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The Download: how doctors fight conspiracy theories, and your AI footprint

MIT Technology Review

How conspiracy theories infiltrated the doctor's office As anyone who has googled their symptoms and convinced themselves that they've got a brain tumor will attest, the internet makes it very easy to self-(mis)diagnose your health problems. And although social media and other digital forums can be a lifeline for some people looking for a diagnosis or community, when that information is wrong, it can put their well-being and even lives in danger. We spoke to a number of health-care professionals who told us how this modern impulse to "do your own research" is changing their profession. This story is part of's series " Look at the big picture instead. As a climate technology reporter, I'm often asked by people whether they should be using AI, given how awful it is for the environment. Generally, I tell them not to worry--let a chatbot plan your vacation, suggest recipe ideas, or write you a poem if you want.


Stop worrying about your AI footprint. Look at the big picture instead.

MIT Technology Review

Look at the big picture instead. Why focusing on the energy system and large companies is more important than policing individual behavior. Picture it: I'm minding my business at a party, parked by the snack table (of course). A friend of a friend wanders up, and we strike up a conversation. It quickly turns to work, and upon learning that I'm a climate technology reporter, my new acquaintance says something like: "Should I be using AI? I've heard it's awful for the environment." We did the math on AI's energy footprint.