcement: Prevent hard coding of IP addresses and use reserved IPv6 addresses.

The future of cloud security

As cloud technologies evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. This makes proactive security measures and constant vigilance essential. Emerging technologies, like AI-driven security solutions, will play a crucial role in combating these threats.

Cloud squatting is a modern cyber threat that demands awareness, understanding, and proactive action. Implementing robust security strategies and staying informed about the latest trends in cloud security can significantly protect valuable digital assets. By addressing the risks and employing comprehensive mitigation strategies, individuals and businesses can safeguard their presence and integrity in the cloud.

Centizen, your trusted partner in cloud consulting and staffing provides unparalleled expertise and solutions to guard against threats like cloud squatting, ensuring the security and efficiency of your digital infrastructure.