Smarty-pants computers do not process wisdom
Tuesday, December 31st, 20132013 December Monthly Round Up
A New York Times report last Saturday features the next generation of computer programming which has evolved from mathematical processing of data to a neuro-relational model known as “neuromorphic processing” that involves weighing data against past experience. The new computing approach emulates the biological nervous system which mimics how clusters of neurons react to stimuli and then connect with other neurons to interpret the information received.
In other words, the computers of the future will be capable of correcting mistakes and making decisions based upon specific sets of data and historical circumstances to prevent program crashes. Some more immediate examples involve face recognition without human supervision, according to this report.
Eerily reminiscent of the artificial intelligence that inspired machine wars against humans in the science fiction blockbusters like the Terminator or the Matrix movies, this new computer programming approach may serve as an interesting conversation point with youth about the role of technology in our lives and the lessons we learn about love.
This news story makes me think of The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff (1982) which features some principles of ancient wisdom that are mission critical for navigating the social network today.
- Knowledge [information or data] doesn’t care, but Wisdom does. That means that knowing something and knowing what to do with it are very different matters. Understanding, motivation and intent are key.
- The brain processing information is not the source of wisdom. Wisdom is a matter of heart and mind. It comes from the divinity within, which my faith tells me is offered by God in abundance when we ask for it with a sincere and humble heart. (James 1:5)
In order to be secure in the social network, children need to appreciate the difference between knowledge [information] and wisdom.
- A kind voice behind the picture of a stranger can appear safe and trustworthy
- A link that appears like the official bank website and downloads maleware to steal identity information for financial theft;
- Knowledge about children’s preferences and vulnerabilities obtained from from posts on social media can be used by bad actors, pimps and pedophiles to bully, manipulate and exploit
Your family culture (beliefs, values and house rules) is the foundation for developing an internal guidance system that seeks wisdom in order to lead a happy and secure life on and off line.
2013 December Monthly Round Up
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Cyber Safety for Kids and Families with Joanna and Jodie on 1039.9FM The Fish
- Keeping tabs on your child’s digital hang outs part 1 – Where are they?
- Keeping tabs on your child’s digital hang outs part 2 – Monitoring with finesse
- Finding happiness in a cyber-powered home requires purpose-driven parents
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Sacramento Cyber Safety Examiner
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- The pros and cons of raising kids with social media
- Digitally enhanced selfies can’t buy you love
- Does your teen appreciate the responsibility of free speech
- Parents encouraged to think twice before buying baby iPads
- Is your child searching for happiness in the social network
- Guide your child’s use of technology with love, hope and faith
- Sex trafficking in plain sight requires parents to monitor teens’ devices
- How to help your child protect privacy in a cyber powered world
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Be Money Smart in the Social Network – Marie Hall on financial literacy and career planning for youth
(BMB-0092)

Joanna Jullien
(Photo: Christi Benz)
Joanna Jullien is an author, educator and speaker on strengthening the parent-child relationship in a cyber powered world. She a mother of two grown sons, the author of The Authority In Me: The Power of Family Life in the Network Culture, produces The Sacramento Cyber Safety Examiner column on Examiner.com, and is the CyberParenting advisor on The Fish 103.9FM. Her new book, A Google World in the Garden of Eden: Five Family-Safe Strategies for Texting and Social Media is now available for PC and all eReader formats including Kindle, Nook, iPad.
- Cyber safety for kids and families on TheFish103.9FM
- Follow Joanna @CyberParenting
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- Sacramento Cyber Safety Examiner
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- Email: Jullien@surewest.net