An den Solothurner Literaturtagen spreche ich mit dem österreichischen Schriftsteller Elias Hirschl. Während vor dem Fenster gemächlich die Aare vorbeizieht, sprechen wir in der Säulenhalle des Landhauses über dieses unendliche Meer an sinnlosen Inhalten im Internet, Memes, YouTube Videos, Listicles, die wir uns (wir sind nicht stolz drauf) an unseren Bildschirmen mitunter stundenlang reinziehen. Doomscrolling oder Doomsurfing nennt man das. 
Und der Doom, d.h. der Untergang, der dämmert auch schon am Horizont von Elias Hirschls neuem Roman "Content" (2024 bei Zsolnay). Bis dahin arbeitet die namenlose Erzählerin aber noch in der Content-Farm Smile Smile Inc. und schreibt sinnbefreite Listenartikel, die vor allem Clicks generieren sollen. 

Der Roman ist alles andere als bloss unterhaltsamer ‘Content’, sondern eine scharfe Gegenwartsanalyse der Generation ChatGPT, eine Tiefenbohrung in die spätkapitalistische Gesellschaft und ein Roman, indem das, was wir bisher für 'real' gehalten haben, zunehmend zersetzt wird.

Diese Folge ist eine Kooperation mit den Solothurner Literaturtagen. 

Schnitt: Okan Yilmaz
Musik: Kraftwerk - Computer Love
Foto: Amrei-Marie

Blattgold #40: Elias Hirschl – Content

इस साप्ताहिक बुलेटिन की सुर्ख़ियाँ...(news.un.org/hi)

1. UNRWA के लिए दान सम्मेलन, 118 देशों ने जताई सहायता प्रतिबद्धता.
2. दुनिया की जनसंख्या के बारे में आए कुछ दिलचस्प आँकड़े.
3. सबसे अहम इनसानी ज़रूरतों – स्वास्थ्य और शिक्षा पर होता है बहुत कम धन ख़र्च.
4. कम्प्यूटर और स्मार्ट फ़ोन जैसे डिजिटल उपकरणों, का पर्यावरण पर गम्भीर असर.
5. दक्षिण सूडान में यूएन शान्ति मिशन में फ़ोर्स कमांडर जनरल मोहन सुब्रमन्यन के साथ एक ख़ास इंटरव्यू.

UN News Hindi Bulletin 12 July 2024

Welcome to "AI with Shaily," where Shailendra Kumar, your enthusiastic host, takes you on an engaging journey through the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence and its significant effects on society. 🎙️✨ Today, Shaily dives into the topic of the digital revolution and its impact on vulnerable workers, highlighting the complexities and challenges they face in this tech-driven world.

Shaily begins by referencing recent research from Professor Bridget Kenny, painting a vivid picture of a modern workplace where algorithms, rather than humans, oversee workers' activities. 📦🤖 This scenario, reminiscent of a sci-fi narrative, underscores the reality for many individuals in warehouses today, where operational efficiency often comes at the cost of worker autonomy and rights. The constant monitoring and stress from algorithmic management create a workplace environment that feels akin to living under a digital Big Brother.

The discussion then shifts to the broader implications of the digital economy, which, while offering new opportunities, simultaneously exacerbates economic inequality. Shaily compares this disparity to a high-tech marathon where not everyone has the necessary equipment to compete, emphasizing that the pandemic has only intensified these challenges. Vulnerable workers, particularly those engaged in gig or platform-based jobs, are left grappling with unpredictable hours, insufficient pay, and a lack of safety nets. It's as if they are trying to balance on a see-saw during an earthquake! 🌍💔

In a surprising twist, Shaily introduces the concept of digital protests, showcasing how workers are finding innovative ways to advocate for their rights even in a tech-centric landscape. Imagine a scenario where workers collectively log off to demand better working conditions—a modern-day digital sit-in! This form of protest highlights the urgent need for new labor laws and union strategies that are in tune with the digital age.

Shaily wraps up with a valuable tip for leaders in this digital era: prioritize empathy in technology-driven workflows. For workers, the message is clear—equip yourself with knowledge and engage in community action, as collective strength can make a significant impact, even in the digital realm. 💪🌐

Before signing off, Shaily encourages listeners to connect with him across various platforms like YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Medium. He invites feedback and discussions, urging everyone to subscribe for more insights from the world of AI. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking reminder: "The true strength of technology lies not in efficiency alone but in elevating humanity." 

So, as Shaily says, stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly—stay humane in this digital world! 🎉👋

AI and the Digital Divide: Empowering Vulnerable Workers in the Tech Era

This podcast concerns a judgment regarding a request for a preliminary ruling on the validity of Article 9a(1) of Implementing Regulation No 282/2011, specifically relating to its consistency with the EU's VAT Directive. The case involves Fenix International Ltd and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, focusing on VAT assessments related to Fenix's Only Fans platform. The core issue is whether Article 9a(1) oversteps the implementing powers granted to the Council by supplementing or amending Article 28 of the VAT Directive. The Court ultimately finds that the examination revealed no factors affecting the validity of the article. The Court determined that the Council did not exceed its implementing powers by adopting Article 9a(1)

Case C-695 20 Fenix International  (28 February 2023)

Welcome to AI with Shaily, hosted by Shailendra Kumar! 🎙️ Today, Shaily brings an exciting update from the realm of artificial intelligence and data science that could revolutionize how businesses in the digital economy forecast their futures. 🚀

Shailendra recalls a personal encounter with a startup founder struggling to predict their company’s survival through unpredictable market changes. Like many entrepreneurs, they relied on intuition rather than solid data. But now, thanks to a groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Data Science, machine learning is acting like a crystal ball 🔮—helping entrepreneurs and policymakers accurately predict the lifecycle of digital economy businesses.

This innovative research goes beyond simple number crunching. By analyzing massive datasets with advanced machine learning models, it uncovers patterns that indicate whether a business is likely to grow, stumble, or be acquired. Imagine having the power not only to review your business’s past performance but also to foresee its future trajectory. This enables smarter strategy adjustments, maintaining competitiveness, and even shaping smarter regulations. 📊✨

Shaily highlights a key trend in data science: moving from just describing what happened to predicting what will happen. It’s like upgrading from reading yesterday’s weather report to knowing tomorrow’s forecast—an invaluable edge for making decisions. 🌤️➡️🌦️

For a bonus tip, Shaily advises anyone involved in digital economy businesses to integrate predictive analytics tools early. Spotting risks or opportunities sooner means you can position yourself far ahead of the competition. 🕵️‍♂️💡

He leaves listeners with a powerful thought: “The future belongs to those who understand the past—but more importantly, those who can predict what’s next.” 🔮📈

To stay updated on more AI breakthroughs, Shailendra invites you to follow him on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Medium. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation by sharing how you’d use predictive business lifecycle modeling in your work. Let’s keep the dialogue going! 💬🤖

Signing off, this is Shailendra Kumar from AI with Shaily—where the future is now, and it’s driven by data. 📡💻✨

Predicting the Future: How Machine Learning is Revolutionizing Digital Business Survival

What happens when algorithms — not people — decide who gets hired, promoted, or assigned the night shift?

In this debut episode of Work in Progress, Alessandro from the ILO Research Department speaks with Nikolai Rogovsky, Senior Economist at the ILO, about how artificial intelligence is transforming human resource management — and what it means for fairness, dignity, and the future of work.

With nearly 30 years at the ILO and a PhD from Wharton, Nikolai unpacks insights from ILO Working Paper No. 95, exploring how companies are using AI in hiring and workforce optimization — and the risks this poses to decent work.

To read the paper discussed in this episode, visit:
https://www.ilo.org/publications/artificial-intelligence-human-resource-management-challenge-human-centred-1

Work in Progress is a podcast from the ILO Research Department, sharing early ideas and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the changing world of work.

AI and HR: What Happens When Algorithms Manage People?

Episode overview: 
In this conversation, South African strategist Wabo Majavu, executive strategy and business operations leader at Africa Data Centres, unpacks how technical expertise at organisations like MTN and Intelsat laid the foundation for her distinctive approach to strategic leadership and digital activism.

From building radar applications at the CSIR to optimising cellular networks through late-night, township-sourced sheep's head dinners with seasoned veteran technicians, Majavu's journey illustrates how hands-on technical experience and savvy adaptation becomes the bedrock of strategic thinking. She discusses navigating workplace discrimination, helping transform organisational culture at state-owned Sentech, and her prescient work in AI before it became a global phenomenon.

Andile Masuku explores with Majavu how strategists shape a company's future direction, the delicate balance between commercial viability and digital inclusion, and her current mission to democratise coding through native African languages.

Key topics:
- From radar systems at CSIR to RF optimisation at MTN: building the technical foundation for strategic leadership
- How experiences at Intelsat shaped her understanding of managed services and market transformation
- The Sentech years: leading digital transformation while learning that culture can eat even the best strategy for breakfast
- Studying AI and signal processing before the global AI boom, and formative educational experiences in Malaysia that shaped future vision
- Strategic stakeholder management: converting union leaders into product managers and building collaborative ecosystems
- Balancing commercial imperatives with digital inclusion through long-term strategic thinking
- Where to start learning AI: practical advice for breaking into the field

Notable points:
1. Majavu's radar applications work at CSIR and cellular network optimisation at MTN provided the technical depth that informs her strategic decision-making today
2. At MTN, she overcame racial barriers by building relationships with Network Operations Centre (NOC) technicians through after-hours learning sessions, bringing sheep's head delicacies from Mamelodi township to earn their trust and knowledge
3. At Sentech, she learned firsthand that "culture can eat strategy for breakfast," successfully converting a well-respected, highly influential union leader into a turnkey product manager spearheading the roll-out of new digital services
4. Majavu studied signal processing and then AI before it became mainstream, building web crawlers and predictive systems
5. Her approach to change management involves understanding each stakeholder's agenda and finding areas of alignment, demonstrated through her successful transformation of adversaries into collaborators

Listen for Majavu's insights on how strategists inform a company's trajectory, why patient capital and technical depth are essential for Africa's digital transformation, and how past experiences become the lens through which strategic leaders view future possibilities.

Image credit: Konecta

Strategy Diaries: Wabo Majavu on Balancing Commercial Success with Digital Inclusion

In this episode of VoiceMail, João Bento, CEO of CTT – Correios de Portugal, reflects on how one of the world’s oldest postal institutions is reinventing itself for the digital age. From redefining services to fostering innovation and sustainability, he shares lessons on leadership, transformation, and the enduring mission of connecting people in a changing world.

When change becomes the constant - CTT’s journey from tradition to transformation

Digital financial technologies have transformed global economic activity by enabling fast and accessible online payment solutions. Digital wallets and online payment platforms allow individuals and organizations to conduct financial transactions without relying exclusively on traditional banking methods. One such platform is Skrill, a digital payment service that allows users to send, receive, and manage money electronically. This document presents an academic overview of Skrill accounts, focusing on their structure, operational functions, account types, and security mechanisms. The aim of this study is to help students understand the role of digital wallet systems within the broader financial technology ecosystem. By examining Skrill accounts as an example of modern digital financial infrastructure, this document contributes to a better understanding of how online payment platforms support global digital commerce.

your-financial-freedom-buy-verified-skrill-accounts-vertical

The rapid development of financial technology has significantly transformed modern financial systems. Digital payment platforms allow individuals to conduct financial transactions electronically without relying exclusively on traditional banking methods. One example of such a platform is Cash App, a digital financial service that enables users to send, receive, and manage money through online infrastructure. This document presents an academic analysis of Cash App accounts, focusing on their structure, operational functions, security features, and role within digital payment ecosystems. The aim of this document is educational, providing students with an understanding of how digital wallet systems operate and how they contribute to modern financial interactions. By examining Cash App accounts as a case study of financial technology, this document helps illustrate the broader impact of digital payment systems on contemporary economic activities.

buy-verified-cash-app-accounts-100-safe-btc-enabled-vertical

Unlock the secrets of data mastery with Shailendra, a 27-year veteran in AI, ML, and Data Science, driving AU$ 6 Billion in transformative value. As the author of 'Making Money out of Data,' their strategies redefine digital success. With expertise honed at IBM and Accenture, they drive innovation and data monetization. Explore how loyalty programs like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards revolutionize business—connect with Shaily today.

Africa-focused technology, digital and innovation ecosystem insight and commentary.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity.

Today, the ILO helps advance the creation of decent work and the economic and working conditions that give working people and business people a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress. Its tripartite structure provides a unique platform for promoting decent work for all women and men. 

Its main aims are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Providing UN News in Hindi, संयुक्त राष्ट्र समाचार हिन्दी में

UN News Hindi audio products can be downloaded and used free of charge and without attribution by broadcasters in their programmes or as a source of information and materials for individual reporters.

Willkommen zu 'Blattgold', dem Schweizer Buchpodcast der Universität Zürich. Einmal monatlich gibt es hier aktuelle Literaturkritik, Interviews mit Autorinnen und Autoren oder thematische Sendungen rund ums Thema Literatur. Moderation: Salomé Meier

UPU is the UN specialized agency for postal services working with 192 member countries to create the postal network of the future.

New tracks tagged #digital economy