@CatherineFlick@mastodon.me.uk
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CatherineFlick

@CatherineFlick@mastodon.me.uk

Professor of Ethics and Games Technology, Staffordshire University. Co-I IGGI CTD, Future Virtual Economies projects. Vice Chair ACM Committee on Professional Ethics. Responsible innovation, tech ethics, video games, “AI” & crypto sceptic. Erdos: 3; Bacon: 3. She/her.

Moderator mastodon.me.uk, content co-lead for #EMF2024.
Aussie expat from Gamaragal country, mum to 2 humans and 4 chickens. Rural Leicestershire. Dances Morris with Black Annis.

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. Browse more on the original instance.

CatherineFlick, to random
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I'm really hoping you don't need me to tell you that using machine learning ("AI") systems to identify potential targets and then to suggest that they be targeted when at home with their family members, including children, is one of the most abhorrent, unethical, inhumane things I've ever seen. There is absolutely no excuse for developing these systems. Technology is never neutral. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israel-gaza-ai-database-hamas-airstrikes

CatherineFlick,
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My heart is breaking, all these civilians killed in cold blood because of the dehumanising effect these systems contributed to. Just absolutely heartbreaking.

CatherineFlick,
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@dogzilla @Precis no, that’s my point. Technology is developed by people who infuse it with their prejudices, beliefs, expectations, etc. And then it’s used in both the designer’s expected ways and unexpected ways. Once again, reflecting the user’s prejudices, beliefs, expectations, etc. It’s never neutral, “just a tool”.

CatherineFlick, to random
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I was critical of the Cass Report earlier, talking about how discounting studies that weren't double blinded RCTs was bad form. Apparently Dr Cass has responded, saying that '"obviously" young people could not be blinded as to whether or not they were on puberty blockers or hormones because "it rapidly becomes obvious to them [...] But that of itself is not an issue because there are many other areas where that would apply"' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68863594

CatherineFlick,
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Maybe there is more detail in the podcast episode linked but I don't really have time to listen to that right now - the article accompanying it is very unclear though about what she's actually talking about.

CatherineFlick, to random
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This statement on AI is buying into the longtermist/effective altruism philosophy that is really problematic. If AI poses an existential risk it's because of the people who make AI. "AI" is just a computer program. If Sam Altman et al really believe the risk they should, y'know, stop developing it, and, more importantly, stop profiting from it. Also, let's focus on the problems being caused by AI right now, the ones that a bunch of the signatories here have profited from (and will continue to).

CatherineFlick, to random
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"In 2020, Turner told the Guardian that despite having some serious health problems, the last 10 years of her life had embodied her ideal vision of happiness.
“True and lasting happiness comes from having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no matter what,” she said. “That’s what I’ve achieved, and it is my greatest wish to help others become truly happy as well.”" RIP Tina Turner. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/24/tina-turner-legendary-rocknroll-singer-dies-aged-83

CatherineFlick, to random
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Oh and as the cherry on the cake, exhibit B https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/17/23836440/nft-creator-royalty-fees-are-dead-opensea-optional

CatherineFlick, to random
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I wonder when people's ChatGPT saved sessions will become part of investigations

CatherineFlick, to random
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My little dinosaurs

An ex battery hen
Two ex battery hens coming out the door of their run
A very inquisitive ex battery hen looks right up into the camera

CatherineFlick, to random
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Checked my DMs on twitter and wow, now it's like every 3rd tweet there's an ad, and it's for all sorts of weird things like sparkly earrings and children's colouring books?

CatherineFlick, to random
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Uhoh, the orca have an ice bucket challenge https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/21/orca-rams-yacht-off-shetland-first-such-incident-northern-waters

CatherineFlick, to random
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Very honoured to be featured in “People of ACM”! https://www.acm.org/articles/people-of-acm/2023/catherine-flick

CatherineFlick, to random
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Finally! The easy way to immortality!

CatherineFlick, to random
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Had fun tonight at Morris practice - Tim Downie and Justin Chubb came to visit to record for their Folklands podcast. I’m a huge fan of Tim’s - he’s the VA for Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3 - and he was absolutely lovely and they were a fantastic audience. I look forward to the podcast!

A candid picture of Tim and Justin talking to some of my Morris side after we’ve just finished a dance.

CatherineFlick, to random
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I’m not Christian but seeing the Tories accusing the Lords of racism calls to mind the rant Jesus went on in Matthew: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

CatherineFlick, to random
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I’m not a medical researcher by any means but it seems to me that throwing out evidence for the success of medical interventions simply because they are not RCTs ignores a lot of basic research best practice for meta reviews, especially for vulnerable subjects. The requirement for blinding seems to be an unattainable standard too given the inevitable noticing of any placebo effect in this case. Anyway suffice to say I’m not convinced by the methodology of the evidence handling of the

CatherineFlick, to random
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Also, if you found Winner's essay interesting (get it at https://www.jstor.org/stable/20024652?seq=5 ), you might like the original "What is Computer Ethics?" By James Moor, which describes many of the effects we still see today - invisibility factor, policy vacuums, conceptual vacuums. These papers might be old but they are the very foundations upon which our modern understandings are built and are worth reading https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9973.1985.tb00173.x

https://mastodon.me.uk/@CatherineFlick/112209365614098324

CatherineFlick, (edited ) to random
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Just no on this today. If anyone else wants to try this on me, go read the stuff I recommended in the response to this before you come at me, ok? Go do some work.

Edit: seems it has been deleted. It was a post about how "actually technology is neutral", and how I shouldn't blame this on maths and technology and it's about how it's used, etc. I recommended Langdon Winner's "Do Artifacts Have Politics?" and Stephanie Hare's book "Technology Is Not Neutral" as a starting point.

CatherineFlick, (edited ) to random
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Edit: I’m off to bed so this offer is done, thanks!

If anyone here would like to go to but can't afford a ticket, DM me; offer stands while there are still tickets on sale. (you'll need to get to/from Eastnor and BYO camping gear though, sorry) https://www.emfcamp.org

CatherineFlick, (edited ) to random
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Thanks everyone! Got a lot of good recommendations. Appreciate all your thoughts and suggestions. Probably got enough to explore for now 🥳🥳

Hey Mastodon hive mind. What's a good self-hosted RSS reader? I currently use TT-RSS but the attitude of the developer is really frustrating. Needs: Google reader type shortcuts and feel if possible

CatherineFlick, to random
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LOL https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/30/24145838/rabbit-r1-android-app-pixel-6a

CatherineFlick, (edited ) to gardening
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Edit: leaving this here for posterity but it’s been answered several times now, thank you!

Hey UK friends, any idea why my tomato seedlings have sort of come to a bit of a halt since repotting them? They had 2 true leaves when I did so, but seem to have stayed there for the last couple of weeks with no growth. They've been in a warm spot with plenty of light but no direct sunlight (kitchen island). Will they improve with windowsill/direct sun? Edit: seems so! thanks everyone!

CatherineFlick, to random
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This is happening today! Keep checking in!
https://social.emfcamp.org/@emf/statuses/01HX2R6AX2QTXCD2NQM12FDT0X

CatherineFlick, to random
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BCS ITNow interview with me dropped today! It is about ethics and games. Apologies, there doesn’t appear to be an online version and it’s too long for alt text :(

image/jpeg
image/jpeg

CatherineFlick, to random
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So Kagi has pivoted to suckage, DDG is kinda rubbish now, and lol Google, what are the cool kids using to actually find stuff on the internet? Are we back to blogrolls and web rings?

CatherineFlick, to random
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This is incredible. The rush to market means they throw everything but front facing functionality out the window. Dreadful.

https://mastodon.social/@kennwhite/112290497758846218

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