In The News

Computer programs tackle requests and problems with sets of rules and algorithms provided by humans, but the goal to please audiences may limit creativity and lead to bland predictability. “The ubiquity of incredibly powerful algorithms designed to reinforce our interests also ensures that we see little of what’s new, different and unfamiliar,” writes Sydney Finkelstein for BBC News. “The very...

Those who fear globalization are often dismissed as bigots, but anxiety over security and jobs is another factor, explains author and professor Harold Sirkin for Forbes. Many in the developed world have lost confidence. “Unfortunately, too many people in the industrialized West have too much idle time on their hands – and not by choice,” he explains and that compounds the anger and fear. “People...

Strong education systems contribute to strong economies. Every three years the Programme for International Student Assessment, PISA, tests the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students in math, reading and science. More than 80 countries have participated, and many obsess about rankings. Comparisons based on raw scores can be tricky, warns Karin Klein for the Los Angeles Times. Researchers...