Politics – Communication Generation

What is the Spirit of Ubuntu? A Journey Into African Philosophy

ByRicky Wright September 8, 2023September 15, 2023

Introduction “Ubuntu” is not just a word; it’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that shapes communities, cultures, and individual lives across Africa. The concept is simple yet profound: “I am because we are.” It stresses the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all human beings. But what does Ubuntu really mean, and how does it…

Culture | Gig worker | Politics | The Backyard Futurist

Gig Work: A Double-Edged Sword in the Modern Digital Era

ByRicky Wright August 18, 2023August 18, 2023

by Evelyn Booker, Senior Writer, Tech Realities Journal (Persona) In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the gig economy has emerged as a fascinating yet controversial cornerstone. While these app-driven jobs have democratized access to employment, they simultaneously serve as harbingers of a growing trend of precarious livelihoods. In the modern, digitally-driven age, the traditional 9-to-5…

Unpacking Generation Z: Exploring the 12 Archetypes and Key Trends of the Post-Millennial Generation

ByRicky Wright July 15, 2023July 15, 2023

Yes, Generation Z and Alpha generation are often used interchangeably and refer to the same demographic group. Generation Z typically includes individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, while the Alpha generation includes those born from the mid-2010s to the mid-2020s. Both generations are known for their affinity with technology, social consciousness, and…

Unmasking the Carbon Footprint of AI: Beyond Technosolutionism towards Sustainable Practices

ByRicky Wright June 16, 2023July 2, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a vision for the future, but a reality shaping our world in unprecedented ways. From improving healthcare diagnoses to revolutionizing manufacturing and reshaping retail, the transformative power of AI is undeniable. Yet, behind the rapid advancements and remarkable potential, there is a cost that is often overlooked: the…

Artificial Intelligence and Religion: Exploring the Impact and Challenges

ByRicky Wright June 2, 2023June 7, 2023

Transhumanism, a philosophical and technological movement centered around human enhancement and transcending biological limitations, has sparked intriguing discussions about its relationship with spirituality. At the intersection of science, technology, and metaphysical beliefs, transhumanism prompts us to explore the potential connections between the quest for human improvement and the search for deeper meaning, purpose, and transcendence….

Transhumanism

ByRicky Wright June 2, 2023June 2, 2023

Ah, the big question on the digital table today! I’m glad you brought it up. Transhumanism, as many of you might know, is the belief or theory that human beings can evolve beyond their current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology. Quite a mouthful, isn’t it? Transhumanism isn’t just about…

Transhumanism vs. Futurism

ByRicky Wright June 2, 2023June 2, 2023

Transhumanism and futurism are closely related but distinct concepts that explore different aspects of the future and human existence: Why Futurists Suck In his talk titled “Why Futurists Suck” at Nesta’s FutureFest 2018, in partnership with Virtual Futures, Douglas Rushkoff shares his perspective on the role of futurists. He emphasizes that the job of a…

Commoning Groups: A Survey of the Spectrum

ByRicky Wright May 30, 2023June 1, 2023

As we continue to advance into the digital age, the interplay between technology and society grows more intricate and intimate. One fascinating area of exploration is the intersection between commoning groups and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world of ‘commoning’—a term describing the collective ownership and management of resources—seems to be on a collision course with…

The Commons Reimagined: Debunking Myths and Redirecting AI Towards Collective Benefit

ByRicky Wright May 26, 2023May 30, 2023

As we move forward in the ever-evolving digital landscape, the concept of the commons is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In this new AI environment, we’re faced with vast shared resources, such as data pools, algorithms, and technological infrastructures, all forming a sort of digital ‘commons’. However, in discussions…

Unveiling the Dark Side: When Transparency Meets AI’s Gaze into Our Private Lives

ByRicky Wright May 23, 2023May 25, 2023

In an era driven by technology and data, the demand for transparency has become a rallying cry for accountability and fairness. As we navigate the intricacies of the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly prominent role in shaping our lives. However, as we strive for transparency, we must also grapple with the potential…

12 Archetypes of the Alpha Generation and How They Can Leverage AI to Make a Difference

ByRicky Wright February 24, 2023February 24, 2023

The Alpha Generation, born between 2010 and 2025, is the first to grow up in a world where digital technology is ubiquitous. This has shaped their beliefs, behaviors, and expectations, creating a new set of archetypes that reflect their unique characteristics and values. In this article, we explore 12 archetypes of the Alpha Generation and…

What lessons from the past can generative AI technology can learn from to realize its potential?

ByRicky Wright January 25, 2022February 7, 2023

The Robodebt Scheme in Australia has been a tragic example of how not to use technology. The automated debt collection system caused immense suffering for many Australians, and serves as a cautionary tale for those developing similar technologies. By understanding the lessons of this scheme, we can ensure that future generative AI technology is used…

The Deeper Meaning in #Vanlife

ByRicky Wright January 19, 2021July 25, 2023

Although these articles are directed toward #vanlife many of the same issues could apply to YouTube sailing channels. #Vanlife and YouTube Sailing Channels The rise of the #vanlife and YouTube sailing channels have both captured the imagination of many people looking for an escape from the traditional 9-to-5 lifestyle. Both movements have attracted individuals who…

There’s the Internet of things IoT but what about the Internet of Humanity IoH?

ByRicky Wright October 23, 2019October 24, 2019

An Internet of Humanity IoH to resist Surveillance Capitalism There’s the Internet of things IoT but what about the Internet of Humanity IoH? Introduction While self-tracking with the rise of the IoT is contributing to many pro-social benefits for public health, these practices are also transforming notions of the public and private self and raising…

Culture | Permaculture | Politics | Surveillance Capitalism | The Backyard Futurist

The role of mobile telephony in the renewal of the public sphere and the extension of democratic processes

ByRicky Wright July 17, 2019November 12, 2021

Mobile phone use has become ubiquitous (fig. 1), especially among the young and wealthy with more than five billion uses worldwide (Pew Research, 2019). Smartphones herald the arrival of convergence bringing together the formally ‘separate business of media, telecommunications, and computing/information technology into interdependent services’ via digital networks (Cinque, 2012, p,14). The speed of change…