Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics Podcast

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Unlock the secrets of cybersecurity and trust in the digital age with Dr. Perry Alexander, who joins us to dissect the chilling XZ utils attack on Linux systems. This episode is a wake-up call for the interconnected world of open-source software, where code meets community, and trust is the currency of security. Listen as we journey into the belly of the beast, dissecting an attack that ingeniously combines technical acumen with social engineering to breach digital defenses.

Dr. Alexander, Director of the Institute for Information Sciences, lends his expertise to illuminate the delicate balance of trust within the open source community. Our conversation traverses the careful scrutiny of contributions in Git-managed projects, the strengths and vulnerabilities of decentralized trust models, and the human element that is both the fort and the front line against cyber threats. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone invested in the integrity of digital infrastructures, as we reveal how the guardians of our cyber world are both its greatest strength and its potential Achilles' heel.

As the episode unfolds, we're not just talking code; we're talking about people – the maintainers, developers, and communities that make open source software a bulwark of the internet. We explore the challenges they face, from social engineering to the sustainability of their work, and we discuss strategies that go beyond technology to foster resilience in the face of evolving threats. This isn't just a conversation; it's a call to action for collaboration and dialogue that strengthens our digital ecosystems against the cunning of cyber adversaries. Join us for an engrossing exploration of the intersection where human touch meets digital trust.

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Since the release of the first iteration of ChatGPT in November of 2022, questions and concerns have been raised about how disruptive it might be to the workforce, the ethical issues it raises about privacy and copyright infringement, and on the more optimistic side, what applications it might have as it develops. Further, responses have often been at the extreme ends of a broad spectrum, with many voicing varying degrees of optimism and pessimism.

To help us think through these responses and ethical questions, we were able to put in conversation two researchers with significant scholarship in data ethics, design, and their applications. We have Sam Arbesman, who is a scientist in residence at Lux Capital and a research fellow at the Long Now Foundation. Joining Sam and I, is Dr. Ramon Alvarado, who is a professor of philosophy and digital ethics at the University of Oregon. 

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Discover the transformative insights of Paul LeBlanc, the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, as we explore the cutting edge of competency-based higher education in our latest podcast. Paul, a trailblazer in online education, shares the intricacies of SNHU's model which prioritizes competencies and aligns closely with the evolving job market. This episode promises to peel back the layers of traditional education and reveal how a focus on real-world skills over coursework is preparing students for success in a competitive workforce.

The conversation takes a turn towards the future as we unpack the implications of AI on the job landscape. With technologies like AI and ChatGPT reshaping industries, we're forced to confront the reality of '10x' professionals who amplify their productivity through these tools. Paul and I wade into the ethical waters of AI's role in job displacement and the urgent need for innovative retraining. We discuss how educational institutions might adapt, not only to the technology itself but to the new kinds of questions and problem-solving skills that will become essential in an AI-driven world.

Wrapping up, we cast our gaze forward into the intersection of work, education, and AI integration, discussing how our valuation of jobs and skillsets must adapt. We ponder over the redefinition of knowledge creation, the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in education, and the potential for AI to democratize educational relationships. Join us for an episode that's less about the 'what' of AI and education and more about the 'how' and 'why' as we navigate the shifting tides of the digital age with Paul LeBlanc.

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Humans and technologies have a long-standing relationship of love and hate, fear and hope, trust and distrust. Within digital technologies, AI and generative AI technologies are but the latest (and certainly not last) episode in this sequel. Can we think of Human-Technology relations in terms of partnership, rather than opposition? How? In this talk, Professor Federica Russo joins the Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics Workshop to discuss the concept of poiesis, which she argues is meant to capture the idea and possibility of humans forming more of a partnership with technology. Further, with this concept fully expressed, Russo hopes that it can prove useful in science and technology education. 

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In this recording of the Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics, we are joined by center fellow Denisa Kera, a philosopher and Senior Lecturer from Bar-Ilan University's Policy and Design program. Professor Kera discusses the potential challenges that come with attempts to govern large learning models. Although it is unclear how governments ought to regulate such systems, what does appear clear is that users are not up to the task of self-governance. 

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In this episode, David Westbrook of the University at Buffalo Law School joins the center to present the five questions/ issues he argues are imperative for a center like CCSD to address as it seeks to respond to various concerns raised by emerging technologies. Additionally, Professor Westbrook provides an overview of the types of meanings technological artifacts tend to take on.