Keeping Humans in the Loop

Published: Sept. 23, 2019, 1:23 p.m.

b'(repeat) Modern technology is great, but could we be losing control?\\xa0As our world becomes more crowded and demands for resources are greater, some people worry about humanity\\u2019s uncertain prospects.\\xa0An eminent cosmologist considers globe-altering developments such as climate change and artificial intelligence.\\xa0Will we be able to stave off serious threats to our future?\\nThere\\u2019s also another possible source of danger: our trendy digital aids.\\xa0We seem all-too-willing to let algorithms classify and define our wants, our needs, and our behavior. Instead of using technology, are we being used\\xa0by\\xa0it \\u2013 to inadvertently become social media\\u2019s product?\\xa0\\nAnd while we may be skittish about the increased data our technology collects, one sci-fi writer imagines a future in which information is a pervasive and freely available commodity.\\xa0\\nGuests:\\n\\n\\nMartin Rees\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Cosmologist, astrophysicist, and Great Britain\\u2019s Astronomer Royal.\\xa0Author of\\xa0On the Future: Prospects for Humanity.\\n\\n\\n\\nDouglas Rushkoff\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Media theorist and professor of media theory and digital economics, City University of New York.\\xa0Author of\\xa0Team Human.\\n\\n\\nMalka Older\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Author and humanitarian worker, author of\\xa0The Centenal Cycle.\\n\\n\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'