Another Crazy Day in AI: When Convenience Comes with a Cost
- Wowza Team
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
This week’s been buzzing, but before the weekend takes over, here’s a thought: AI is in our pockets, kitchens, even toothbrushes—collecting data we don’t always notice. A new piece unpacks just how much we’re trading for convenience.
And in case you thought AI drama was slowing down: Meta’s in a high-stakes talent hunt, dangling millions to woo top researchers. But talent? It might take more than a paycheck.
Meanwhile, a fresh study maps where humans welcome AI—and where they’d rather keep it out. It’s a reminder that tech adoption isn’t just about what AI can do, but what we’re actually okay with it doing.
Now that’s something to think about as the weekend rolls in.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
The digital trail we leave
The $10M job offer from Meta
Where AI fits—and where it doesn’t
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
Are you unknowingly trading your privacy for convenience every time you interact with smart devices?
A comprehensive analysis by Christopher Ramezan, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at West Virginia University, explores how modern devices—from electric razors to fitness trackers—are quietly collecting vast amounts of personal data through embedded algorithms. Published in The Conversation, this piece reveals the hidden data collection practices behind everyday tools and offers practical guidance for protecting your digital privacy.
Here's What You Should Know:
Smart devices collect data constantly - Your home speakers, fitness trackers, and even electric toothbrushes monitor your habits and conversations around the clock, creating detailed behavioral profiles whether you realize it or not
AI platforms store everything you tell them - ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and similar tools keep permanent records of your conversations, using this information to improve their systems and potentially sharing it with other parties
Social media tracking follows you everywhere - Platforms use cookies and tracking pixels to monitor your activity across different websites, which is why you see targeted ads based on your recent browsing history
Your health data can be sold - Fitness trackers and smartwatches aren't bound by medical privacy laws, so companies can legally sell information about your heart rate, sleep patterns, and exercise habits
Privacy settings have limitations - Even when you opt out of certain features, companies typically continue collecting your data and may simply use it differently rather than stopping collection entirely
Government partnerships expand monitoring - New collaborations between tech companies and government agencies create opportunities for tracking citizens through their everyday device usage and purchases
Companies are reducing user control - Many firms are making data collection automatic by default and removing options that previously let users limit what information gets shared
Data breaches affect everyone - Personal information collected by trusted companies can end up stolen by hackers or accessed by foreign governments through cyberattacks
Legal protections remain incomplete - Current privacy laws struggle to keep up with rapidly evolving data collection methods and technologies
Simple steps can help protect you - Avoiding personal details in AI conversations, turning off devices during private discussions, and reading terms of service can reduce your exposure
Here’s how websites you browse can track you using cookies or tracking pixels.
This extensive data collection creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individual privacy concerns. When companies gather information from millions of users, they develop powerful capabilities to predict and influence human behavior on a societal level. This data becomes valuable not just for selling products, but for understanding population trends, assessing individual risks, and even influencing political processes. The information you share with one device or platform often gets combined with data from other sources to create comprehensive profiles that reveal more about you than you might expect.
The research doesn't suggest that people should avoid these technologies completely. Many smart devices and AI tools provide genuine benefits that improve daily life, from health monitoring to productivity assistance. However, understanding how these systems work allows people to make more informed decisions about which conveniences are worth the privacy trade-offs. Companies profit significantly from user data, but individuals can still take practical steps to limit unnecessary exposure while continuing to benefit from useful features. The key lies in approaching these tools with awareness rather than blind trust, recognizing that convenience often comes with hidden costs that deserve consideration.
Read the full article here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
The $10M Job Offer from Meta
/Thomas Claburn, Senior Reporter, on The Register
Meta is going all-in on AI, reportedly offering up to $10 million per year to elite researchers in an aggressive hiring push. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is personally reaching out, underscoring the urgency to compete with OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. But even with eye-watering offers, Meta is still struggling to secure top-tier talent—many prefer the impact or culture of startups. This behind-the-scenes look reveals a talent war where AI expertise is the new gold.
Read more here.
Where AI Fits—and Where It Doesn’t
/Ethan Mollick, on LinkedIn
A new study maps where AI automation and human preferences align—and where they clash. By combining surveys of workers and AI experts, it divides workplace tasks into four “zones” of automation potential, revealing that some jobs are ripe for AI help while others trigger resistance. The study also warns of a shift in which workplace skills will be most valued, from data handling to people skills. It's a call to steer AI adoption toward both capability and consent.
Read more here.
Read the paper here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
ClarityUX – Improve design reviews with AI heat maps and feedback to boost sales.
WeatherLab – DeepMind’s hurricane model forecasts 15 days out with 50 storm scenarios.
Manus Chat Mode – Free, unlimited AI chat with instant answers.
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.
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