April's Thoughts - Dive into Cultural Shifts, Apple Security Alerts, and more
Keep up to date on curated AI, security, tips, tricks and more with The Digital Life!
Happy April, Lökwest family! 🌷 Like clockwork, 'The Digital Life' is back again with the digital wisdom, tips and fun you count on.
In this issue:
Dive deep with "The Big Think" and ponder your digital footprint.
Stay alert with essential security tips against the latest Apple device scams.
Unpack the true cost of your online presence with an eye-opening analysis.
Catch up on the latest FCC rulings set to clear up your bills and boost your broadband.
Explore the seamless integration of Hulu and Disney Plus for optimized streaming.
Enjoy the stories of unsung tech heroines and quirky avian gamers.
We hope something in the issue leaves you inspired and smiling until we meet again next month. 🌟 As always, if you find something intriguing, pass it on. 🙂
The Big Think - are you high on dopamine?
We follow Ted’s writing in The Honest Broker, and if there’s one long read to consider this month, it’s "The State of the Culture, 2024”
Although it’s a longer read and a cautionary tale, we guarantee it will urge you to reconsider your digital engagement. It really makes you think about how our world is shifting. Instead of deep, meaningful stuff, we're getting sucked into quick hits of fun that don't last.
This piece is a nudge for all of us to think hard about where creativity and our values are headed. Definitely worth a read if you're into how tech, culture, and society are all mixing together.
On security and privacy
ALERT! Use this device to reset your password. Use this device to reset your password. Use this device to reset your password. Use this device to reset your password.
Beware, Apple users. There is a slew of sneaky MFA bombing attacks targeting your Apple devices. Don't let scammers trick you into handing over the keys to your digital kingdom.
Krebs highlights how these attacks exploit security features, while 9to5Mac offers practical advice to protect against such scams, including being cautious of unsolicited verification requests and strengthening account security measures.
Remember folks, nothing in life is free! 😯 So how much is your scrolling, clicking, liking, and candy crushing worth to the tech companies? Turns out, big names like Facebook and Google make hundreds, if not thousands, from your user data every year. Proton's eye-opening piece sheds light on just how much our digital breadcrumbs are valued in the ad world, and it may make you think twice about that next click online.
News hits
Finally, in theory, there should no more surprises on your cable bill. The FCC's ban on hidden fees aims to make your monthly charges clear and predictable, potentially saving you from unexpected costs.
In FCC win #2, they also updated the definition of broadband, now requiring a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps, quadrupling the previous standard. This change aims to ensure that internet services marketed as "broadband" meet modern needs for speed and reliability.
Are you a Hulu or Disney Plus subscriber? ICYMI, they’re combining and the integrated app is rolling out. It offers a bundled service that could simplify your subscriptions and save you a few bucks! 💰
The Bonus Round: Where the Curiosities Live
Happy (belated) Women's Month! 🎉 Let's celebrate by spotlighting Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley, a trailblazing computer pioneer whose story should be more known than it is. Starting her own software company in the '60s, she broke through the tech world's glass ceiling with a unique approach: a company almost entirely staffed by women. Her journey is a reminder of the unsung heroines in tech. 🦹♀️
Speaking of women, we gave a presentation to the wonderful women in the Art4Healing® HeARTs for Healing Women’s Guild. Now, you can take a look at the same beginner’s presentation on Artificial Intelligence, exploring how it's reshaping our world through learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
That parrot is dead! 😂 Parrots playing tablet games? Yes, it's real! Researchers have discovered that parrots not only enjoy digital games but can also show preferences for certain types. Apparently it has to do with the fact that they don’t have opposable thumbs and “tap” with their tongue. When you tap with your tongue as a bird you can’t see what’s right in front of you. LOL 😂
We hope this avian gaming research makes you smile and leaves you looking forward to what's next.
And now for something completely different……we’ll see you in May - we’ll be pining for the fjords 😉