There is nothing wrong with your television. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are now controlling the transmission. We control the horizontal and the vertical. We can deluge you with a thousand channels or expand one single image to crystal clarity and beyond. We can shape your vision to anything our imagination can conceive. - The Outer Limits (1963)
It almost feels like an episode of Black Mirror, watching these stations quote the same pre-determined diatribe on fake news and it's danger to our democracy.
The very message they are purportedly supporting directly contradicts their actions.
I think most people realize this happens to some degree ... but, it's different when it's presented like this.
Personally, I believe I am reasonably aware and somewhat immune from propaganda. That probably isn't as true as I'd like to believe.
To put it in context - Sinclar Broadcast Group owns nearly 200 stations in 80 different markets, and are looking to buy out more. That is a powerful platform to deliver mass messages and influence the zeitgeist of its audience.
It used to be true that winners wrote history (think empires, wars, etc.). Now, the one that delivers the most broadcast narratives shapes the emotional and seemingly logical responses to what we perceive to be happening around us.
The result impacts elections, financial markets, buying choices, and countless other areas of our life.
As A.I., Bots, and social media grow, our ability to discern truth from 'truthiness' weakens.
What do you think about this?
What Is The Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is literally just a connected network of digital "things" that can interact with each other through the internet (or intranets).
Yet, the IoT also represents a paradigm shift (and the next big upgrade to the web). By 2020, over 26 billion (with a b) things will be connected to the internet.
But how does it work, and why do you care?
Information Is Beautiful created a helpful interactive primer on the IoT that's worth a look.
Click here to see it. It answers questions like "What kind of things? and "how will the things be used?" but also gives you a chance to look at the innovations, the innovators, and the challenges involved.
via Information Is Beautiful
Ultimately, things like cars, buildings, home appliances and wearables will communicate and interact to create a connected world.
People's homes are already becoming more connected. With smart hubs you can control your alarms, your lights and HVAC, all the way down to starting your coffee machine.
Now imagine that connectivity in a hospital or a supply chain. It's going to be a huge breakthrough.
But what about challenges?
As we get more technologically advanced and interconnected, there are inherent issues and weaknesses.
For example, as more devices access the internet you have more chances for attacks by hackers.
Computers, smartphones and other devices often come with virus protection, security measures and more. The same isn't true of your fridge or your coffee machine...
If there's one vulnerability in your network, that can easily affect all other devices on your network.
In fact, hacker's just stole a Casino's high roller database through a "smart" thermometer in their lobby aquarium.
As well, there are privacy issues, bandwidth issues and the unfortunate reality for many companies which is ... you may not be nimble enough to keep up with this innovation landscape.
What do you think about IoT? Do you have a connected home already? Can you start your car with your phone? Does your hedge fund use technology like this to let trading systems communicate, coordinate, and collaborate? Can you imagine what that would be like?
I can!
Posted at 03:43 PM in Business, Current Affairs, Gadgets, Ideas, Market Commentary, Trading, Trading Tools | Permalink | Comments (0)
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