Are you curious about diving deeper into the world of technology? Here’s a selection of our top recommended books and podcasts.
Top Technology Books to Read in 2024
Unmasking AI: My Mission to Defend Humanity in a Machine-Dominated World
Author: Joy Buolamwini, Ph.D.
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release Date: October 31, 2023
Joy Buolamwini, Ph.D., refers to herself as a “code poet.” She melds her research on AI, artistic expression, and advocacy to highlight biases manifested in algorithmic decision-making. Buolamwini gained attention from the documentary Coded Bias, which revealed that the facial recognition software of MIT’s Media Lab struggled to identify faces with darker skin tones.
Unmasking AI unfolds the narrative of Buolamwini’s journey as she confronted issues of discrimination and exclusion, culminating in her establishment of the Algorithmic Justice League. This work is part memoir and part critical analysis, offering insights into technological biases through an intersectional perspective.
Code to Joy: Why Learning Basic Programming Is Essential for Everyone
Author: Michael L. Littman
Publisher: The MIT Press
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Imagine if programming were as intuitive as reading and everyone could master it. In Code to Joy, Michael L. Littman reveals how learning to code can become accessible through advancements in technology that simplify the learning process. The rise of artificial intelligence has amplified worries about automatons managing all facets of our existence, including our work lives.
Littman posits that even a rudimentary understanding of coding can enhance our interactions with technology. When viewed as a means to instruct machines to accomplish our desires, programming becomes less daunting.
Web3: Mapping the Future Economy and Culture of the Internet
Author: Alex Tapscott
Publisher: Harper Business
Release Date: September 19, 2023
If terms like “blockchain,” “metaverse,” or “NFT” leave you puzzled, you’re not alone. In Web3, Alex Tapscott, an investment firm leader and co-author of the renowned Blockchain Revolution, articulates a vision for a new decentralized internet and the economic potentials it may unlock. Amid growing concerns regarding data privacy, Tapscott asserts that Web3 empowers users with greater control over their personal information.
According to Tapscott, we are on the cusp of a technological upheaval that may drastically alter business and finance. Web3 proposes a new paradigm in which users can actively engage in and influence the internet’s experience. He expands on the notion of a “read-write-own web,” suggesting that individuals participating in this space can retain ownership of their data and securely exchange assets using blockchain technology.
Top Technology Podcasts to Keep You Informed in 2024
Hard Fork
Hosts: Kevin Roose and Casey Newton
If you seek a humorous yet informative perspective on recent tech news, Hard Fork is the perfect blend of amusement and insight. Hosted by Kevin Roose from The New York Times and Casey Newton from Platformer, the podcast features engaging discussions on current events in technology. Roose is notably recognized for his viral article on Bing’s AI, which humorously ‘fell in love’ with him—although he opted to maintain his marital status.
Guests on the show have included notable figures such as Reddit’s CEO Steve Huffman and Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei. The light yet informative dialogue delivers a wealth of knowledge that keeps you in the loop, making listeners feel like part of the Silicon Valley community with plenty to discuss at their next gathering.
Darknet Diaries
Host: Jack Rhysider
Do you know if your webcam should be covered? Are you sure that your email isn’t a phishing scam? If cybersecurity hasn’t been on your radar, Darknet Diaries will make you reconsider after just a few episodes. This captivating podcast, created by Jack Rhysider in 2017, quickly gained a dedicated listener base.
Curious about the hidden world of the internet? Darknet Diaries dives deep into thrilling and chilling narratives surrounding cybercrime, utilizing interviews and storytelling to help audiences grasp the risks associated with online threats. Rhysider’s expert ability to demystify complex subjects makes the podcast accessible even for those with minimal tech knowledge. His diverse guests include both cybersecurity professionals and individuals from the darker side of the web, offering valuable insights into hacking, breaches, and various social engineering tactics.
