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10 polite habits nail techs actually dislike – and what to do instead

Nail salon etiquette mistakes Repeat after us: Pampering yourself is important. An easy way to do just that? Getting a manicure. Not only is it relatively affordable, but prettily painted nails can also put an extra pep in your step. Of course, the nail tech who does your manicure plays a large role in making you feel so good: From that wonderful hand massage to getting your cuticles in tip-top shape, their skills can make a huge difference. So, it only makes sense that you’d want to treat them really well. But here’s the thing: Certain seemingly polite etiquette rules can actually make a nail tech’s job harder. Plus, while it’s important to be nice, you don’t have to try extra hard to make their life easier. “A manicure is your time off, so you should relax,” says Karina Medrano, a nail technician. So what does that mean? It means there are certain polite habits that are totally a must. And then there are other moves you can (and should) skip so you can focus on your own relaxation. Since it can be hard to identify exactly what most people dislike, we turned to the pros to fill us in on polite moves that are actually etiquette mistakes at the nail salon. Anticipating their next move Over the course of your manicure, your nail tech will likely move your hands around a bit – turning them over to apply lotion and rotating each finger to paint your tips with the best nail polish. If you’ve had a number of manicures, you may even be able to anticipate what they’ll need you to do next and be tempted to save them from having to tell you how to move. Don’t do it. “Many times, clients position themselves in a way that seems to be helpful, but it’s the contrary,” says Medrano. You may make the wrong move and actually mess up their paint job, causing them to have to start over. Do this instead: “It’s best to let your nail tech move you around,” says Medrano. “There is no need to tense up – just relax.” Put simply, wait for them to direct you. One way to make that easier is to pay attention to what’s going on. If you have headphones on and are listening to music or a podcast, keep it at a low enough volume that you can hear your technician if they need you to do something. Keeping the conversation going When you’re getting your nails done, you’re literally face to face with your manicurist. Because of this, you may feel like it’s your job to chat with them and keep them entertained. But there’s no need to rack your brain for conversation starters. This is a job, and there is zero expectation that you should keep your nail tech entertained, says Medrano. If you want to chat, no problem. If you don’t? Well, that’s OK too. Do this instead: If you’d prefer quiet, Medrano says that it’s become totally normal to ask for a “silent appointment”. You can either let the salon know when you book your appointment or you can mention to your tech when you sit down that you are going to use the appointment to relax and have some quiet time. Giving a colour a chance when you don't like it You arrive at the salon and are faced with a wall of nail polish colours. Whether you want the trendiest colour of the season or just what you’re in the mood for, you’ll probably spend some time debating the perfect shade. Fast-forward to the moment your manicurist is slicking it on, and – you’re not so sure about it. But you feel bad and want to give it a chance. Maybe you’ll like it once the second coat is on, right? And you’d hate to make the tech take it off and start over. “For many, the hardest time to speak up during their appointment is when they don’t like the colour,” says Medrano. “But it’s better to tell us the second you start doubting your choice. Applying the colour is the most time-consuming part, and catching the colour change before doing all 10 fingers helps us stay on track with our appointments.” Plus, your nail tech wants you to walk away happy! Do this instead: If you’re not feeling the colour, speak up as soon as possible. You can simply tell them you’re not sure you like it. Then, tell them what you don’t like – maybe the red you chose is too orange or the pink is too sheer. They may be able to suggest another shade that is what you are looking for. After all, they see lots of different colours every day. Removing your own gel If you get gel manicures, you know that removing that type of polish can take a long time. You have to sit with remover on your nails for a while before the gel can be scraped away. But trying to do it at home to save time and work for your nail tech is not advisable. Gel polish needs to be removed in a certain way to minimise damage, warns nail artist Braelinn Frank. If you try to remove it yourself and wreck your nails, your tech will be left trying to get them back into shape to prevent your nails from peeling. Do this instead: When you make your appointment, let them know you have gel polish that will need to be removed. This allows the salon to build in more time for your appointment so the gel can be removed properly by a professional and you don’t make a bigger mess for your manicurist. Deferring to the pro Do you want rounded nails or more of an almond shape? Do you want your cuticles cut, or do you just want your manicurist to use really good cuticle oil before pushing them back? These are all decisions you’ll need to make during your appointment. Don’t just defer to the tech. Yes, they’re pros, but these are your nails. “It’s helpful when someone knows what they want their nails to look like,” says Medrano. Do this instead: If you really aren’t sure what you want, avoid telling the nail tech to do whatever they’d like. A better way to approach it is to ask them for their input on the different options and then make the decision that’s best for you based on what they tell you. Cleaning up There’s always a little bit of a mess when you get your nails done – think nail clippings, dust from filing, used cotton balls from removing polish. Worried that your nail tech is grossed out by all this and annoyed at having to pick up after you? They’re not. Not only that, but if you try to clean up, you might just get in the way. “It’s part of our job to keep up with the mess,” says Medrano. “And we know our way around our station best.” Remember, you can always give yourself a manicure at home, but if you go to the salon, one of the perks is not having to clean up! Do this instead: If you want to help, the best thing you can do is stay out of your nail tech’s way. As they try to wipe down their station, move your hands so they can do that. In other words, pay attention and adjust your positioning when needed – that will be the best way to help. Moving your own stuff to the drying station Your manicure is done, and it’s time to move over to the drying station. You feel bad about making a tech pick up your handbag, so you grab it yourself. While your intention is to be kind, you may smudge your nails and mess up all the hard work they just did. “We are here to help,” says Medrano, who confirms it’s better for them to help than to have you mess up your nails. Plus, even a little chip or smudge is a cardinal sin when it comes to making your manicure last longer. Do this instead: Allow them to move your bag (and any other items you have with you) to the drying station. Be gracious, and say thank you. Also let them pull out the chair or stool for you. Really don’t want someone to pick up your bag? Consider wearing a small crossbody bag so you can keep it on during your appointment. Holding it in Maybe you have to sneeze, or perhaps you are mid-manicure and suddenly have to pee. Holding it in does nobody any favours. While you may not want to interrupt the appointment, your nail tech would rather you be comfortable and enjoy the service. Plus, if you hold in your sneeze, it could backfire and lead to a bigger sneeze where you spray germs everywhere. “Do not be scared to ask if you need to do something,” says Medrano. “Nothing surprises us.” Do this instead: Need to use the bathroom? Let your tech know, and ask when the best time would be for you to do so. Have to sneeze? Say, “I’m going to sneeze.” Then, rather than using your hands to cover your mouth (which your tech then needs to go back to touching), sneeze into the crook of your arm. Trying to shimmy your credit card out of your wallet If the end of your appointment has come and you still haven’t paid, sliding your credit card out of your wallet with wet nails may feel like a Herculean task. But you can’t possibly ask your nail tech to do that, right? That would be rude. Wrong again. It’s actually ruder to smudge the beautiful paint job your nail tech just put a ton of time and energy into. Do this instead: “The amount of times that I have helped take out credit cards? It’s quite often,” says Medrano. “Just ask! Truly, it’s no problem.” Make it easier on your tech by telling them exactly where it is and what colour the card is; that way, they don’t have to fish around for it. Also, there’s no need to apologise – just say thank you! Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/tips/10-polite-habits-nail-techs-actually-dislike-and-what-to-do-instead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

Tech millionaire’s “creepy” $100k offer sparks wave of backlash

US tech millionaire and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Kirsch has been slammed for making a “creepy” offer towards a female passenger who was travelling on the same plane. In a tweet, Kirsch claimed that he offered the stranger $US100,000 to remove her face mask for the flight. "I am on board a Delta flight right now. The person sitting next to me in first-class refused $100,000 to remove her mask for the entire flight. No joke," he tweeted. Kirsch, who became infamous for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines throughout the pandemic, said that he "explained" to his seatmate that masks "don’t work". He also claims that the woman worked for a pharmaceutical company, and he started by offering her $US100 but worked his way up. She rejected his offer, but Kirsch persisted and said that if she removed the mask to eat and drink she "she could be infected with one breath". Many have slammed the entrepreneur for his actions. “Ew. Do you make a habit of offering money to random women to remove coverings from their bodies mid-air?" posted Jess Piper, a former Democrat state representative nominee, in her response to Kirsch's post. “Stop bugging people who are minding their own business with your creepy nonsense,” commented Alastair McAlpine, an infectious disease expert. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I am on board a Delta flight right now. The person sitting next to me in first class refused $100,000 to remove her mask for the entire flight. No joke. This was after I explained they don’t work. She works for a pharma company. <a href="https://t.co/Q8Hwzhkmxf">pic.twitter.com/Q8Hwzhkmxf</a> — Steve Kirsch (@stkirsch) <a href="https://twitter.com/stkirsch/status/1634189428150390785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> "This is wildly creepy, you get that, right? Every part of this. From the request, to the expression, to the fact you decided to tweet this!" commented one user. “All you’re doing here is admitting you patronised and harassed a woman who made a decision she thought was best for her,” wrote another. Last week, Kirsch tried to pull the same stunt on a different flight. He tweeted that he offered his seatmates $US10,000 to remove their masks for the flight, but they also declined his offer. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I asked the people sitting next to me on the plane if I paid them $10,000 would they remove their mask for the duration of the flight? Both declined the offer. Maybe I should offer $100,000 next time? This can quantify the amount of brainwashing. <a href="https://t.co/VLlymusmcq">pic.twitter.com/VLlymusmcq</a> — Steve Kirsch (@stkirsch) <a href="https://twitter.com/stkirsch/status/1633166204054675456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote> "Maybe I should offer $100,000 next time? This can quantify the amount of brainwashing," he added. Delta airlines have said that masks are optional for both domestic and international travel unless required by “applicable governments”. American federal law no longer requires masks be worn in airports or on planes, but certain cities and states may still make it a requirement at their airports. Image: Twitter

Travel Trouble

5 tech mistakes not to make while travelling

In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a holiday away we sometimes forget about the small little things. We’re sure you’ve checked off all those big things you needed to do before you jet off but have you considered these simple tech mistakes people often made? We’ve rounded up the top five you’ll want to avoid to ensure your trip is easier and more enjoyable. Not backing anything up You might only be away for a week and it’s just a few hours away so it’s unlikely anything will happen, right? But what if the unexpected does happen and you lose your photos from your phone? What if your tablet gets stolen or lost? What if the memory card goes bust? Back up your phone, tablet and digital camera before you go away and if you’re holidaying for a while, it’s worthwhile to bring a USB stick to periodically back-up. Using your cell data For those going overseas, roaming rates can cost an arm and a leg. Either check if your mobile company has a reasonable international package or switch off the cellular data so your phone won’t use it. Instead limit yourself to wi-fi – most countries have public wi-fi hotspots and most accommodation usually has internet. Remember not to do anything personal on an unsecure wi-fi connection. Making calls instead of using Skype Rather than paying for international calls and texts, Skype will let you stay in touch with friends and family for free. Just make sure you’re connected to wi-fi so you’re not paying for cellular data. Stowing electronics in your check-in luggage You might be tempted to throw some of your electronics in your big luggage, after all you’re not going to be using them on the plane. But remember your check-in bag has to survive manhandling and an unpredictable luggage belt and we’ve all heard stories of items mysteriously disappearing from bags. Keep your expensive electronic with you on your carry-on. Not keeping devices close When you’ve settled into a hotel room, it’s easy to forget they’re not very secure. Think of all the people who have access to your room when you’re not in it. Even leaving valuables behind the desk can bring with it certain risks depending on the establishment you’re staying at. The best advice is to keep your electronics on you at all times. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

This new tech could spell end for mouse plagues

Invasive mice populations could be a thing of the past, thanks to a new genetic tool developed by a team of Australian scientists. Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed t-CRISPR, which uses gene editing technology to alter the fertility gene in laboratory mice to make females infertile. “This is the first time that a new genetic tool has been identified to suppress invasive mouse populations by inducing female infertility,” said lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas. “The t-CRISPR approach uses cutting-edge DNA editing technology to make alterations to a female fertility gene. Once the population is saturated with the genetic modification, all the females that are generated will be infertile. “We are also developing new versions of t-CRISPR technology that are designed to target specific pest populations to prevent unwanted spread of the gene drive.” The new tool is based on an existing technology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, which has largely been applied to limiting the spread of malaria by making male mosquitoes infertile. CRISPR 101 Since it was unveiled in 2012, the CRISPR method has been used to edit pieces of DNA inside the cells of organisms, primarily insects. “Up until now, this technology has been aimed at insects to try and limit the spread of malaria, which causes up to 500,000 deaths worldwide per year,” Luke Gierus, a post-graduate student and the paper’s co-first author, said. The technology relies on the Cas9 protein found in bacteria, which scientists can program to find and bind to almost any 20-letter sequence of DNA in a gene with the help of a piece of RNA that matches the target DNA sequence. When it finds the target, standard CRISPR cuts the DNA, and the process of repairing the DNA introduces mutations that can disable the gene. Other variations of CRISPR can also replace faulty genes, turn genes on or off, or change one letter of the DNA code to another. In this study, the team simulated what would happen when an edited version of a fertility gene on chromosome 17, which affects the ability of sperm to swim, was introduced to populations of mice. Males who carry one copy of this gene are infertile, while females are still fertile but only have one functioning version of the gene and can pass on either the functioning or non-functioning version to their offspring. In females that had a second edited chromosome that affected their fertility, they found that male offspring would all be infertile, while only 50 percent of female offspring would be fertile. They found that 250 mice with modified genes could eradicate a population of 200,000 mice on an island in around 20 years. “The use of t-CRISPR technology provides a humane approach to controlling invasive mice without the release of toxins into the environment. We are also working on strategies to prevent failed eradication due to the emergence of gene drive resistance in the target population,” Gierus said. While t-CRISPR has been developed to specifically target mice, CSIRO Group Leader for Environmental Mitigation and Resilience Dr Owain Edwards said it could be developed to use on other invasive animals. The researchers, who collaborated with CSIRO, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, the Genetic Biocontrol for Invasive Rodents (GBIRd) consortium and the US Department of Agriculture, were supported by both the South Australian and NSW governments. “These promising findings demonstrate how gene drive technology may be a game changer in managing the impacts of mice on our environment, community, and agricultural sector,” South Australian Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close said. “This cutting-edge research also highlights the global leadership of the South Australian research sector, in finding solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges. “The South Australian Government is proud to have supported this proof-of-concept, having granted the University of Adelaide $1 million through the Research and Innovation Fund.” They published their findings in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2213308119" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>. Image: ABC News

Family & Pets

How to empower older adults to become digital citizens in our tech-dependent world

Living in a technology dependent world means we all want to stay connected, regardless of age. And the COVID-19 pandemic was a major catalyst <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ijinfomgt.2020.102171">for increasing our technological dependence</a>. It became normal to do weekly online grocery shops, attend doctors’ appointments or work via Zoom and FaceTime family and friends. The reality is however, that not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to the technological devices or skills to operate in our online world — some of the most impacted by this are older adults. This <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s41256-020-00154-3">magnified the pandemic for them, especially in terms of isolation</a>. Older adults were left without the main resource that has been keeping many of us connected — technology. But that’s not all the pandemic has laid bare for older adults. A <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-aging-face-of-homelessness-in-north-american-cities-111702">large number of them are also either experiencing, or are vulnerable to homelessness</a>. Older adults have become one of the <a href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/%E2%80%9Cno-home-no-place%E2%80%9D-addressing-complexity-homelessness-old-age-through-community-dialogue">groups most at-risk for housing insecurities during the pandemic</a>. And one of the <a href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/education-training-employment/poverty">largest barriers to housing, is low socioeconomic status</a>. Our technological dependence has created new challenges for older adults, and helped solidify pre-existing ones, like navigating online platforms to secure housing. Older adults face housing barriers due to the lack of technological resources and education on how to use them; there is a clear need to empower them to be digital citizens. <h2>Finding housing in an internet-dependent world</h2> Overall, older adults are often excluded from using the internet because they <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa098">lack devices and connectivity, or are inexperienced in using it</a>. So when it comes to finding housing, they’re often left behind. A decade ago, it was possible to walk through the streets, sift through newspapers, notice boards and discover apartments for rent, but this is increasingly uncommon. The platforms themselves — like Kijiji, PadMapper and Facebook Marketplace — are not made with older adults in mind; meaning <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X19869678">the ability to navigate and access these resources makes it even more difficult for them to find housing</a>. On top of having to search through unfamiliar platforms, they’re also faced with finding an apartment on a limited budget. Imagine you don’t know housing websites exist. Or know how to navigate online ads. Or have a device to access the internet. You’re put at a serious disadvantage when it comes to accessing housing. In North America “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X19869678">large portions of the rental housing market have moved online … more renters in urbanized areas found their current homes through a site like Craigslist than through any other information channel</a>.” Meaning the majority of rental properties are accessible through online platforms. Older adults who are not part of this digital world have limited opportunities to find housing. We don’t want to suggest that finding an apartment is impossible but, if you are an older adult lacking technological resources and digital literacy, it may feel overwhelming. <h2>Making technology more accessible</h2> How can we move forward in this digital world, when so many are being left behind? We should at least make technology accessible, so the choice is up to the user. When it comes to older adults, having the liberty to choose their involvement with technology can provide independence and autonomy. When the decision is theirs to make, their <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.092">quality of life tends to increase, especially regarding social isolation</a>. While <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/top-10-financial-scams-targeting-seniors">older adults are more vulnerable to phishing and scams</a> and may have trouble recognizing fake housing advertisements, <a href="https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can-connect/">having support</a> and <a href="https://youthteachingadults.ca/resources/">educational resources</a> can <a href="https://www.connectedcanadians.ca/">promote the adoption of a conscious and cautious attitude</a> online, promote the use of trusted websites and avoid disclosing personal information such as SIN and credit card information. This can actively enable older adults to feel more comfortable and confident online. We are a part of the <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/airp/news-events/in-the-news/spike-in-homelessness-among-aged-prompts-research-for-solutions-.html">Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) Project</a> which looks at the causes of homelessness for older adults in order to evaluate <a href="https://www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/">current promising practices in place, such as temporary housing that support older adults who are at risk of experiencing homelessness</a>. An integral part of this project is to not only be in close contact with the people working towards supporting this population, but also with older people experiencing homelessness themselves. In our preliminary client interviews of those living in the temporary housing, we’re often told how invaluable technology is when searching for stable housing. <h2>Technology can improve quality of life</h2> As a society we assume older adults are not interested in various technologies, <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2020/07/seniors-technology-illiteracy-misconception-pandemic.html">not because they’re resisting but because technologies that currently exist were simply not created with them in mind</a>. Failing to include older adults as technology users further perpetuates the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39949-2_15">social, information and digital exclusion they experience</a>. This <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=425680">leaves very few opportunities for them to access education and awareness</a>. Opportunities that do exist to learn are often found in schools or at work — which are environments many older adults no longer frequent. Technology can improve the quality of life for older adults by providing ease, inclusion and comfort by making the essentials, like finding housing, more accessible. It’s time we <a href="https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can-connect/">draw on the resources</a> <a href="https://youthteachingadults.ca/resources/">and educational initiatives</a> <a href="https://www.connectedcanadians.ca/">in place and reach out to the ones who have been left behind</a>. Let’s empower older adults to be digital citizens. As digital citizens, they will have more opportunities to secure housing and tools to prevent homelessness. These supports will not only give them a sense of involvement in a technologically dependent world, but also provide a sense of belonging and inclusion in today’s society. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-empower-older-adults-to-become-digital-citizens-in-our-tech-dependent-world-167010" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Retirement Life

Ashamed of asking for technical support? You are not alone!

The spread of new technologies tied to a race for innovation, products and services’ growing interdependence and, more generally, <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-services-be-the-saviour-of-manufacturing-70081" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the transformation of products into services</a> can also make them more complex to use. To help consumers, companies are introducing a wealth of instructions, tutorials and pictograms that can be difficult to understand, all too often leaving consumers even more <a href="https://theconversation.com/confusopoly-why-companies-are-motivated-to-deliberately-confuse-39563" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confused</a>. The scene is all too familiar: who has never scratched their head in front of a machine, a new device or trying to complete an online booking? While many innovations are often designed and implemented to ease the consumer’s daily life, they may also be the source of new problems. Consumers adopt various strategies to cope with these difficulties of use: online tutorials, help from neighbours or friends, but many, perhaps surprisingly, also end up dropping their new product or service altogether. The reasons for not seeking help may be psychological. In the field of social psychology, over the last 40 years, researchers have been exploring help-seeking in various contexts, mostly focusing on medical and psychological help or on help-seeking in the classroom. It appears that not everyone is <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/asking-help-coronavirus-hard-shame/2020/04/17/e1d3ef90-7e91-11ea-8013-1b6da0e4a2b7_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comfortable asking for help</a> and that some individuals systematically seem to avoid seeking help. Indeed, help-seeking may be perceived as threatening, as it may call into question the applicant’s personal competence in his or her own eyes. But he or she may also fear appearing incompetent in the eyes of the helper. Help-seeking also conflicts with important values for Westerners: autonomy and control. Finally, it may restrict one’s freedom of choice, for example when feeling forced to accept a commercial offer in return for the help given. Fear of appearing incompetent In our article to be published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/rme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Recherches et Application en Marketing</a>, we explored one of the possible responses for the modern troubled consumer: seeking the supplier’s help. Although it appears to be a fairly obvious solution, it is not often used by consumers. Through a series of studies, we sought to understand whether avoiding to seek help exists in a consumption context when a customer finds it difficult to use a product or service. A qualitative study and four quantitative studies (samples between 150 and 450 individuals) led us to the conclusion that more than a third – a significant and seemingly large proportion – of consumers tend to avoid asking for help. These studies also enabled us to build a psychometric measurement tool to assess the tendency of each individual to be more or less avoidant. The common behaviour of help-seeking avoidance is based on two dimensions, stemming from the qualitative part of the study. The first dimension is the refusal to ask for help because it causes embarrassment or even shame for the asker, as one consumer we interviewed explained: <blockquote> “Sometimes you feel ashamed, because you are afraid that the person you are talking to might think you don’t understand anything.” </blockquote> The second dimension lies in the evaluation of the interlocutor. More specifically, in both their perceived willingness and their perceived ability to help, as illustrated by this statement of a consumer: <blockquote> “[Companies] are all the same, they are always rude and they never solve your problems.” </blockquote> These two dimensions contribute to explain consumers’ intention to seek help or not. This research also highlights the relationship between the avoidance tendency and specific psychological traits such as an external <a href="https://dictionary.apa.org/locus-of-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">locus of control</a> (the tendency to attribute the cause of events outside one’s control to others, a specific context, for example), <a href="https://dictionary.apa.org/state-orientation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">state orientation</a> (the tendency not to act) and <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social anxiety</a>. Companies can take action Difficulties encountered are admittedly damaging for the consumer, but they are also ultimately damaging for the company. Indeed, a customer who cannot have full use of one’s product may abandon not only the product, but the brand. One may also express dissatisfaction or frustration and spread negative word of mouth. Incidentally, there is a high failure rate for high-tech product launches. What can companies do to ease and encourage requests from their customers? First of all, they can act on the potential embarrassment. Indeed, it appears that help requested through a screen leads to less discomfort. In this respect, live chat is a very interesting tool to encourage the triggering of requests. In addition, companies can communicate about their willingness and ability to assist their customers – and dedramatise assistance requests. Indeed, many companies still do not advertise on means available to contact them, often for fear of having to manage too many customer contacts. According to our research, this is interpreted by consumers as unwillingness to help. Moreover, communicating the positive results of customers requesting help or, more generally, of contacts with the customer service would also be an effective lever. Finally, in addition to being beneficial for customer satisfaction, requests for help can have another positive impact: for example, they allow improvements to be made to products and services.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/173716/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marion-sangle-ferriere-1220471" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marion Sanglé-Ferrière</a>, Maître de conférence en marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cy-cergy-paris-universite-2217" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CY Cergy Paris Université</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-voyer-110420" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben Voyer</a>, Full Professor, Department of Entrepreneurship, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/escp-business-school-813" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESCP Business School</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/ashamed-of-asking-for-technical-support-you-are-not-alone-173716" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Technology

Signs that someone is stealing your Wi-Fi

Image: Getty Slow Internet Speed According to Alex Hamerstone, an expert in cyber security, there are some tell-tale signs you have a Wi-Fi thief, the most pedestrian of which is decreased Internet speed. Of course, there could be a whole host of reasons you’re experiencing slower Internet. But if you’re regularly noticing “slower Internet speeds, or more buffering,” you should consider that someone might be stealing your Wi-Fi. Unusual Ads One of the for-better-or-worse hallmarks of the Internet age is advertising – specifically, those weirdly accurate ads that pop up in pretty much all of your browsers, a subtle reminder that your activity is being monitored. But if you suddenly start noticing ads that seem distinctly not you, this is often a sign that your Wi-Fi has a squatter, Hamerstone says. “The Wi-Fi thief is likely sharing your IP address, and their browsing history could influence the ads that pop up in your browser while you’re surfing the web,” he explains. “In most cases, that will just be annoying, but it could also be harmful if the Wi-Fi thief is viewing adult or inappropriate content from your network, leading to similar adult-themed ads that pop-up in your Internet sessions.” If this happens, you’ll want to take action immediately. Above Average Bills If someone is stealing your Wi-Fi, the consequences could be financial as well as annoying and inconvenient. Hamerstone warns, “If you…pay based on how much data you use, or pay when you go over a certain amount of data in a month, then you may get unexpectedly high bills for exorbitant data usage.” If you’re suddenly charged far more than usual for your data bill, you might want to consider that your Wi-Fi network has an uninvited guest. Unfamiliar Devices If you start to suspect that your Wi-Fi is the target of a thief, you should check your router by logging in to see all of the devices connected to your network. If there’s a device that is definitely not something someone in your household owns, you should probably look into it further to identify it. Be advised, though, that just because a device’s name seems unusual doesn’t mean it’s an interloper. “Don’t be immediately alarmed if you see something that looks odd at first – devices may have unfamiliar names that don’t obviously correlate to what the device is,” Hamerstone says. Spam Notifications This is another consequence that’ll likely only happen if the Wi-Fi thief is engaging in sketchy or illegal online behaviour—and it’s not something you want. “A Wi-Fi thief could also cause your home IP address to get red-flagged by the various spam engines which are relied upon by the major email services and network security providers,” Hamerstone explains. And if this happens, you’ll experience the effects: “The emails you send from your home Wi-Fi network could be blocked altogether or filtered to spam folders because the thief has ruined your IP reputation.” Needless to say, this could become a major issue if you’re heavily reliant on your Internet, especially right now. Issues with Your Personal Device or Data Of course, Wi-Fi powers more than just computers nowadays. If you start encountering privacy issues with other “smart” or Internet-enabled devices, you could be experiencing the effects of a Wi-Fi thief. “If someone is using your Wi-Fi, then there is a good chance they also have access to any personal devices that share the same network,” says Hamerstone. “This could include laptops, phones, game consoles, printers – even Roku devices and security cameras.” They may not care – they could simply just be trying to snag some free Internet. But worst-case scenario, they could start accessing your personal information. And if your information isn’t properly secured, the Wi-Fi thief could gain access to your bank account or other sensitive content. Legal Action In very serious cases, a belligerent Wi-Fi thief could result in a visit from police. “If the Wi-Fi thief is using your Wi-Fi network to commit crimes, such as making threats to people or accessing illegal content, then it is your IP address that will be linked to the illegal activity and you who will be accused of the crime,” warns Hamerstone. Needless to say, this is when Wi-Fi theft turns into a massive problem: “It can lead to a long and expensive nightmare of trying to prove that you are not a criminal,” Hamerstone says. Even if the thief is committing subtler “crimes” like piracy, that’s still not something you want to be blamed for. So, how do I prevent Wi-Fi theft? There’s one primary way to keep unwanted Wi-Fi lurkers out: Choose a strong password. Pick a password that only your household will know, and be very careful about who, if anyone, you share it with. “Be especially careful about sharing your password with people who live close enough to use your Wi-Fi from their house or apartment!” Hamerstone advises. It’s not foolproof, as a talented hacker could crack your password, but “this simple step will prevent most instances of opportunistic Wi-Fi theft,” Hamerstone sums up. He also recommends setting up a separate “Guest” network and/or a 5G network, making sure they’ve all got strong passwords. Finally, you should consider using a VPN, which, in addition to keeping you safe on public Wi-Fi, can also protect your information on your own network. Preventing this theft is all well and good, but what if you think you’ve fallen victim to it? The first step, Hamerstone says, is to check your router. “Follow the instructions provided with your router to login to your admin account, and from here you can check to see which devices are connecting to your network,” he says. There are also tools, like the free Fing app, that can identify all of the devices using your Wi-Fi. If you identify an unwelcome device, here’s what to do: “Immediately change both your Wi-Fi network password and the router admin login password, just in case the person had access to this as well,” Hamerstone advises. “You should also reboot your router and check for any software or firmware updates that will improve the device’s operation and security.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/science-technology/signs-that-someone-is-stealing-your-wi-fi">Readers Digest</a>.

Legal

How new smartphone tech will help diagnose mental health issues

Apple is reportedly working on new technology that could be used to diagnose mental health conditions such as depression and cognitive decline. In collaboration with the biotech Biogen, Apple is hoping to utilise their digital sensors to their potential, which already include heart, sleep and activity monitoring through the Apple Watch and iPhone. Researchers told the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-wants-iphones-to-help-detect-depression-cognitive-decline-sources-say-11632216601">Wall Street Journal</a> they will be able to use data from iPhone sensors to track digital signals that are linked to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and feed them into an algorithm. This should be able to predict depression and other conditions and form the basis of new features in a future version of Apple's operating system. The research is an amalgamation of two research projects that involve tracking Apple devices to predict mental health habits. One project, codenamed ‘Seabreeze’, explores stress and anxiety-induced tendencies in partnership with Apple. The other, codenamed ‘Pi’, has set out to further analyse mild cognitive impairment. As the projects remain in their early stages, Apple has yet to officially confirm if they will result in new iPhone features. To effectively diagnose a mental health condition, an individual requires close monitoring by experts to look for changes in behaviour from the norm. The data analysed by these projects include monitoring facial expressions, how often users speak, how often they go for a walk, how well they sleep as well as heart and breathing rates. People 'close to the study' told the WSJ they may also be looking at the speed of typing, frequency of typos, content they type and other points. All of these habits are thought to be “digital signals” that can hint at mental health issues. Image credit: Shutterstock

Technology

New money-saving tech seniors are tapping into

With the effects of COVID hitting the wallet, rising electricity, healthcare and housing costs nearly 9 out of 10 Australians say they are feeling cost of living pressures, or ‘bill burden’. ABC data shows living costs for age pensioner households recorded the largest rise of all household types due to the highest expenditure for automotive fuel and pharmaceutical products. Thrifty Nala Perkins, 75, is one pensioner who found she is able to keep rising expenses under control by tapping into easy money-saving tech platforms that are predominantly used by young Australians. “I save around $4000 a year on groceries and shopping bills by using shopping apps such as Trolley Saver, which compares specials across the major supermarket chains as well as Half Price, which tracks everything reduced by 50% in Coles and Woolies,” says Ms Perkins. “There are so many comparison sites to make sure I can get the best price for my electricity bills and I save on petrol, with Motormouth,” she adds. “Once you get the hang of it, these programs are really easy to use.” “I also make use of special discounts offered on email and always look for the 30% off deals.” “The supermarket receipts can also get my fuel bill down.” “I also make $700 a month by renting out my car to neighbours when I'm not using it, on Car Next Door.” “I have to watch the dollars so you could say I’m thrifty.” “I’m good at getting discounts with my groceries and fuel, and I’m a stickler for paying my credit cards off every month.” Tech savvy pensioner Nala Perkins shares her top 6 Money Saving platforms: <ul> <li>Track specials across all the supermarkets with <a href="http://www.scan2list.com.au/">Scan2List</a>, <a href="https://www.ourgroceries.com/overview">OurGroceries</a> and <a href="https://m.trolleytracker.com.au">Trolley Tracker.</a></li> <li>Find discounted prescription medications and health products through <a href="https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au">Pharmacy Online</a>.</li> <li>Most cars sit idle 96% of the time, <a href="https://www.carnextdoor.com.au/how-to-list-your-car">Car Next Door</a> safely connects neighbours to share cars.</li> <li>Websites such as<a href="https://motormouth.com.au/mobile-app.html"> MotorMouth</a> reveal the cheapest petrol around the country.</li> <li><a href="https://www.getreminded.com/">GetReminded</a> keeps track of when to shop around for household services due to expire. </li> <li>Easy to do all Centrelink business on the mobile app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.dhs.centrelinkexpressplus&hl=en_AU&gl=US">Express Plus</a>.</li> </ul>

Money & Banking

"It's ruining the game!": Kyrgios slams umpire about tennis tech

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Aussie tennis legend Nick Kyrgios slammed chair umpire Marijana Veljovic as he launched into a verbal tirade about some malfunctioning technology that impacted his game. Kyrgios was furious about a malfunctioning net-cord vibration-detecting device consistently played up, counting some of his serves as lets. He complained to the umpire more than five times about the device and even hammered his racquet on top of the tap after two serves were ruled as lets. “It’s bulls***, look at the score,” he complained to the umpire. “It’s ruining the game. It’s ruining the game. You don’t understand it’s f***ing one-all in the fifth set.” It could have been his third code violation of the night, but Veljovic was feeling lenient. Kyrgios threatened to stop playing earlier in the match due to the technology continuing to malfunction. “Turn the machine off, it’s ruining the game, you’ve gotta understand me,” he said. “It’s missing the net by that much. How do you not understand that? Did you turn it off? “Turn it off. I’m not playing until you turn it off. It’s this far off the net.” He expanded on the problem in a post-match press conference, as he defeated France's Ugo Humbert in a 5-7 6-4 2-6 6-4 win. “Having technology like that, you sound like an idiot trying to argue against it. But even when he (Humbert) was serving, it was literally this far (gestures with his hands to indicate about 20cm) over the net and the net thing went off. I was like there’s no chance this was accurate,” Kyrgios said. “If you have a device where you can turn down the sensitivities, I just think there’s too many variables. “I don’t know. I don’t have the solution … maybe they need to upgrade their technology.” </div> </div> </div>

News

Billions are pouring into mobility technology – will the transport revolution live up to the hype?

Over the past decade almost <a href="https://files.pitchbook.com/website/files/pdf/PitchBook_Q4_2019_Emerging_Tech_Research_Mobility_Tech_Executive_Summary.pdf">US$200 billion</a> has been invested globally in mobility technology that promises to improve our ability to get around. More than US$33 billion was invested last year alone. Another measure of interest in this area is the <a href="https://travelandmobility.tech/lists/unicorns/">number of unicorns</a>, which has doubled in the past two years. A unicorn is a privately held startup company valued at US$1 billion or more. In early 2018 there were 22 travel and mobility unicorns. By last month the number had grown to 44. The top categories in the mobility area are: ride hailing, with 11 unicorns (25.0%); autonomous vehicles, with ten (22.7%); and micromobility, with three (6.8%). The remaining 20 unicorns are in the travel category (hotels, bookings and so on). Mobility technology is more than just autonomous vehicles, ride hailing and e-scooters and e-bikes. It also includes: electrification (electric vehicles, charging/batteries); fleet management and connectivity (connectivity, data management, cybersecurity, parking, fleet management); auto commerce (car sharing); transportation logistics (freight, last-mile delivery); and urban air mobility. Promised solutions, emerging problems Much of the interest in mobility technology is coming from individuals outside the transport arena. Startups are attracting investors by claiming their technology will solve many of our transport problems. Micromobility companies believe their e-scooters and e-bikes will solve the “<a href="https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/9780784413210.007">first-mile last-mile</a>” problem by enabling people to move quickly and easily between their homes or workplaces and a bus or rail station. While this might work in theory, it depends on having <a href="https://theconversation.com/fork-in-the-road-as-danish-and-dutch-style-cycle-routes-spread-19744">safe and segregated bicycle networks</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/people-love-the-idea-of-20-minute-neighbourhoods-so-why-isnt-it-top-of-the-agenda-131193">frequent and widely accessible public transport</a> services. Ride-hailing services might relieve people of the need to own a car. But <a href="https://www.som.com/ideas/publications/som_thinkers_the_future_of_transportation">there is evidence</a> to suggest these services are <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-ride-hail-utopia-that-got-stuck-in-traffic-11581742802">adding to traffic congestion</a>. That’s because, unlike taxis, more of their time on the road involves travelling without any passengers. Navigation tools (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze) have <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps">been around longer</a> than most other mobility technologies and are meant make it easier to find the least-congested route for any given trip. However, <a href="https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~theophile/docs/publications/Cabannes_19_ACM.pdf">research</a> suggests these tools might not be working as intended. The <a href="https://www.som.com/ideas/publications/som_thinkers_the_future_of_transportation">backlash</a> against them is growing in some cities because traffic is being directed onto neighbourhood streets rather than arterial roads. Autonomous vehicles have the goal of reducing injuries and deaths from car crashes. Only a few years ago many bold predictions were being made that these self-driving vehicles would be having positive impacts by now, but this hasn’t happened. The enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles has cooled. <a href="https://www.vtpi.org/avip.pdf">Some now believe</a> we won’t see many of the social benefits for decades. The final mobility tech area is known as mobility as a service (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobility_as_a_service">MAAS</a>). It’s basically a platform designed to make better use of existing infrastructure and transport modes. MAAS begins with a journey planner that is linked to one-stop payment for a range of mobility services – ride-hailing, e-scooters, e-bikes, taxis, public transport, and so on. MAAS is the newest entrant in the mobility tech field. It has attracted US$6.8 billion to date, but is expected to grow to <a href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/mobility-as-a-service-market-78519888.html">over US$100 billion by 2030</a>. This idea is creating great enthusiasm, not only among private entrepreneurs, but also in the public sector. It’s too early to know whether it will improve transportation. 3 trends are driving investment So, why do venture capitalists <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnfrazer1/2019/03/11/new-mobility-worth-billions-venture-capital-thinks-so/#198cda2247d8">continue to show so much interest</a> in mobility technology startups despite poor company performance to date? It appears they believe personal mobility will become increasingly important. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnfrazer1/2019/03/11/new-mobility-worth-billions-venture-capital-thinks-so/#198cda2247d8">Three trends</a>support this belief. First, urban dwellers increasingly value the ability to move around easily. It’s thought to be a key ingredient for a liveable city. The problem is public transport is often not very good, particularly in the US and in outer suburbs in Australia. This is due to historically low funding relative to roads. The prospect of more funding and better public transport services in the future is not good. In part that’s because many <a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/8/10/9118199/public-transportation-subway-buses">view public transport as welfare</a> and not an essential public service. Thus, if cities want to become more liveable and competitive, they must look beyond government-funded public transport for other mobility alternatives. The second trend is declining vehicle ownership. Since 1986 US sales of car and light trucks per capita have dropped by <a href="https://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/2020/02/04/vehicle-sales-per-capita-our-latest-look-at-the-long-term-trendh">almost 30%</a>. In Australia, new car sales <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/australian-car-sales-statistics.html">remained relatively constant</a> over the past decade, but a <a href="http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7982-new-vehicle-purchase-intention-march-2019-201905240039">decline since 2017 is expected to continue</a>. These trends are due in part to the cost of owning a vehicle, but also because of a growing view that owning a car may not be necessary. This brings us to the third trend, which involves demographics and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/delay-in-getting-driving-licences-opens-door-to-more-sustainable-travel-57430">post-millennial desire for access to mobility</a> services <a href="https://theconversation.com/car-ownership-is-likely-to-become-a-thing-of-the-past-and-so-could-public-transport-110550">rather than vehicle ownership</a>. These trends, combined with expectations of an upward trend in prices of these services, suggests there may be good times ahead for ride-hailing and micromobility companies. It also means venture capital funding for these startups will not be diminishing in the near future. The future of transport isn’t simple Transport systems are multifaceted. No one single app or technology will solve the challenges. And, as we are discovering, some of the purported solutions to problems might actually be making the situation worse. If the goal is to get people out of their cars (for <a href="https://theconversation.com/designing-suburbs-to-cut-car-use-closes-gaps-in-health-and-wealth-83961">better health and quality of life and a better environment</a>), this will require more than a technology. Better infrastructure and public policies (including better integration of land uses and transport to reduce the need for transport) will be required – <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-charts-on-why-congestion-charging-is-fairer-than-you-might-think-124894">congestion pricing</a>being one of those. That is not to say technological innovations are not welcome as part of the solution, but they are just that … “part” of the solution. Written by Neil G Sipe. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/billions-are-pouring-into-mobility-technology-will-the-transport-revolution-live-up-to-the-hype-131154">The Conversation.</a>

Travel Tips

High tech shortages in the future as coronavirus shuts down manufacturers

There are now <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200212-sitrep-23-ncov.pdf?sfvrsn=41e9fb78_2">more than 45,000</a> confirmed cases of the coronavirus dubbed COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, and the disease has caused at least 1,115 deaths. The impact of the virus is now reaching way beyond public health: China is at the heart of global manufacturing, and as supply chains suffer, <a href="https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/coronavirus_and_the_global_supply_chain_rising_panic_part">panic</a> is beginning to set in. In many provinces across China the government has urged hundreds of millions of workers to <a href="https://www.afr.com/world/asia/virus-death-toll-above-900-as-workers-told-to-stay-home-20200210-p53zbr">stay home</a> to help reduce the spread of the virus. As a result, many factories have stayed closed since the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, halting the production of products and parts destined for countries around the world, including Australia. Apple is one of the most high-profile companies affected, with its <a href="https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/rapid-spread-of-coronavirus-tests-apples-china-dependency-11580910743">manufacturing partner Foxconn hitting a lengthy production delay</a>, but they are far from alone. Global supply chains, global problems The sectors hit hardest <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2020/02/10/global-high-tech-supply-chains-disrupted-by-the-coronavirus/amp/">appear to be</a> high-tech electronics, pharmaceuticals and the automotive industry. Globalised supply chains and just-in-time manufacturing mean many seemingly unrelated products are vulnerable to pauses in the flow of goods from China. It only takes one small missing part to bring entire supply chains to a standstill. If a tyre manufacturer in the United States doesn’t receive valves from a supplier in China, a car plant in Germany won’t receive any tyres, and therefore can’t ship finished cars to its customers. Something similar happened to automotive giant Hyundai, which had to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/business/hyundai-south-korea-coronavirus.html">suspend all operations</a> at its manufacturing plant in South Korea due to a lack of parts from China. Even tech companies such as Samsung, Google and Sony, which have moved their factories out of China in recent years, are <a href="https://qz.com/1800540/how-coronavirus-is-upending-the-tech-industrys-supply-chain/">being affected</a>. They still rely on China for many components such as sensors or smartphone screens. It is not just large businesses that will feel these effects. Many small businesses around the world also source products and parts from China. The supply of these is now uncertain, with no sign yet as to when normal service may resume. For products and parts that are still being manufactured in China, new enhanced screening measures at all Chinese border crossings are likely to cause further delays. How will Australia be affected? The effects of the coronavirus are also being felt in Australia. China is our largest trading partner for both imports and exports. According to the United Nations Comtrade database, <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/imports/china">Australian imports from China</a> were valued at A$85.9 billion in 2018. The biggest product categories were electronics and electrical equipment, making up A$19.8 billion, and machinery, which accounts for another A$15.7 billion. Moreover, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook44p/China">90% of all Australia’s merchandise imports</a> are from China, and half of those are engineering products such as office and telecommunications equipment. Besides the well-publicised impact on airlines, universities and tourism, Australian construction companies are warning clients of upcoming project delays as a result of forecast disruptions in materials sourced from China. Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail operator, has said the coronavirus will delay the arrival of <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/coronavirus-fallout-hits-australian-companies-20200210-p53zfc">66 new rail wagons</a> being made in Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the outbreak. Expect shortages of high-tech goods Product shortages could also soon be visible on retailers’ shelves, with electronics stores such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman expected to experience <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/12/coronavirus-fallout-could-leave-australian-tourism-and-retail-sector-in-the-doldrums">significant disruption</a> to their supply of computers, televisions and smartphones. When shortages like this occur, customers will struggle to buy the products they want, when they want them. The only channels available might be third-party resellers offering highly inflated prices. In extreme cases, supply shortages like these can also lead to <a href="http://personal.cb.cityu.edu.hk/biyishou/Consumer_panic_buying.pdf">panic buying</a> and stockpiling. More uncertainty ahead It is commonly said that “when China sneezes, the world catches a cold”. So what is the long-term diagnosis for the coronavirus breakout, and what will the economic symptoms be? As so much is still unknown about COVID-19, with no vaccine or formal means of preventing it spreading having emerged yet, it’s too early to predict what the full impact will be. For many industries the next few months will bring high levels of uncertainty, with disruptions certain to continue, before recovery programs can start to gain traction. This is obviously a worry for many organisations, but could also be a period of new opportunity for others, as the world comes to terms with this latest global health crisis. Supply chains that are agile enough to react quicker than their competitors’, or those with more robust risk management plans, might find themselves gaining greater market share as a result of this crisis.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131646/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-l-hopkins-255434">John L Hopkins</a>, Theme Leader (Future Urban Mobility), Smart Cities Research Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/high-tech-shortages-loom-as-coronavirus-shutdowns-hit-manufacturers-131646">original article</a>.

Technology

Apps may soon be able to predict your life expectancy, but do you want to know?

When will I die? This question has endured across cultures and civilisations. It has given rise to a plethora of religions and spiritual paths over thousands of years, and more recently, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/when-will-i-die/id1236569653">some highly amusing apps</a>. But this question now prompts a different response, as technology slowly brings us closer to accurately predicting the answer. Predicting the lifespan of people, or their “Personal Life Expectancy” (PLE) would greatly alter our lives. On one hand, it may have benefits for policy making, and help optimise an individual’s health, or the services they receive. But the potential misuse of this information by the government or private sector poses major risks to our rights and privacy. Although generating an accurate life expectancy is currently difficult, due to the complexity of factors underpinning lifespan, emerging technologies could make this a reality in the future. How do you calculate life expectancy? Predicting life expectancy is not a new concept. <a href="http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170807-living-in-places-where-people-live-the-longest">Experts do this</a> at a population level by classifying people into groups, often based on region or ethnicity. Also, tools such as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-23534-9">deep learning</a> and <a href="https://mipt.ru/english/news/scientists_use_ai_to_predict_biological_age_based_on_smartphone_and_wearables_data">artificial intelligence</a> can be used to consider complex variables, such as biomedical data, to predict someone’s biological age. Biological age refers to how “old” their body is, rather than when they were born. A 30-year-old who smokes heavily may have a biological age closer to 40. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/6/3/74/htm">Calculating a life expectancy reliably</a> would require a sophisticated system that considers a breadth of environmental, geographic, genetic and lifestyle factors – <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/oatsih-hpf-2012-toc%7Etier1%7Elife-exp-wellb%7E119">all of which have influence</a>.<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/healthy-lady-run-away-angel-death-329261456" class="source"></a> With <a href="https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/machine-learning-healthcare">machine learning</a> and artificial intelligence, it’s becoming feasible to analyse larger quantities of data. The use of deep learning and cognitive computing, such as with <a href="https://www.ibm.com/watson-health">IBM Watson</a>, helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses than using human judgement alone. This, coupled with <a href="https://www.cio.com/article/3273114/what-is-predictive-analytics-transforming-data-into-future-insights.html">predictive analytics</a> and increasing computational power, means we may soon have systems, or even apps, that can calculate life expectancy. There’s an app for that Much like <a href="https://www.mdanderson.org/for-physicians/clinical-tools-resources/clinical-calculators.html">existing tools</a> that predict cancer survival rates, in the coming years we may see apps attempting to analyse data to predict life expectancy. However, they will not be able to provide a “death date”, or even a year of death. Human behaviour and activities are so unpredictable, it’s almost impossible to measure, classify and predict lifespan. A personal life expectancy, even a carefully calculated one, would only provide a “natural life expectancy” based on generic data optimised with personal data. The key to accuracy would be the quality and quantity of data available. Much of this would be taken directly from the user, including gender, age, weight, height and ethnicity. Access to real-time sensor data through fitness trackers and smart watches could also monitor activity levels, heart rate and blood pressure. This could then be coupled with lifestyle information such as occupation, socioeconomic status, exercise, diet and family medical history. <hr /> Read more: <a href="https://theconversation.com/your-local-train-station-can-predict-health-and-death-54946">Your local train station can predict health and death</a> <hr /> All of the above could be used to classify an individual into a generic group to calculate life expectancy. This result would then be refined over time through the analysis of personal data, updating a user’s life expectancy and letting them monitor it. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/308303/original/file-20191230-11891-nswi58.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> This figure shows how an individual’s life expectancy might change between two points in time (F and H) following a lifestyle improvement, such as weight loss. Two sides of a coin Life expectancy predictions have the potential to be beneficial to individuals, health service providers and governments. For instance, they would make people more aware of their general health, and its improvement or deterioration over time. This may motivate them to make healthier lifestyle choices. They could also be used by insurance companies to provide individualised services, such as how some car insurance companies use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/16/motoring-myths-black-boxes-telematics-insurance">black-box technology</a> to reduce premiums for more cautious drivers. Governments may be able to use predictions to more efficiently allocate limited resources, such as social welfare assistance and health care funding, to individuals and areas of greater need. That said, there’s a likely downside. People <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/11/the-existential-slap/544790/">may become distressed</a> if their life expectancy is unexpectedly low, or at the thought of having one at all. This raises concerns about how such predictions could impact those who experience or are at risk of mental health problems. Having people’s detailed health data could also let insurance companies more accurately profile applicants, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-08/fitness-tracker-used-to-set-health-insurance-premiums/11287126">leading to discrimination against groups or individuals</a>. Also, pharmaceutical companies could coordinate targeted medical campaigns based on people’s life expectancy. And governments could choose to tax individuals differently, or restrict services for certain people. When will it happen? Scientists have been working on ways to <a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/what-really-drives-higher-life-expectancy-e1c1ec22f6e1">predict human life expectancy</a> for many years. The solution would require input from specialists including demographers, health scientists, data scientists, IT specialists, programmers, medical professionals and statisticians. While the collection of enough data will be challenging, we can likely expect to see advances in this area in the coming years. If so, issues related to data compliance, as well and collaboration with government and state agencies will need to be carefully managed. Any system predicting life expectancy would handle highly sensitive data, raising ethical and privacy concerns. It would also attract cybercriminals, and various other security threats. Moving forward, the words of Jurassic Park’s Dr Ian Malcolm spring to mind: <blockquote> Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129068/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </blockquote> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-jin-kang-903030">James Jin Kang</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-haskell-dowland-382903">Paul Haskell-Dowland</a>, Associate Dean (Computing and Security), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-die-wondering-apps-may-soon-be-able-to-predict-your-life-expectancy-but-do-you-want-to-know-129068">original article</a>.

Technology

How to change your phone number in Facebook or get rid of it entirely

You can easily change a phone number in Facebook if your original number connected to the social media platform has become outdated. Facebook asks for a user’s phone number for a few reasons, which are: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">A phone number can be used to reset a forgotten password</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">It can be used to suggest people you may know so that you can connect with them on Facebook</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The phone number can keep your account safe with two-factor authentication and you can also receive text alerts for potentially unauthorised logins</li> </ul> However, if you want to remove the number entirely or change it, it’s an easy fix. How to change your phone number on Facebook <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Log into Facebook on a computer and click on the arrow in the top-right corner of your home page. Click on “Settings”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select “Mobile” on the left side.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If your account isn’t connected to a phone number, you can add one from this section via the “+ Add a Phone” section.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If you already have a phone number, you can click on “+ Add another mobile phone number” to add another number.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter your number and select if you’d like Facebook to confirm the number with a text message or with a call and click “Continue”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter the confirmation code you receive from Facebook and click “Confirm”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">You can remove a phone number on Facebook by clicking the “Remove” button below the number you want to delete.</li> </ol> Easy!

Technology

High-tech fishing gear could help save endangered right whales

Many fish, marine mammals and seabirds that inhabit the world’s oceans are critically endangered, but few are as close to the brink as the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). <a href="https://www.narwc.org/uploads/1/1/6/6/116623219/2018report_cardfinal.pdf">Only about 411 of these whales exist today</a>, and at their current rate of decline, they could become extinct within our lifetimes. From 1980 through about 2010, conservation efforts focused mainly on protecting whales from being struck by ships. Federal regulations helped <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/reducing-ship-strikes-north-atlantic-right-whales">reduce vessel collisions</a> and supported a slight rebound in right whale numbers. But at the same time, growing numbers of right whales died after becoming entangled in lobster and crab fishing gear, and the population has taken a significant downward turn. This may have happened because fishing ropes became stronger, and both whales and fishermen shifted their ranges so that areas of overlap increased. In research that is <a href="https://www.int-res.com/prepress/d03376.html">currently in press</a>, we show that 72% of diagnosed mortalities between 2010-2018 occurred due to entanglements. This comes after a millennium of whaling that decimated the right whale population, reducing it from perhaps between <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12664">10,000 to 20,000</a> to a few hundred animals today. And entanglement deaths are <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/230653">much more inhumane</a> than harpoons. A whaler’s explosive harpoon kills quickly, compared to months of drawn-out pain and debilitation caused by seemingly harmless fishing lines. We believe these deaths can be prevented by working with the trap fishing industries to adopt <a href="https://ropeless.org/">ropeless fishing gear</a> – but North Atlantic right whales are running out of time. Deadly encounters Whalers pursued right whales for centuries because this species swam relatively slowly and floated when dead, so it was easier to kill and retrieve than other whales. By the mid-20th century, scientists assumed they had been hunted to extinction. But in 1980, researchers from the New England Aquarium who were studying marine mammal distribution in the Bay of Fundy off eastern Canada were stunned when they <a href="https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/habitats">sighted 26 right whales</a>. Conservation efforts led to the enactment of regulations that required commercial ships to <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/reducing-ship-strikes-north-atlantic-right-whales">slow down</a> in zones along the U.S. Atlantic coast where they were highly likely to encounter whales, reducing boat strikes. But this victory has been offset by rising numbers of entanglements. Adult right whales can produce up to an estimated <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12230">8,000 pounds of force</a> with a single stroke of their flukes. When they become tangled in fishing gear, they often break it and swim off trailing ropes and sometimes crab or lobster traps. Lines and gear can wrap around a whale’s body, flukes, flippers and mouth. They impede swimming and feeding, and cause chronic infection, emaciation and damage to blubber, muscle and bone. Ultimately these injuries weaken the animal until it dies, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsu008">which can take months to years</a>. One of us, <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=DQ-fD1QAAAAJ">Michael Moore</a>, is trained as a veterinarian and has examined many entangled dead whales. Moore has seen fishing rope embedded inches deep into a whale’s lip, and a juvenile whale whose spine had been deformed by the strain of dragging fishing gear. Other animals had flippers nearly severed by swimming wrapped in inexorably constricting ropes. Entanglement injuries to right whales are the worst animal trauma Moore has seen in his career. Even if whales are able to wriggle free and live, the extreme stress and energy demands of entanglement, along with inadequate nutrition, are thought to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2615">preventing females from getting pregnant</a> and contributing to record low calving rates in recent years. Solutions for whales and fishermen The greatest entanglement risk is from ropes that lobster and crab fishermen use to attach buoys to traps they set on the ocean floor. Humpback and minke whales and leatherback sea turtles, all of which are federally protected, also become entangled. Conservationists are looking for ways to modify or eliminate these ropes. Rock lobster fishermen in Australia already use <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeeieRr7sTw">pop-up buoys</a> that ascend when they receive sound signals from fishing boats. The buoys trail out ropes as they rise, which fishermen retrieve and use to pull up their traps. Other technologies are <a href="https://www.wnpr.org/post/innovations-fishing-gear-could-change-lobster-industry-help-endangered-right-whale">in development</a>, including systems that <a href="https://ropeless.org/november-6th-2018-presentations/">acoustically identify traps on the seafloor</a> and mark them with “virtual buoys” on fishermen’s chart plotters, eliminating the need for surface buoys. Fishermen also routinely use a customized hook on the end of a rope to catch the line between traps and haul them to the surface when the buoy line goes missing. Transitioning to ropeless technology will require a sea change in some of North America’s most valuable fisheries. The 2016 U.S. lobster catch was worth <a href="https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/commercial-landings/annual-landings/index">US$670 million</a>. Canadian fishermen landed <a href="http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/commercial/land-debarq/sea-maritimes/s2016av-eng.htm">CA$1.3 billion</a> worth of lobster and <a href="http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/commercial/land-debarq/sea-maritimes/s2016av-eng.htm">CA$590 million</a> worth of snow crab. Just as no fisherman wants to catch a whale, researchers and conservationists don’t want to put fishermen out of business. In our view, ropeless technologies offer a genuine opportunity for whales and the fishing industry to co-exist if they can be made functional, affordable and safe to use. Switching to ropeless gear is <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/lobster-trap-aims-protect-endangered-whalesand-fishers-livelihoods-180971208/">unlikely to be cheap</a>. But as systems evolve and simplify, and production scales up, they will become more affordable. And government support could help fishermen make the shift. In Canada, the federal and New Brunswick provincial governments recently awarded CA$2 million to Canadian snow crab fishermen to <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/snow-crab-right-whale-fishing-gear-research-1.5143321">test two ropeless trap designs</a>. Converting could save fishermen money in the long run. For example, California Dungeness crab fishermen closed their 2019 season three months ahead of schedule on April 15 to settle a lawsuit over whale entanglements, leaving crab they could have caught still in the water. Under the agreement, fishermen using ropeless gear will be <a href="https://www.nationalfisherman.com/west-coast-pacific/dungeness-drag/">exempt from future early closures</a>. A rebound is possible The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/">Endangered Species Act</a> and <a href="https://www.fws.gov/international/laws-treaties-agreements/us-conservation-laws/marine-mammal-protection-act.html">Marine Mammal Protection Act</a> require the U.S. government to conserve endangered species. In Congress, the pending <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1568/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+3729%22%5D%7D">SAVE Right Whales Act of 2019</a> would provide $5 million annually for collaborative research into preventing mortalities caused by the fishing and shipping industries. And an advisory committee to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently recommended <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/team-reaches-nearly-unanimous-consensus-right-whale-survival-measures">significant fishing protections</a>, focused primarily on reducing the number of ropes in the water column and the strength of the remaining lines. Consumers can also help. Public outcry over dolphin bycatch in tuna fisheries spurred passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and led to <a href="https://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&ParentMenuId=228&id=1408">dolphin-safe tuna labeling</a>, which ultimately reduced dolphin mortalities from half a million to about 1,000 animals annually. Choosing lobster and crab products <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy194">caught without endangering whales</a> could accelerate a similar transition. North Atlantic right whales can still thrive if humans make it possible. The closely related southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), which has faced few human threats since the end of commercial whaling, has rebounded from just 300 animals in the early 20th century to an <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/southern-right-whale-eubalaena-australis-5-year-review-summary-and-evaluation">estimated 15,000 in 2010</a>. There are real ways to save North Atlantic right whales. If they go extinct, it will be on this generation’s watch. Editor’s note: This article was updated on May 28, 2019 to correct the number of North Atlantic right whale deaths in recent years that were caused by entanglements.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/115974/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-moore-652534">Michael Moore</a>, Senior Scientist, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/woods-hole-oceanographic-institution-954">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hannah-myers-726400">Hannah Myers</a>, Guest Investigator, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/woods-hole-oceanographic-institution-954">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/high-tech-fishing-gear-could-help-save-critically-endangered-right-whales-115974">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

“Nerd” or “wrongdoer”: How artificial intelligence will label you in the future

Tabong Kima logged onto Twitter one morning and saw a hashtag that said #ImageNetRoulette. The site allows users to upload photos and artificial intelligence would analyse each face and describe what it saw. One photo pegged a man as an “orphan” where another photo, where the person was wearing glasses, was labelled a “grind, nerd, wonk and dweeb”. Kima, an African American, didn’t like what he saw when he uploaded his photo. The site tagged him as a “wrongdoer” and an “offender”. “I might have a bad sense of humour,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/TabKim2/status/1174330442385907712?s=19">tweeted</a>, “but I don’t think this is particularly funny”. ImageNet Roulette is a digital art project that’s intended to shine a light on the unsound and offensive behaviour that can creep into artificial intelligence technologies.Artificial intelligence technology is rapidly infiltrating its way into our everyday lives, including the facial-recognition services used by internet companies and police departments. ImageNet Roulette, designed by American artist Trevor Paglen and Microsoft researcher Kate Crawford, aims to show the depth of this problem. “We want to show how layers of bias and racism and misogyny move from one system to the next,” Paglen said in a phone interview from Paris. “The point is to let people see the work that is being done behind the scenes, to see how we are being processed and categorised all the time.”

Technology

New research shows baby boomers are less threatened by technology in the workplace

New research commissioned by technology leader <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1ZLO7jaULuWnZBmbjF1-2FN2Awx-2F-2FA9sj0-2BQL-2BinGrP-2BrI_hfIqhjxrH5PXl2rHT1sLDTWyF1R6hGp8veDS2OqJRfJ2gqdnaHEljBkVvra9aGlx4VjSVUbKFpLRdZf3fB2LscCpfNHBZj472Ly9XaNbOKGSrO9w0nJWn8lTtojc5Iz41jlOpJCekIRYEVTulwB977Q2DlfgspDP1rDMixltb-2FDHmXx8SrNCmjiIToeB0EoXDNalY9E7KRn64YmdzVzUef-2B6t6bZP3-2FzMJbnfRI54eK0ZKR120HaEiYqQz5nWbnR">Genesys</a> has shown that older generations are significantly more positive towards artificial technology in Australia and New Zealand. The new research also suggested that older generations are more comfortable with the implementation of modern workforce tools as opposed to younger respondents. 70 per cent of respondents aged 18-38 years believe there should be a minimum requirement of human employees over AI/bots compared to 59 per cent of respondents aged 55-73 years. The younger respondents appear to be more cautious of the implementation of this technology compared to more senior respondents. All age demographics have reported seeing the benefit of advanced technology in the workplace, with an average of 87 per cent stating that it has a positive impact. However, 23 per cent of respondents aged 18 – 38 reported feeling threatened by new technology in the workplace. Gwilym Funnell, Vice President of Sales and Managing Director for Genesys in Australia and New Zealand said, “Older generations are valuable members of our workplace, and these results dispel the myth that they are averse to technology. “The evolution of business is calling for greater adaptability; this is when experience can be leveraged for greater success.” The survey also uncovered another key difference between the generations, which was the perception of the impact of technology on social interactions. 44% of respondents aged 55-73 years report technology does not inhibit social interactions at all, while those aged 18-38 years report it does – 7% more than their older peers.

Technology

Facebook announces new “dating services” for its 2 billion users

Facebook has launched a new dating service for singles. The company announced that Dating, its new matchmaking service, has launched in the US. Facebook users are able to link their Facebook and Instagram posts and create a separate profile using the Dating feature. This new profile allows them to connect with Facebook’s 2 billion users around the world. “Facebook Dating allows you to match with friends of friends and/or people not in your friend circle,” said a blog post from Nathan Sharp, head of the project. “Facebook Dating won’t match you with friends, unless you choose to use Secret Crush and you both add each other to your list,” Mr Sharp said. Secret Crush, which is one of the features, allows people who are friends to connect if they both secretly express an interest in each other. “We’ve been really slow, actually, with this rollout,” Charmaine Hung, a product manager at Dating, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/05/tech/facebook-dating-launches-in-us/index.html">CNN Business</a>. “We really wanted to make sure we got it right because dating is so personal.” Any Facebook mobile user over the age of 18 is able to take advantage of the service, and Facebook has slowly been rolling it out over the world. The release in the US marks the 20th country to be given access to the service. The other 19 countries that it has been released in include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay and Vietnam. There is no word yet as to when the service will be launched in Australia and New Zealand.

Technology

“Dear tech”: IBM pens open letter to the tech industry

IBM is urging the tech sector to use technology for the good of humanity instead of its downfall in an open letter to the industry called “Dear Tech”. According to the firm, the world needs tech companies that can apply “smart technologies at scale with purpose and expertise — not just for some of us, but for all of us”. As the global tech giant held its annual Think summit in Sydney, it showcased the mindboggling ways that artificial intelligence is being used to tackle the world’s biggest problems, according to <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/tech/2019/05/22/ibm-think-summit-2019/">The New Daily.</a> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"> <iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gNF8ObJR6K8"></iframe></div> Stefan Harrer says that healthcare is ideal for the use of artificial intelligence (AI). “Ultimately we want to be able to use and develop technology to improve peoples’ lives,” Dr Harrer said. “We want to build tech that can help improve the lives of people that suffer from a variety of diseases. “That requires that we do cutting-edge research and develop the tech and think hard about how to translate it into trustworthy and impactful solutions.” However, as AI becomes more commonplace, it’s more important than ever that there are strict ethics in place around it. “It’s as important to pay enough attention to getting the ethical framework right around AI as it is the technology,” Dr Harrer said. “This revolution will not look like the information revolution, it’s not move fast and break things.”

Technology

San Francisco becomes first US state to ban facial recognition technology

San Francisco officials have voted 8 to 1 to ban the purchase and use of facial recognition technology by the city personnel. This is in response to a move that regulates tools that Silicon Valley companies helped develop. The ordinance requires city departments to submit surveillance technology policies for public vetting. The action puts San Francisco at the forefront of discontent throughout the United States over the use of facial recognition software. Although the technology has been used for years by government agencies, it has recently become more powerful with the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies. "We have a fundamental duty to safeguard the public from potential abuses," Aaron Peskin, the city supervisor who championed the ban said before the board's vote to <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/san-francisco-votes-to-ban-city-use-of-facial-recognition-technology">SBS</a>. The aim is to protect “marginalised groups” that could be harmed by the technology. While communities are moving to limit facial recognition, police have increased their use of the software, using it to spot potential suspects in known offender databases after a crime has occurred. The technology is also being used by US customs agents who are vetting foreign travellers at airports with facial recognition. Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said that concerns were “overblown”. “Concerns that the U.S. government would use face identification for mass surveillance, like China has, were overblown.” He said. San Francisco's "ban on facial recognition will make it frozen in time with outdated technology," he said.

Technology

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10 polite habits nail techs actually dislike – and what to do instead

Tech millionaire’s “creepy” $100k offer sparks wave of backlash

5 tech mistakes not to make while travelling

This new tech could spell end for mouse plagues

How to empower older adults to become digital citizens in our tech-dependent world

Ashamed of asking for technical support? You are not alone!

Signs that someone is stealing your Wi-Fi

How new smartphone tech will help diagnose mental health issues

New money-saving tech seniors are tapping into

"It's ruining the game!": Kyrgios slams umpire about tennis tech

Billions are pouring into mobility technology – will the transport revolution live up to the hype?

High tech shortages in the future as coronavirus shuts down manufacturers

Apps may soon be able to predict your life expectancy, but do you want to know?

How to change your phone number in Facebook or get rid of it entirely

High-tech fishing gear could help save endangered right whales

“Nerd” or “wrongdoer”: How artificial intelligence will label you in the future

New research shows baby boomers are less threatened by technology in the workplace

Facebook announces new “dating services” for its 2 billion users

“Dear tech”: IBM pens open letter to the tech industry

San Francisco becomes first US state to ban facial recognition technology

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

10 polite habits nail techs actually dislike – and what to do instead

Tech millionaire’s “creepy” $100k offer sparks wave of backlash

5 tech mistakes not to make while travelling

This new tech could spell end for mouse plagues

How to empower older adults to become digital citizens in our tech-dependent world

Ashamed of asking for technical support? You are not alone!

Signs that someone is stealing your Wi-Fi

How new smartphone tech will help diagnose mental health issues

New money-saving tech seniors are tapping into

"It's ruining the game!": Kyrgios slams umpire about tennis tech

Billions are pouring into mobility technology – will the transport revolution live up to the hype?

High tech shortages in the future as coronavirus shuts down manufacturers

Apps may soon be able to predict your life expectancy, but do you want to know?

How to change your phone number in Facebook or get rid of it entirely

High-tech fishing gear could help save endangered right whales

“Nerd” or “wrongdoer”: How artificial intelligence will label you in the future

New research shows baby boomers are less threatened by technology in the workplace

Facebook announces new “dating services” for its 2 billion users

“Dear tech”: IBM pens open letter to the tech industry

San Francisco becomes first US state to ban facial recognition technology

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