Insightful Reads: Our Favorite Articles from 2019
Written on
Chapter 1: Introduction
If you're in search of captivating reading material, we encourage you to keep an eye on OneZero most of the time. As fellow readers, we want to spotlight some of our favorite technology and science articles from 2019 that were published elsewhere. Some of these pieces inspired our own work, while others simply brought us joy, expanding our comprehension of the world around us. Take a moment during the holidays to delve into these reads for yourself. (Consider using the Save to Medium feature!) Additionally, be sure to follow OneZero for excellent articles every day.
Section 1.1: Understanding Algorithms
One piece worth exploring is "How Algorithms Know What You’ll Type Next" by Wessel Stoop and Antal Van Den Bosch for The Pudding. This article takes a unique approach to explaining algorithm functionality, avoiding tedious explanations. Instead, The Pudding employs interactive elements to demonstrate how text predictions are generated and personalized, showing how the output is influenced by the underlying data set. This engaging and informative article is accessible to all readers, regardless of their technical background.
Section 1.2: The Climate Crisis and Its Unexpected Consequences
Another compelling read is "The Climate Crisis Has Sparked a Siberian Mammoth Tusk Gold Rush" by Sabrina Weiss for Wired. This in-depth exploration reveals the strange industry of mammoth ivory mining in Siberia, a phenomenon driven by climate change. Weiss introduces readers to the miners excavating mammoth tusks from melting permafrost, which are then sold to buyers in China. The article highlights a troubling supply chain linked to a product that likely wouldn’t exist without the ongoing climate crisis, offering a captivating yet sobering perspective on extinction and commodification.
Chapter 2: Technology and Society
In "A RoboCop, a Park and a Fight: How Expectations About Robots Are Clashing with Reality" by Katie Flaherty for NBC News, the narrative examines the real-world functionality of police surveillance technology. The Knightscope robot, which is supposed to gather data, is not yet even integrated with the police department it is meant to support. This piece is a critical look at new police technologies, urging accountability and revealing their limitations.
Continuing on, Christine Smallwood's "Astrology in the Age of Uncertainty" for The New Yorker applies a scientific lens to the popular trend of astrology, addressing why people are drawn to what many consider pseudoscience. This article serves as a reminder that effective science writing doesn’t always need to rely on cutting-edge research.
In "Oil Is the New Data," an anonymous Microsoft engineer offers a revealing look at the unsettling connection between Silicon Valley and the oil industry. This candid examination illuminates the alarming trend of tech involvement in fossil fuel extraction, exploring how big data and corporate geopolitics intertwine at a critical juncture for our planet's future.
Chapter 3: Practical Insights
Adria Watson’s article "7 Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home from Wildfires" for Cal Matters exemplifies effective use of the listicle format, offering practical advice in a digestible manner. The focus on affordability underscores the importance of environmental justice, providing suggestions that may challenge common assumptions about wildfire preparedness.
In "Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free," Justin Elliott and Paul Kiel from ProPublica reveal the predatory nature of the American tax filing industry. Their investigation showcases how Intuit has continually resisted efforts to make tax filing more accessible, painting a troubling portrait of corporate greed.
This collection of articles not only highlights intriguing stories but also provides valuable insights into pressing social issues. Explore these narratives to broaden your understanding of the intertwining relationship between technology, society, and the environment.