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sheana_ahlqvist

62 karma · joined October 14, 2014

UX | User Research

www.phd-insights.com

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sheana_ahlqvist··on [dead]
Just came here to say the same thing. Very odd
sheana_ahlqvist··on ACLU reaches settlement with Facebook over discriminatory ads
> The big picture: Unlike television or radio, internet platforms that sell ads aren't regulated.

I'm surprised that this continues to the case, especially in examples like this where EXISTING regulations seem to fit pretty squarely with "new" problems created on tech platforms. There's some really interesting work on how differently tech companies are regulated from other kinds of companies (e.g., here: https://innovationforallcast.com/2019/01/23/amanda-lotz-what...)

sheana_ahlqvist··on ACLU reaches settlement with Facebook over discriminatory ads
Those demographic correlates of race are already illegal as substitutes in similar domains (like qualifying for a mortgage). If they aren't illegal already for (e.g.,) landlords, it seems like an easy expansion of current regulations.
sheana_ahlqvist··on Why FinTech is failing the poor: A Behavioral Economics perspective [audio]
Episode covers how can FinTech leverage behavioral economics to help people become more financially secure.

I was surpised at how many common practices of "money saving" apps are not supported by scientific research (or in some cases, just don't make any sense for those in more extreme poverty)

sheana_ahlqvist··on Sub-Acute Effects of Psilocybin on Empathy, Creative Thinking
"obviously this has to be done on people without drug experience, because the effects are rather easy to tell apart by drug users"

Interestingly, the subjective experience of having a "high" seems to be somewhat learned through prior experiences. Testing on people without drug experience may not be the accurate test one might want and assume.

sheana_ahlqvist··on AR Will Spark the Next Big Tech Platform: Call It Mirrorworld
Yes! Although that assumes a third party managing the digital space, which McDonalds might still have to allow.
sheana_ahlqvist··on VR training to reduce sexual harassment is not a gimmick
Most VR is a total gimmick. Here the CEO of Vantage Point explains what really, really good VR training can look like on the Innovation For All podcast.
sheana_ahlqvist··on Google and Facebook are monopolies. Does it matter? [audio]
Yeah, and I'm glad that this episode touched on how acquisitions should be thought of in the context of monopolies. It may be time to start thinking in terms of anti-trust when larger companies acquire teeny tiny companies, not just when large companies merge.
sheana_ahlqvist··on Google and Facebook are monopolies. Does it matter? [audio]
The argument they made in support of GDPR for reducing monopolies was pretty strong.
sheana_ahlqvist··on Delay, Deny and Deflect: How Facebook’s Leaders Fought Through Crisis
The Innovation For All podcast released a super timely episode related to this yesterday. It was on whether tech companies like Facebook and Google are monopolies and if that's really a problem. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/google-facebook-are-mono...

The guest went into this topic some more: "While Facebook had publicly declared itself ready for new federal regulations, Ms. Sandberg privately contended that the social network was already adopting the best reforms and policies available. Heavy-handed regulation, she warned, would only disadvantage smaller competitors."

sheana_ahlqvist··on Poor Grades Tied to Class Times That Don’t Match Our Biological Clocks
It's frustrating that we let antiquated systems remain in the face of new data indicating that the system could be improved. I don't think it's ANYONE's goal to let some people get worse grades just because. Generally, the goal of schooling is to get everyone to a better, more knowledgeable version of themselves in preparation for the world.