Digital Life

Science

Moving Beyond The Turing Test To Judge Artificial Intelligence

6:17pm June 14, 2014

A computer program known as "Eugene Goostman" passed the Turing Test by convincing a group of people, via chat, that it was actually a 13-year-old boy. Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus argues that the Turing Test needs an update for the 21st Century.

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Adam Goldberg, the creator of the PS 177 band, conducting at band practice.

A High School Band Where Everyone's Voice Can Be Heard

7:53pm June 11, 2014

by Eric Westervelt

One music teacher has used tablets to change life for students at a New York school. The members of the school's orchestra have learning disabilities. For some, the band has opened up their world.

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National

A Killer's Manifesto Reveals Wide Reach Of Misogyny Online

9:53am June 10, 2014

by NPR Staff

Elliott Rodger's manifesto was riddled with threats against women. Writer Laurie Penny says the idea that women owe men sex and adoration is pervasive online.

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World News

Using Social Media, Jihadi Groups Stay On Message

7:58pm June 05, 2014

by Dina Temple-Raston

The Bowe Bergdahl exchange video released by the Taliban is the latest propaganda coup for jihadis on social media. Social media benefits jihadi groups because it is all about immediacy, not accuracy. Social media is changing the nature of jihad for young fighters as well. Some jihadis boast thousands of Twitter followers and are broadcasting their jihad for all to see.

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Have We Reached The End Of The Line For The Conference Call?

3:53pm June 04, 2014

by Alexis Madrigal

Fresh Air tech contributor Alexis Madrigal considers why people still jump on frustrating conference calls. While tech startups aim to kill the PIN, he says, the phone bridges generations.

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Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks wears Beats headphones before a preseason football game last August.

With Beats, Apple Buys A Quick Start On Smart Headphones

3:39pm June 02, 2014

by Sam Sanders

Apple purchased Beats By Dre this week, suggesting the company is looking at smart headphone technology — headphones that can sense what the body is doing.

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The Anatomy Of A Corporate Tweet: 140 Characters In 45 Days

10:17pm May 29, 2014

Business Insider reporter Aaron Taube recently took a look at the world of corporate social media, where writing a 140-character tweet can take up to 45 days. He explains the long and careful process.

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The Deep Web is a part of the Internet not accessible by standard Web browsers and search engines.

Going Dark: The Internet Behind The Internet

3:17pm May 28, 2014

by NPR Staff

There's much more to the Internet than what you can stumble upon with Google. Hidden sites can market drugs and weapons illegally, but they also provide anonymity for political dissidents.

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Arts

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do When You're Still In My Profile Picture

12:16pm May 27, 2014

For every couple who posts and shares loving photos on social media, there's the scary question of what happens after a breakup. Ozy.com's Carlos Watson talks about the idea of a social media prenup.

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Who's Using The Data Mined From Students?

5:43pm May 26, 2014

by Melissa Block

Information tracked by educational software can be of great help to teachers. But as Politico's Stephanie Simon explains, private companies can also monetize the data by selling it to marketers.

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