Brainwaves Presents: October article monthly round-up
A collection of some stand out reads from the past month.
Smartphone cameras have only been getting more advanced in recent years. What comes next? According to Brian X. Chen, the future is poised to usher in an era of increasingly artificial imagery.
We now have the power to play around with the lighting in our pics, making them look just right, no matter the original conditions. And those annoying photobombers? Say goodbye to 'em. The growing prominence and ease of use of generative AI tools are on track to transform the field of photography and editing completely.
A concern Chen addresses that arises with the use of generative AI is that by adding elements to a photo crosses a point, rendering an image a fake. Using these A.I. tools to create and share photos could contribute to the spread of fake media online when misinformation is already rampant, and it’s hard to know what to trust.
For years, social media, especially Instagram, has been under fire for promoting unattainable beauty ideals through extensively edited photos and filters. Although on Instagram Stories, users can spot the filter being used near the profile, there's currently no clear tag or indicator for posts in the feed or on a user's profile that display a photo has been cosmetically edited.
It's worth keeping an eye on how social media platforms, as well as news and media outlets, evolve to address context and transparency when it comes to images that have been artificially altered or generated using AI in the near future.
I'm as much into a new health trend as the next person (will I partake - perhaps not. But I'm captivated by the latest health tech and fads). I first heard of Prenuvo like many of you while scrolling on social media. Prenuvo, a company offering full-body MRI scans, has gained popularity through endorsements from influencers and celebrities. It claims to provide highly detailed scans capable of detecting various diseases and cancers. However, some patients have reported experiencing anxiety and frustration after receiving inaccurate results and being advised to undergo additional, costly testing.
Medical experts caution against full-body MRI screenings for healthy individuals, as they can lead to unnecessary stress and interventions for benign or low-risk findings. Prenuvo's promises of a "clean bill of health" may not provide the comprehensive reassurance it suggests, and the technology may not detect common and lethal cancers. In cases where Prenuvo correctly identifies a finding, the subsequent experience and communication with medical professionals can be confusing and lacking in support. Patients are advised to approach such screenings with caution and seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
How much would you pay for peace of mind from potential illness? Would a full-body scan put your mind at ease or instill anxiety due to Prenuvo's history?
I am personally a fan of the shift from the concept of a 'minimum viable product' (MVP) to a 'minimum lovable product' (MLP) in product development.
“A literal minimum viable product can kill business momentum, sidetrack strategy, and damage the most important aspect of the products we build: the community.”
An MVP is attractive for its speed in getting a product launched, but it's worth to investment to create the right solution.
