June's Digital Life: News, Tools, Sanity - Delivered
Keep up to date on curated AI, security, tips, tricks and more with The Digital Life!
June is here 😲! If your brain feels a little fried from too much screen time, you’re not alone. This month we’re talking about the true cost of staying “always on,” and how to stay informed without drowning in the scroll.
In this issue:
Wildcard Wednesday - Join us June 11th for Episode IV – Attack of the Scrolls
News That Matters - Google I/O recap and a new pope with hackers
AI Updates - LLMs are now more persuasive than people, and there’s a growing science to spotting AI-written text
Fresh Security Intel - 184 million passwords exposed, obituary phishing, and attackers replacing QR codes in public
Tips - A live TV wall and a truly free PDF editor to help you work smarter this summer
The Good News - A techie turned comic and a Finnish video on how to open a door—yes, really
Summer’s a time to slow down, but it’s also a great time to sharpen up. I hope to see you at the next Wildcard Wednesday, and enjoy the handpicked reads below.
Wildcard Wednesday Episode IV - Attack of the Scrolls
📅 Next Session: June 11th @ 12:00 PM Pacific
The Cost of Always On - Are you consuming the news, or is it consuming you?
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The Big Think - Are We Outsourcing the Struggle?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the way large language models like GPT are creeping into daily work. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not using them. This very newsletter is getting a cleanup from an LLM right now.
For me, an LLM acts as a co-author, helping me spin thoughts quickly without sweating commas and phrasing. At the same time, I wonder if something deeper is being lost when I leverage AI.
If we’re skipping the part where we wrestle with the problem, are we still building the muscles that matter?
I see it in code too. People are generating working software without understanding how it holds together. The “vibe” is right, but the architecture is brittle. I can spot it because I learned systems the “old skool” way. 😉 But what happens when most people never do?
Large language models and tools are trained to reflect how we talk, not how things work. That distinction matters. Let me put it another way - AI can create beautiful documents and apps, but often they’re little more then polished turds. 😂💩
All of this came into sharper focus after reading a recent piece on how teachers are coping with AI in the classroom. I can releate, having two retired teachers as parents! It’s worth your time. Check it out here:
News That Matters
Google I/O didn’t make a lot of noise this year, but the message was clear. Gemini is showing up everywhere, and AI agents are quietly being embedded into your daily tools. We’ve linked a quick write-up and a 32-minute recap if you want to catch up.
Watch the I/O Keynote in this 32-minute recap
In case you missed it, the Vatican has a new pope, and yes, he comes with his own “white hat” hackers. 🙂 A small team works quietly to protect him from digital threats, including hacktivists and state actors. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of faith and cybersecurity.
Still Thinking About AI
If you’ve ever read something and thought, “This feels... off,” you’re not alone. This sharp post breaks down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that something was written by ChatGPT without much human editing. Worth a skim if you're using AI in your own work. Hint - EM dashes and colon in the titles = GPT. 😉
A new study found LLMs are now more persuasive than people, even when money’s on the line. They win more often and sound more reasonable doing it. Scared yet? 🫢
Fresh Security Intel
A newly discovered breach exposed over 184 million passwords from services like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. It’s a compiled dump from past breaches, but still a major risk. If you’re reusing passwords, now’s the time to stop. Really. Seriously. Give us a call. 📞
Grief is the new attack vector. Scammers are using AI to generate fake obituaries and launch targeted phishing campaigns. It’s cold, calculated, and increasingly common.
Speaking of phishing, just when you got used to scanning QR codes, attackers started swapping them out in public spaces. That menu might lead somewhere you don’t want to go. Check before you click!
Tips
Trying to keep up with the world? This free live TV wall pulls together real-time news from across the globe. No account, no fuss. Just turn it on and tune in. 📺📡
Finally, a free PDF editor that isn’t a trap. No downloads, no scams, no ads. Just a clean, browser-based tool that works. 📄✨ Worth a bookmark.
The Good News: Tune In, Chill Out
In case you needed a reason to smile, we’ve got two. First, a stand-up set from a former techie turned comic, basically what Eric would be doing in another timeline. 😉
Second, a vintage Finnish instructional video on how to open a door. Yes, really. Make sure subtitles are on and take notes. Mastering this could be the key to a successful summer. Ya sure, yer ya vol! 😂😂😂