Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Here's How to Actually Keep Kids and Teens Safe Online

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September 19, 2023

For years, researchers have documented the negative effects of spending time online, particularly for kids and teens. But the Internet has become an inescapable part of modern life—so how do we protect the most vulnerable members of society without cutting them off from this resource? That's the goal of new bills like the the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), but critics have noted how those proposed regulations can actually do more harm than good. Instead, Scientific American spoke with experts about the real evidence-backed ways to protect young people online.

Sophie Bushwick, Associate Editor, Technology

Privacy

Here's How to Actually Keep Kids and Teens Safe Online

Controversial policy proposals such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) are making headway across the country, but there are other ways to help protect young people in the digital world

By Lauren Leffer

Natural Disasters

Dams Worldwide Are at Risk of Catastrophic Failure

Here's why disasters like Libya's dam collapses happen and how to prevent them

By Lauren Leffer

Artificial Intelligence

See How AI Generates Images from Text

Generative AI algorithms use probability to create visuals from noise

By Sophie Bushwick,Matthew Twombly,Amanda Hobbs

Automobiles

High-Tech Cars Might Be More Trouble Than They're Worth

Drivers may sacrifice safety and privacy in exchange for the advanced tech features in their "smart" cars

By Lauren Leffer

Robotics

This Insect-Sized Robot Can Carry 22 Times Its Own Weight

The four-legged miniature machine is powered by tiny explosions

By Katharine Sanderson,Nature magazine

Privacy

Satellite Internet Companies Could Help Break Authoritarianism

In Iran and elsewhere, governments restrict Internet access to restrict freedoms. Companies that launch communications satellites can ensure a free and open Internet for all

By Pouria Nazemi

Robotics

Above-Elbow Bionic Arm Can Control Every Finger

Researchers have created the first nerve-controlled prosthetic hand that can be used in daily life

By Simon Makin

Climate Change

'The Moose' and Other Military Planes May Have to Cut Cargo as Planet Warms

The C-17 Globemaster III—which transports troops and tanks—may have to shed weight as rising temperatures driven by climate change affect flying conditions

By Daniel Cusick,E&E News

Mathematics

Candy Crush Is Complicated--Even from a Mathematical Point of View

Don't be annoyed if you fail at a certain level of the popular game Candy Crush Saga; computers also have their problems with it

By Manon Bischoff

Artificial Intelligence

Why Japan Is Building Its Own Version of ChatGPT

Some Japanese researchers feel that AI systems trained on foreign languages cannot grasp the intricacies of Japanese language and culture

By Tim Hornyak,Nature magazine

Artificial Intelligence

Without Small Data, AI in Health Care Contributes to Disparities

Artificial intelligence systems in health care must be trained on the data of lived experience to prevent bias and disparities

By Fay Cobb Payton

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"A U.S. fighter jet's stealth abilities appear to be working too well, as it took authorities hours to locate a debris field after an F-35 went missing when the pilot ejected because of a 'mishap.'"

Chantal Da Silva and Phil McCausland, NBC News

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Social Media Can Harm Kids. Could New Regulations Help?

As more researchers document the potential harms of social media use, especially for youngsters, both Republicans and Democrats are pushing legislation to rein in platforms

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