Who we become when we talk to machines
Professor Sherry Turkle’s new book, “Artificial Intimacy,” offers a withering critique of chatbots and the antisocial dynamics she believes they encourage.
The promise and peril of using visual AI to study cities
In their new book, “How AI Sees the City,” the leaders of MIT’s Senseable City Lab examine the technology’s implications for researching urban life.
Measure by measure, studying society accurately
Naoki Egami has become a standout in political methodology, helping refine tools that give scholars durable results.
Technology usually creates jobs for young, skilled workers. Will AI do the same?
A new study of the postwar U.S. shows which kinds of workers historically filled new tech-enabled jobs.
Study: Firms often use automation to control certain workers’ wages
MIT economists found US companies tend to target employees earning a “wage premium,” which increases inequality but not necessarily productivity.
On algorithms, life, and learning
Operations research expert Dimitris Bertsimas delivered the annual Killian Lecture, providing a look at the past and future of his work.
What’s the right path for AI?
Conference speakers discussed the unfolding trajectory of AI and the benefits of shaping technology to meets people’s needs.
Ray Kurzweil ’70 reinforces his optimism in tech progress
Receiving the Robert A. Muh award, the technologist and author heralded a bright future for AI, breakthroughs in longevity, and more.
Pedestrians now walk faster and linger less, researchers find
A computer vision study compares changes in pedestrian behavior since 1980, providing information for urban designers about creating public spaces.
How we really judge AI
Forget optimists vs. Luddites. Most people evaluate AI based on its perceived capability and their need for personalization.