THE CONVERSATION

Joshua S. Fu is the chancellor’s professor in engineering, climate change, and civil and environmental engineering at the University of Tennessee.
Technology

Social media bans don’t protect young people’s mental health, early research shows

Some researchers argue that placing bans on social media platforms is like putting an age restriction on buying alcohol or cigarettes.
Social media bans don’t protect young people’s mental health, early research shows
Technology

What happens when people have to jump in to clean up AI’s mess?

As AI takes on more work, some human capabilities will inevitably be used less often.
Technology

Can you trust AI’s answer to your question? Here’s what to consider

As a user, try to recognize what kind of intellectual work the AI agent did for a response you receive.
Technology

AI is supercharging money scams. Here’s how to protect yourself from fraud

Since the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center began tracking AI-linked fraud in 2025, Americans have filed nearly $893 million in losses.
Technology

How AI is opening up spectrum space on crowded airwaves

Making dynamic spectrum sharing work requires radios that are more flexible than the fixed-frequency devices of the past.
How AI is opening up spectrum space on crowded airwaves
Technology

Skin cancer detection tools powered by AI are improving. Not everyone is benefitting

New AI tools used in dermatology have a crucial shortcoming.
Skin cancer detection tools powered by AI are improving. Not everyone is benefitting
Work Life

3 steps to build stress resilience using biological and seasonal rhythms

One practical step is normalizing conversations about stress, seasonal capacity, and workload management.
3 steps to build stress resilience using biological and seasonal rhythms
Technology

Why social media algorithms feed you posts you dislike

The algorithms supplying your feeds may be designed to prioritize content that clashes with your values.
Why social media algorithms feed you posts you dislike
Technology

Are underwater data centers sustainable for AI infrastructure?

The real test is whether the ocean can become AI’s next computing frontier without becoming its next environmental problem.
Are underwater data centers sustainable for AI infrastructure
Technology

How do Siri and Alexa sound so human? A computer engineer explains

This is the technology behind the human-like voices in computers, smartphones, and apps.