1. People around the world report shrinking social connections due to AI, and only 20% of workers report they have a "best friend" among their colleagues, down from 25% in 2019. This occurs as its creators prize attention without regard for long-term outcomes. AI's effects could be even more dire, but optimizing technology to foster human-to-human bonds could lead to interdependence.
AI could lower social barriers by making chatbots challenge the widespread underestimation of "positive feelings" among people. This could be established by reminding chatbot users how much they enjoyed a recent real-world conversation, and nudging them to reach out to their friends and family.
A social router, by suggesting new connections, could also be a valid role of AI. Dating apps have long used machine learning algorithms to suggest new compatible matches. AI could move beyond simple preferences to connections based on shared values, complementary skills, or hidden opportunities for collaboration. This technology can also be used in workplaces, as it can lead to team building whose skills complement each other, and groups with higher collective intelligence.
Chatbots guiding people have also been reported to help people sharpen their ability to connect with others. A study published in Nature in 2022 reported that people guided by AI tend to show more empathy when helping strangers than those who weren't.
Today's autonomous AI technologies promise wealth creation, at the apparent cost of gradually disempowering humans. But we can overcome this downfall by making connections and driving creativity among people.
2. The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade deal on Thursday aimed at boosting American semiconductor production in exchange for lower tariffs. Under the agreement, semiconductor supplies of Taiwan will add several new factories to its cluster in Arizona, U.S., as part of a $250 billion investment in the U.S., according to the Commerce Department. In exchange, the U.S. is cutting tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20% to 15%, andexempting Taiwanese chip companies like TSMC that are investing more in America.
The agreement adds to deals with trading partners, including the EU, Japan, and a truce with China. The Trump administration is attempting to lower the tension over tariffs to avoid denting the economy while securing added investment in the U.S.
The Taiwan deal focuses on semiconductors due to the dominance of TSMC, which essentially has a monopoly on making the advanced chips that power the modern economy. They are critical for customers from Nvdia to Apples that want to build data centres for training AI models or sell consumer products. Under the trade agreement, Taiwan has committed to helping build domestic industrial parks like those TSMC has in Arizona. The company recently bought 900 acres of land to expand its presence there.