Think: Digital Futures

Latest Episodes:

Automating CPR Apr 16, 2019

Show notes

The survival rate of CPR is incredibly low and hasn't changed in more than 25 years. While a compulsory skill for health professionals, research shows CPR performance drastically declines just weeks after receiving training. So why is a skill that helps save lives failing so many?

In this episode we look at how feedback devices could help boost the survival rate of CPR. Nursing student Bec Karslake (University of Technology Sydney) explains what it's like to use these devices firsthand, while registered nurse Felicity Dick-Smith (University of Technology Sydney) tosses up the automation of resuscitation.

Why Online Privacy Isn't a Priority Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

Smart devices have connected our world, but not without a price. The rise of the internet of things, an interconnected ecosystem of smart devices, raises concerns about the security and privacy of your personal data. But in the digital age, are security and privacy a myth?

This episode, hardware security blogger Limited Results explains how IoT tech is failing to keep your information secure. IoT Security expert Imran Makhdoom (University of Technology Sydney) calls out the manufacturers and Pardis Emami (Carnegie Mellon University) argues while privacy isn't dead, it could be without stronger security.

The War on Piracy Apr 02, 2019

Show notes

The narrative of the pirate is a potent one. The pirate is a devious, morally corrupt criminal who doesn't care about you or the law. But where does this narrative come from? And just how accurate is it?

This episode, James Meese (University of Technology Sydney) introduces us to the original pirates and runs through the timeline of copyright law. Tom MacDonald (Queens University) pleads the case for the political digital pirate, articulating how piracy pushes back against the control of copyright holders.

The Adult Industry Goes Crypto Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

The adult industry continues to face heavy stigma. Not only are they demoralised for what they do, they're excluded from the financial institutions that many of us take for granted. This makes it extremely difficult to secure a loan, get insurance and keep their business afloat.

This episode we unpack how cryptocurrency offers financial autonomy for the adult industry. Mattias Hulting (Ramblin' Brands) walks us through his journey with the vibrator line, Smile Makers. Leah Callon-Butler (intimate.io) introduces us to their plan to cut out the financial gatekeepers, while Adrian Lee (University of Technology Sydney) weighs up the positives and negatives of cryptocurrency.

Why are we Gendering Artificial Intelligence? Mar 19, 2019

Show notes

Virtual assistants have become core to smartphones and speakers, but why are they all women? In this episode, feminist AI researcher Josie Young explains that a series of research projects in the 90s set a problematic baseline for gendering technology. While Josie illustrates how narrow minded design can be damaging, data scientist Theresa Anderson (Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation - University of Technology Sydney) makes the case for an ethical AI framework.

STEMM-INISM Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

When it comes to the workplace, nowhere are the barriers of gender-based discrimination felt more keenly than in the STEMM fields. This episode we explore where the lines are drawn when it comes to "getting ahead" in male-dominated workplaces, and what we can all do to challenge this hierarchy.

Producer Cheyne Anderson chats to Meredith Nash (University of Tasmania) about why the dominant "lean in" philosophy just doesn't cut it. Karen O'Connell (University of Technology Sydney) explains the invisible dimensions of workplace discrimination. And finally we join geologist and science communicator Kathleen Patrick on a trip to Antartica that may just hold the answer.

The Race Filter Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

As the world's pre-eminent gay networking service and the first gay geosocial app to launch on iTunes, Grindr offers its users a filter heavy experience where they can refine the selection of men around them to connect with those they find the most attractive. However, for as long as the app has been running, Grindr has been awash with criticism that one particular filter fosters a culture of racism - an ethnicity filter.

This episode, you'll hear from Sinakhone Keodara who not only denounces the app for offering this filter, but is suing Grindr for perpetuating a racist culture. Web developer Trever Faden unpacks why Grindr is so filter heavy, while cyber racism expert Andrew Jakubowicz explains the internet has become a breeding ground for racist behaviour.

Producer: Jake Morcom.

Anorexia and Algorithms Oct 22, 2018

Show notes

Across all mental illnesses, anorexia nervosa has the highest rate of mortality.

But pro-eating disorder websites on social media platforms like Instagram and Tumblr host communities of individuals who promote disordered eating as a choice, not as an illness, and use the internet to share tips and discuss their food restrictions.

We spoke with author Dr June Alexander, Dr Ysabel Gerrard, Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at The University of Sheffield, and Rachel Cohen, psychologist at the Black Dog Institute and PHD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney.

Enforcing Apprehended Violence Orders Online Oct 15, 2018

Show notes

Digital technology is increasingly used in domestic and family violence. Research from the University of Queensland shows that almost any technology, including social media and GPS-trackers, can be used for abusive purposes.

The rise of digital technologies in our everyday life have raised a whole new set of questions concerning preventing domestic violence and enforcing apprehended violence orders.

We spoke with Professor Heather Douglas from the TC Beirne School of Law at the University of Queensland and Dr Jane Wangmann from the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology Sydney.

Why NAPLAN is Widening The Education Gap Sep 17, 2018

Show notes

Earlier this year students in years three, five, seven, and nine were assessed on their reading, writing, language and numeracy as part of the National Assessment program, or NAPLAN. The data obtained from the NAPLAN tests are collated and used to show all schools' average performance against other schools in the country on the Government MySchool website.

Just last month students and parents all over the country received their NAPLAN results admits growing national controversy surrounding the comparability of online and pen-and-paper test results and the validity of the assessment.

But is it the technology used to implement the exam, or the assessment itself that is widening the education gap?

We spoke with Dr Simon Knight, Lecturer in the Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation and Lynda Pascoe, Principal of the Ngukurr Community Education Centre in the Katherine Region of the Northern Territory.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Think: Digital Futures

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6