Lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphrey shares tech tips
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Black tech entrepreneurs say AI can’t be ignored
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term for any technology that makes it possible for a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are usually performed by human beings. WURD Radio, DiverseForce and P4 Hub sponsored a panel discussion hosted by Stephanie Humphrey on May, 8, 2024. The panel included Akinyemi Bajulaiye, Shelton Mercer, Deborah Roebuck and Sulaiman Rahman. Rahman: “We have to face that fear. We can’t put our heads into the sand. That’s not going to affect change.” The panel discussion was a part of Philly Tech Week 2024 and was moderated by Humphrey, who regularly appears on a WurD radio show. The Washington Post published a story on the FBI warning that foreign adversaries might use AI to interfere in U.S. elections by spreading disinformation, the day after a Philadelphia discussion on artificial intelligence and the Black community. It was a standing-room-only conversation.
Many people are afraid of artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI.
They worry that the technology could be harmful by creating false narratives, video and audio of real people or incidents.
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On Thursday, the day after a Philadelphia discussion on artificial intelligence and the Black community, the Washington Post published a story on the FBI warning that foreign adversaries might use AI to interfere in American elections by spreading disinformation.
People also are afraid AI will result in people losing their jobs. One reason for the Hollywood writers strike last year was a concern that AI would replace human writers for television and films.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term for any technology that makes it possible for a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are usually performed by human beings.
Sulaiman Rahman, founder and CEO of DiverseForce, a human capital solutions firm that develops diverse talent pipelines and places people on nonprofit governing boards, said everyone needs to face the realities of AI.
“There’s a lot of fear about AI, ” Rahman said this week. “I sent a LinkedIn post where I had AI duplicate my face and voice and create a speech and I wanted to see how our community responded.”
He had alerted people that an AI tool created the message and got a two kinds of responses: Some people thought the technology was “amazing,” and others said, “This is scary.”
“We have to face that fear,” Rahman said. “We can’t put our heads into the sand. That’s not going to affect change.”
» READ MORE: How voters can avoid deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation in the 2024 presidential election
Rahman spoke with The Inquirer the day after DiverseForce teamed up with WURD Radio and the P4 Hub to sponsor “Artificial Intelligence, Black Realities: Unpacking AI’s True Impact,” a panel discussion Wednesday at the P4 Hub in Germantown.
About 200 people crowded into the space for a standing-room-only conversation. It was a part of Philly Tech Week 2024.
In addition to Rahman, the panel included ; Akinyemi Bajulaiye , founder of Pentridge Media; Shelton Mercer, founder and CEO of Virtuous Innovation and founder of Audigent, an Inc. 5000 company; Deborah Roebuck, and doctor of nursing practice and founder and CEO of Going Thru The Change. Technology and lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphrey, who regularly appears on a WURD radio show, moderated the panel.
Decades-old technology, breaking through
Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, Rahman said.
But since ChatGPT came onto the scene in late 2022, there is a widespread concern that an artificial “super intelligence,” now known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — in which AI becomes more capable than humans— is coming sooner than once expected.
Rahman compared the recent innovations in artificial intelligence to how computers and mainframes were around for decades (on university campuses and government and military institutions) before personal computers arrived.
“AI has been around for the last 30 years, but it was behind the scene. Now it’s in the hands of individuals,” he said.
Shelton Mercer, a tech innovator, said the proliferation of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for Black people and other people of color. Mercer said the panel discussion was needed to help Black people “make sense of the bombardment, whispers and chatter that people are hearing about AI.”
(Mercer is also on the board of the Lenfest Foundation which owns the Philadelphia Inquirer.)
“There’s a lot of work for leaders to do to help demystify AI and show how this technology is influencing us currently and what it will do in the future,” Mercer said.
“Authenticity is the thing I talk about. We talk about artificial intelligence, but we’ve got to make sure we are tripling down on authenticity because it is more difficult to discern [what is real].”
People are already using AI when they use chatbots on a company website. It’s also used in smart phones that suggest the next words to use when writing a text.
Can algorithms be biased?
One example of bias in AI’s technology discussed Wednesday occurred when someone mentioned searching for images of doctors, and the only images of physicians “imagined” by the AI tool were white or Asian.
That bias about who can be a doctor in American society, came from the biases of the human programmers, Mercer said. Human beings program the algorithms, or the set of instructions to be followed to solve a problem.
“We have seen those types of cultural biases show up in the way these machines generate output and the way the AI assumes that certain roles, like doctors, lawyers, or scientists can only been seen in some populations, either white Europeans and Asians,” Mercer said.
“Society suffers from the ills of many isms and phobias and unfortunately, the tools that are created and programmed by human beings are going to be affected by those kinds of ills,” Mercer added.
Deborah Roebuck, a women’s health and executive coach, said when the COVID pandemic shut things down in 2020, she didn’t know how to use Zoom nor did she know about social media. But she signed up for a course to learn about technology.
“If we don’t get on board, we are not being models for the other people,” said Roebuck, who will be 70 this year.
A technology that needs guidance
In the audience, Chris Brown, 31, of Mt. Airy, admitted the conversation was new to him, even though he is a young man.
“I’m an anti-social media person and it’s all scary to me,” said Brown, who works in financial services. “I’m trying to open myself up to learn more about it. ”
Tatzanna Jackson, 25, a student at Community College of Philadelphia, said she had recently returned to college and wants to complete her degree. She said she came to make contacts and meet people who can help her make career choices.
While people may be afraid of AI, Rahman said they should compare it to how fire is used.
“Fire can be used to cook food or keep your home warm, or it can be dangerous and destructive,” he said.
There are already discussions about how AI should be governed or monitored and held in check both in the United States and globally, he said.
“It’s inevitably going to be a part of our lives, and if we want to leverage it for good, we need to be aware of the implications as it becomes part of our society and participate in the conversation of we are going to raise this toddler — I think of AI as a toddler — and create it in a way that is responsible.”
New gift card scam: Here’s how to protect yourself
Shoppers are buying gift cards for their loved ones, only to find out there’s nothing on it. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is showing shoppers here how to protect themselves. Technology and lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphrey said there are two new ways criminals are taking your money. The easiest way to avoid a gift card scam is to just give your loved one cash, she said.”I think it’s tragic that people are out here taking from people their hard-earned money,” Atlanta shopper Wesley Watkins said. “It’s Atlanta. A lot of people scam here anyhow,” Watkins said, “So, what I would do is just be cautious” “No type of gift card is safe,” Humphrey says. “You don’t know what may be inside of this”
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COBB COUNTY, Ga. — There’s a new innovation in gift card scamming that’s exploding around the country.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is showing shoppers here how to protect themselves.
Imagine buying your loved one a gift card, but when they go to use it, they call you to say there’s nothing on it. That’s exactly what’s happening. And no type of gift card is safe.
Gift cards are one of the easiest gifts to pick up for the holidays. Atlanta shopper Wesley Watkins said he recently bought some himself.
“I did not know this scam was going on,” Watkins said.
Gift card scammers seem to be getting more and more creative with each holiday season. Technology and lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphrey said there are two new ways criminals are taking your money.
“Someone will, maybe, purchase a gift card, load a very minimal amount of money on it, take the card home, get the bar code, duplicate that bar code, and then put it on a gift card in the store over top of the barcode that’s already there,” Humphrey said.
Humphrey said once the money gets loaded onto the card, it goes right to the scammer. She explained the other common scam.
“They are stealing bulk gift cards… taking them home, carefully opening up the packaging, and cutting the activation code information—the PIN code information, cutting it off, putting that partial gift card back into the packaging and resealing it, and then putting those back on store shelves,” Humphrey said.
As soon as the card is activated, thieves drain the money. Humphrey said it doesn’t matter if it’s a Visa gift card or a store gift card. And it’s challenging to get your money back.
“I think it’s tragic that people are out here taking from people their hard-earned money,” Watkins said.
Tips for shoppers
This is why the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is sharing tips with shoppers on how to stay safe. Sgt. Jeremy Black explained on an Instagram reel.
“If you have a gift card that looks like this; take a moment, fold it out, and make sure the complete gift card is there,” Blake said. “Physically inspect it, make sure there’s nothing tampered with.”
Humphrey also suggests checking the edges, looking at the portion of the card that you’re supposed to scratch off, feeling the envelope to make sure there is a full-sized gift card inside, buying your gift card from a display where employees can always see it, and keeping your receipt.
Blake said before you leave the store, there’s one more suggestion.
“Ask the cashier to actually open this package before you load money on it because you don’t know what may be inside of this,” Blake said.
If you happen to become a victim, Humphrey said you can reach out to the gift card company to freeze it, as retail stores likely won’t be able to help. You can try to get your money back. Once you’ve given it away, it’s often too late.
“It’s Atlanta. A lot of people scam here anyhow,” Watkins said. “So, what I would do is just be cautious.”
Finally, Blake said the easiest way to avoid a gift card scam is to just give your loved one cash.
2020 Best of the Class: Toasting local valedictorians
6abc celebrates academic excellence in our region through the Best of the Class. Take a look at how some area valedictorians reinvented themselves in the final months of their high school lives. We asked our high school standouts to weigh in on the most important topics facing them and the world. The recent spate of civil rights protests around racial injustice has gripped our nation’s. Leave it to the Class of 2020 to stay optimistic and hopeful despite their current circumstances. Listen to how they’re finding the silver lining living through COVID-19. This year’s virtual speaker panel consisted of the following:. Steve McClatchy, New York Times best-selling author. Sally Lawrence, Associate Director of Employer Partnerships | Widener University.
Widener University President Julie Wollman, PHD, shares some advice for success after high school.
Every year, 6abc celebrates academic excellence in our region through the Best of the Class.
Even though high schools across the region have been shuttered for months now, many still made sure to nominate their top seniors.
We reached out to them and they submitted personal videos, candidly describing how they’re faring under these circumstances, views on the world and their bright plans for the future.
Take a look at how some area valedictorians reinvented themselves in the final months of their high school lives.
REINVENTING SENIOR YEAR
Because of COVID-19, the class of 2020 lost everything normal about their graduation season. But they still showed resilience beyond their years. Take a look at how some reinvented senior year.
Masks, social distancing, virtual classes … these are the NEW rules of engagement for students in the age of COVID-19.
ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL
Social distancing, masks, virtual classes while staying at home for nearly three months. These are the NEW rules of engagement for these seniors now living through COVID-19.
We asked our high school standouts to weigh in on the most important topics facing them and the world.
WORLD ISSUES
2020 has ushered in a lot of major news stories. The recent spate of civil rights protests around racial injustice has gripped our nation’s. We asked our students to weigh in on this important topic and others.
From a Nasa scientist to developing cures for viruses and diseases to social activism, this group of seniors has a diverse set of careers they hope to pursue.
CAREER ASPIRATIONS
From a Nasa scientist to developing cures for viruses and diseases to social activism, this group of seniors has a diverse set of careers they hope to pursue.
Leave it to the Class of 2020 to stay optimistic and hopeful despite their current circumstances. Listen to how they’re finding the silver lining living through COVID-19.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC
Leave it to the Class of 2020 to stay optimistic and hopeful despite their current circumstances. Listen to how they’re finding the silver lining living through COVID-19.
This year’s virtual speaker panel consisted of the following:
What’s Next: How to Keep Goal-setting and Dreaming BIG
Steve McClatchy, New York Times best-selling author | https://alleer.com
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Digital Brand
Stephanie Humphrey, Tech & Lifestyle Expert and ABC News Contributor | https://www.linkedin.com/in/techlifesteph
The Changing Landscape of Studying Medicine
Dr. Jawanza Bundy, Assistant Professor, Nursing | Widner University
Developing Your Career Aspirations in this “New Normal”
Dr. Janet Long, Executive Director, Career Design and Development
Sally Lawrence, Associate Director of Employer Partnerships | Widener University
Tech Lifestyle Expert, Stephanie Humphrey Releases First Book, “Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In The Butt!”
Stephanie Humphrey, aka Techlife Steph, released her first book, Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In The Butt! The new book underscores the importance of having a positive online reputation and how to do so. The book provides real-world examples of the lasting impact that social media mistakes can have on your personal brand. Humphrey is currently conducting virtual seminars focusing on the lessons covered in the book. She will be appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America on August 11th and GMA 3: What You Need to Know on Wednesday, August 12th.
Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In the Butt! Cover Image Author Stephanie Humphrey
Humphrey is a former engineer and tech contributor for ABC News. She has appeared on national television programs including Good Morning America, Sarah Strahan and Keke, Home and Family and Harry and has been educating students and their parents on social media responsibility for the past decade through an online seminar that she created named ‘Til Death Do You Tweet.
With occurrences of social media mistakes and misbehavior being more prevalent and more exposed than ever and people experiencing serious consequences for these missteps, she saw a need to provide young people with a guide to protect their digital reputations. Humphrey says, “In this time of ‘cancel culture’ we need to be even more mindful than ever about what we post. I truly hope this book will help make all of us better digital citizens!”
In addition to the release of Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In The Butt!, Humphrey is currently conducting virtual seminars focusing on the lessons covered in the book. Also, she will be appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday, August 11th and GMA 3: What You Need to Know on Wednesday, August 12th. Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In The Butt! is available on Amazon (https://amzn.to/2PEyOHn).
To connect with Stephanie Humphrey, please visit:
Media Contact:
Aliya Crawford / [email protected]
W&W Public Relations
908-253-6360, ext. 227
SOURCE Stephanie Humphrey