DWT Pro Bono & Social Impact’s Post

#microlearning part 19: My 5 favorite, USEFUL laws that are important for your thinking, leadership skills, and making sense of the world: 1. Gibson's Law: "For every PHD, there is an equal and opposite PhD." You can find a PhD holder for almost anything to support your viewpoint. But so can your opposition, especially when it is a matter of policy making and or the law. Having a PhD in something does not always mean you're right, legally speaking. Not everything has an equal counterpoint, but someone can always find a subject matter who is willing to grasp at straws and present that illusion as depth of complexity. If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with BS. 2. Parkinson's Law: "Work expands to fill the time allocated to fulfill its completion." If you wait until the last minute to do a task, it only takes a minute to do. This is a good reminder for setting up realistic deadlines for yourself. More time often only means more procrastination. However, this also requires a thorough evaluation of the task itself. Say, if you are expected to do 60 hours worth of work in 40 hours, that means the job responsibilities are not planned and designated well. 3. Goodhart's Law: "When measures become a target, it stops being a good measure." Look, using metrics is very important for progress. But more times than not, we start to focus on the metric itself, rather than the overall goal that metric was supposed to indicate in the first place. An example I've felt is that when I was trying to read 24 books a year with the goal of improving my reading comprehension, I found myself selecting books that were shorter, simpler, and quicker to read. Just so I could hit that arbitrary metric of "24". When you use #Duolingo, are you genuinely trying to learn the language or just trying to get that arbitrary streak go up in numbers? 4. Brandolini's Law: "The amount of energy needed to refute bulls**t, is an order of magnitude larger than what's needed to produce it." To disprove 1 lie, you need to present 10 truths. When 1 misinformed tweet or tiktok goes viral, it has infected hundreds of thousands of people's opinion on that topic. Undoing this damage is a much harder task than it was to cause the damage in the first place. 5. Cole's Law: "A side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise." I find it to be very yummy. 😉 #LinkedIn #selfhelp #motivation #insight

Reflection 8 out of 12: The inaugural LLM x Law Hackathon at King's College, Cambridge, was a vivid reminder of the transformative power of professional diversity. Bringing together individuals from varied backgrounds—each with unique skills and perspectives—proved to be the key to driving innovation and creating compelling solutions in the LegalTech space. Harnessing the Power of Diverse Expertise  During the hackathon, we saw firsthand how combining different professional disciplines can lead to remarkable results. Our team at Simmons & Simmons included an Automation Engineer, a Data Scientist, a Legal Engineer, a Senior Legal Engineer, and a Programme Lead. This diverse mix of experts worked alongside academics, students, and judges, demonstrating the profound impact of interdisciplinary collaboration. The Impact of Professional Diversity  The hackathon showcased that the most compelling solutions often arise from teams with diverse mental models and unique perspectives. By leveraging the distinct strengths of each team member, we were able to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering creativity and innovation. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhanced problem-solving but also spurred learning and growth among all participants. Why Professional Diversity Matters  1. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse teams approach problems from various angles, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. 🔍  2. Innovation: Different perspectives stimulate creativity, driving breakthrough ideas. 💡  3. Learning and Growth: Collaborating with professionals from different fields fosters mutual learning and broadens understanding. 📚 At Simmons & Simmons, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices can collaborate and innovate. The LLM x Law Hackathon reinforced our belief that varied expertise is essential for driving the LegalTech field forward. #LLMxLawHackathon #LegalTech #AI #LegalInnovation Drew Winlaw Catalina Perdomo-Ortega David Huston Peter Lee Daisy Mak

Quick Office Pointe believes in ethical coding practices. What is ethical coding to you? Join the conversation on the importance of ethics in coding. Share the considerations you prioritize in your projects. Let's build a digital future with integrity.  #EthicalCoding #CodeIntegrity  #QuickOfficePointe

🌱 Exploring the Power of Participatory Video (PV) 🌍✨ This week in our PV workshop, participants answered the question, "What is Participatory Video?" before we went on to discuss PV for story-sharing & Ethics and Power 🤝 Let's continue the conversation! Share your insights on what Participatory Video means to you. How have you seen it make a difference in storytelling and project reporting? 🌐🗣️ What ethical issues must you consider when using PV in your communities? We would love to hear from you! 📣 #ParticipatoryVideo #CommunityEngagement #Storytelling #EthicalMedia

It's easy to forget that despite all the hype around Large Language Models (LLMs) a lot of people are still skeptical. I've noticed this, especially with friends of mine who work at big companies where LLM usage is restricted. The main criticisms I hear concern accuracy and hallucinations. Usually, the argument is that because LLM's occasionally get things wrong or make things up for a particular use case (hallucinations) they are not worth thinking about. I disagree with this take and use LLM's every day for all sorts of tasks. For those who share this skepticism, I recommend watching an interview with Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux and Git. He's a big fan of LLM's and is very optimistic about their future. My take on this is that the cutting edge of LLM's today is about as good as a decent new grad for most software engineering tasks. With proper coaching and if applied to a constrained, well-defined task they can do amazing things. If the task is poorly defined and too wide in scope the probability of failure increases dramatically. Much like a new grad, the quality of the mentor makes a massive impact on the quality of the work output. It's easy to forget how janky Linux was in the early days. Over time, it evolved significantly, bolstered by a growing community dedicated to its improvement. Similarly, we're just at the beginning with LLMs and the development of effective workflows around them. The future is promising as we continue to advance and refine these models.

Reflection 7 out of 12:    The inaugural LLM x Law Hackathon at King's College, Cambridge, was a remarkable event that highlighted the transformative potential of technology in the legal sector. The energy, creativity, and collaboration on display were truly inspiring. As I reflect on this experience, I see a clear message: the future of law is being shaped by innovative careers that bridge the gap between legal expertise and technological advancements.     Emerging Roles Inspired by the Hackathon Participants:  🔧💼Legal Engineers: Essential for crafting tools that enhance legal processes by merging legal knowledge with technical skills.  📊🔍Legal Data Scientists: Critical in using data to improve legal outcomes and forecast trends.  🤖⚖️AI and Machine Learning Legal Specialists: Vital for integrating AI and ML into legal practice and addressing their implications.  🎨📑Legal Designers: Focus on creating user-friendly legal systems through human-centred design.  🛡️🔒Data Privacy Officers: Increasingly important for ensuring data protection compliance.  🖥️🔐Cybersecurity Legal Advisors: Key in navigating legal cybersecurity aspects and mitigating risks.     The Hackathon highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of LegalTech, with participants from various fields developing solutions to real-world legal challenges. This event demonstrated the potential of technology to enhance legal productivity and streamline processes, pointing to exciting career paths at the law-technology nexus.     Simmons & Simmons is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals, emphasising mentorship and training for these emerging roles.     Stay tuned for more insights in our "AI as a Canvas" series. #LLMxLawHackathon #LegalTech #AI #LegalInnovation Drew Winlaw Catalina Perdomo-Ortega David Huston Peter Lee Daisy Mak

A very good explanation of 'enshittification' from the person that coined the term. Ethics and regulation has never been more important in modern business in so many respects, as we have become a civilisation to be exploited by whatever predatory business model that comes along... welcome to 'enshitocene'. Thanks Paul Snoxell for the find.

When presenting to a group of executives, the emphasis is on a fundamental principle: "We do not engage in competition; rather, we prioritize educating those unaware and in need of.m a solution ." This philosophy highlights the notion that sharing knowledge is not just an act of giving, but a profound commitment to enlightenment and empowerment for those who are open to learning. Understanding that our role involves educating the forthcoming generation of Social Media Harm Reduction Advocates brings to light the enormity and significance of this task. It's a role that demands not only dedication but also a deep understanding of the impact that social media can have on individuals and society. This responsibility is considerable, recognizing that few are equipped to shoulder such a burden. However, the transformation observed in individuals—transitioning from states of misunderstanding and emotional turmoil, aggravated by their online experiences, to becoming enlightened and responsible digital citizens—is nothing short of remarkable. This evolution signifies the core mission of the Social Media Research Institute. Our aim is to lay down a foundational and effective platform that not only encapsulates 14 years of educational endeavors and insights but also serves as a beacon for future growth and expansion in this field. By focusing on lived experiences, we underscore the importance of real-world implications and learning. Our commitment to purpose is unwavering, as we strive to ensure that our objectives align with the broader goal of societal benefit. The principle of placing people over profit guides our actions, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront of our decision-making processes and the development of social media strategies. In essence, the work we do is transformative, not just for the individuals we reach but for the broader digital landscape. By instilling ethical standards and a profound understanding of the power of social media, we aim to foster a generation of users who are not only aware of the potential harms but are also equipped to use these platforms in ways that contribute positively to society. This is the legacy and the standard that the Social Media Research Institute aspires to establish and perpetuate, driven by a deep-seated belief in the value of education, ethics, and the overarching principle of prioritizing people and their well-being in the digital age. #Morals #Ethics #Support #Impact #Global

Upon finishing the book "The 48 Laws of Power," I strongly recommend reading it while maintaining a critical perspective. Personally, I do not align with many of the concepts presented in the book, so I advise against blindly adopting them as guiding principles. it is a book that delves into the dynamics of power and the strategies individuals use to acquire and maintain it. It presents a compilation of historical examples, anecdotes, and advice to help readers navigate the complex world of power dynamics. One of the strengths of the book is its comprehensive approach. It covers a wide range of tactics and principles that have been employed by influential figures throughout history. It explores topics such as mastering social interactions, manipulating perceptions, and understanding human nature. The book aims to provide readers with valuable insights into the nature of power and how it can be harnessed effectively. However, it's important to approach the book with a critical mindset. While the laws and strategies presented in the book can be insightful, they also carry potential ethical concerns. Many of the laws focus on manipulation, deception, and the pursuit of self-interest at the expense of others. Some readers may find these approaches morally questionable or incompatible with their personal values. Moreover, the book's historical examples might not always be applicable or relevant to contemporary contexts. The world has changed significantly since the time of Machiavelli and other historical figures referenced in the book. Social norms and expectations have evolved, and what may have worked in the past may not necessarily be effective or acceptable today. It's crucial to exercise discernment when reading "The 48 Laws of Power." While it can provide valuable insights into human behavior and social dynamics, blindly adhering to its principles without considering the ethical implications or the specific context can be problematic. Power should ideally be used responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that benefits both oneself and others. In summary, "The 48 Laws of Power" is a thought-provoking book that explores the dynamics of power and provides historical examples and strategies to navigate them. However, readers should approach it critically, considering the ethical implications and the applicability of its principles in contemporary contexts.

A thank you to UTS Faculty of Law for organising and providing students the opportunity to attend Tech + Social Justice Week, and learn from academics and industry professionals on the trends, utopias and dystopias of the emerging world of AI. I would also like to post my idea for the #utslawbigideascomp : 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘸; 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.