A study published in The Lancet predicts a "dramatic decline" in global fertility rates, with 97% of countries projected to have rates too low to sustain population size by 2100. European countries are already below the global average, with fertility rates falling below the necessary level for population growth. Experts note potential pros and cons of low fertility rates, including impacts on health care, pensions, and geopolitics. The study highlights "staggering social change" as sub-Saharan Africa is projected to account for half of global births by 2100, with resource-limited countries facing challenges in supporting rapidly growing populations.
New research from Stanford University challenges the long-held belief that there are no important inbuilt differences between male and female brains, as a specially designed AI can reliably sort brains into male and female categories based on activity patterns and predict different cognitive performances. This challenges the foundational assumptions of middle-class feminism and prompts a reevaluation of the existence of brain differences based on sex and gender influences. The fear of scientific confirmation of such differences being used against women and the potential social implications of these findings are also discussed, highlighting the complex interplay between biology, social environment, and gender equality.
Computer scientist Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, warns about the biases and social implications of facial analysis systems in her new book, "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." Buolamwini highlights how facial recognition software often fails to detect dark-skinned individuals and misgenders women, perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing existing biases. She urges everyone to question the adoption and functionality of AI systems, emphasizing the need for representation and inclusivity in the conversation about AI. Buolamwini also calls for the protection of biometric rights and the safeguarding of civil and human rights in the face of AI advancements.
