Matt Boggie

This week, we explore many aspects of machine intelligence: What does it mean, philosophically, for computers to create original texts and imagery? How do we define humanness, and how might that change in response to new kinds of creative production by AI systems? How might computational systems be taught “common sense”? And are algorithmic recommendation systems affecting our own use of language?

There is an important thread woven through this week’s signals, one that speaks to our uncomfortable dance with technology. We discuss how we might want robots to care for us, when it’s appropriate to offload ethics to machines, and how it feels when everything is an avatar for the real thing. We are in the process of making a reality where we are continuously augmented in one way or another.

It could be that we’re looking forward to a joyful holiday season, but whatever the reason, this issue brings news of major initiatives — some certain, some speculative — to pull back from the brink and rethink policies and systems in more humane ways. Read on to learn how to fix your own tech devices, how the EU may protect the world’s privacy, and how cities can work better for all their residents.