This is the latest issue of The Download, our daily newsletter offering a regular snapshot of current happenings in the technology sector.
It’s remarkably simple to fall into a relationship with an AI chatbot
The news: The initial extensive computational examination of the Reddit community r/MyBoyfriendIsAI, aimed at exploring AI relationships, revealed that a significant number of individuals entered into these connections unintentionally while engaging with AI for other activities. In fact, merely 6.5% indicated that they had actively sought an AI partner.
Why it matters: The research indicated that AI companionship offers crucial support for some, while worsening existing issues for others. Consequently, a universal approach to user safety is challenging. Read the complete story.
—Rhiannon Williams
Join us at 1.30pm ET today to discover the future of birth control
Discussions on birth control often center on women, but Kevin Eisenfrats, one of MIT Technology Review’s 2025 Innovators Under 35, is striving to alter that. His company, Contraline, aims to test new contraceptive methods for men. Join us for a special subscribers-only Roundtable interview to hear Kevin discuss with our executive editor Amy Nordrum at 1.30 ET today.
MIT Technology Review Narrated: What’s in store for AI and mathematics
The past year has witnessed swift advancements in large language models addressing mathematics at high school level and above. Is AI nearing the capabilities of human mathematicians?
This piece is the latest entry to be transformed into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, released weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just go to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform and follow us to hear all our new episodes as they become available.
The essential reads
I’ve scanned the internet to gather today’s most engaging/important/alarming/intriguing technology tales.
1 Secret Service agents dismantled a massive operation to disrupt cellular networks
They believe it was possibly intended for fraudulent activities. (Wired $)
2 Embracing a new era of fragmented US vaccination policies
The federal government is shirking its public health duties. Who will take the mantle? (New Yorker $)
+ Reasons behind US federal health agencies’ abandonment of mRNA vaccines. (MIT Technology Review)
3 European defense officials are considering constructing a ‘drone barrier’
They’re rushing to catch up with increasing Russian incursions into their airspace. (ABC)
4 How will we determine if artificial general intelligence has been achieved?
That’s the billion-dollar inquiry—but a straightforward answer remains elusive. (IEEE Spectrum)
+ Experts can’t even agree on what AI fundamentally is, let alone AGI. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Robot umpires will debut in baseball’s major leagues next year 🤖⚾
Humans will maintain control over ball and strike calls, but technology will assist in reviewing appeals. (AP)
6 AI’s energy requirements are being exaggerated
This could lead us to invest in unnecessary, expensive fossil fuel initiatives. (The Verge)
+ Four reasons to feel hopeful about AI’s energy consumption. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Severe drought is predicted to become increasingly frequent
Governments must take significant action to prepare. (Gizmodo)
8 AI is encroaching upon subtitle creators’ job security
Yet, their roles are tougher to replicate than one might assume. (The Guardian)
+ ‘Workslop’ is inhibiting overall productivity. (Harvard Business Review)
+ Moreover, AI systems may never achieve a secure state. (The Economist $)
9 Epigenetics may play a role in conserving wildlife from extinction
It could enable researchers to identify accelerated aging before a species visibly declines. (Knowable)
+ Aging clocks are designed to predict life expectancy. (MIT Technology Review)
10 TikTok is being introduced to the idea of the rapture
According to some, it’s expected to happen today. If that’s the case, it’s been a pleasure! Good luck! (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“Everyone has a backup.”
—Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, informs CNBC that the company has plans in place in the event that Beijing orders it to cease using Nvidia chips.
One more thing
This app aids workers in recovering millions in lost wages
Reclamo, a newly launched web application, assists immigrant workers who have faced wage theft. It guides them through the process of assembling case details, ultimately generating completed legal claims ready for immediate filing. A task that would typically require multiple consultations with a lawyer can now be accomplished in just one hour.
A considerable portion of wage theft impacts immigrants, both documented and undocumented, partly due to communication obstacles and their perceived lack of power or legal options. Nevertheless, the app is already effecting change—helping recover $1 million in lost wages since commencing beta testing in October 2022. Read the complete story.
—Patrick Sisson
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and distraction to enhance your day. (Have any suggestions? Get in touch or send me a message.)
+ It’s Fat Bear Week! Who gets your vote this year?
+ Discover Lord Woodbine, the overlooked sixth Beatle.
+ Explore some truly bizarre recipes in this Medieval Cookery selection. Venison porridge, anyone?
+ Skepticism about technology has existed for as long as technology itself, as shown by this archive.
