Cognify wants AI-simulated memories to help rehabilitate prisoners
Hashem Al-Ghaili, a Berlin-based scientist and filmmaker, envisions a future where prisoners are rehabilitated using implanted synthetic memories created by AI. His MO is to instil a sense of empathy and cut lengthy sentences from years to a matter of minutes. Having cut his teeth in the realm of independent...
Current in Culture
Does cancel culture work in other parts of the world?
Under the right circumstances, it seems that cancel culture can give people a second chance. It's not a secret that Korean entertainment holds its celebrities to a higher standard than the rest of the world, almost expecting nothing but pure perfection from them. One scandal as silly as announcing their...
The rise of rage rooms in Africa
As economic opportunities dwindle, a new trend is sweeping across Africa, offering young people a unique way to cope with stress; rage rooms. These controlled environments have become increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z, who are grappling with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and limited access to mental health...
Opinion – society’s perception of wealth is shifting
The cost of living isn’t letting up, despite inflation tapering off. With everything more expensive than it’s ever been, young people are learning to value – and strive for – different things in life. To say that the global economy has shifted drastically over the last few years would be...
Chappell Roan is calling out the darker side of fame
The singer’s recent outburst against ‘entitled’ fans has reignited debates around the treatment of celebrities in the internet age. Chappell Roan shot to fame at a rate unprecedented even at 2024 standards. Her overnight success betrays a years-long journey to stardom, where she launched music, was dropped by her record...
Opinion – are reality shows becoming a reinvention of freak shows?
The one who doesn't know their history is condemned to repeat it. Echoes of the infamous freakshows can be seen in society’s clamour for reality TV fame. You walk into a completely dark room. In front of you, there is a necklace that when you put it on shows the...
Charli XCX’s ‘Guess’ remix ft Billie Eilish sparks controversy
Billie’s recent collaboration with Charli is hugely popular worldwide. Its sapphic lyrics have drawn backlash, however, and the popstar is facing accusations of predatory behaviour –highlighting the complexities of celebrity sexuality and public perception. Billie Eilish, the Grammy-award-winning artist who’s best known for her haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, has once again captured public attention with her latest musical offering. Earlier this month, she collaborated with Charli...
Are people actually falling in love with Artificial Intelligence?
No longer just the stuff of Spike Jonze’s storytelling, users of GTP-40 – OpenAI’s latest generation chatbot that speaks aloud in its own voice – have been forming emotional relationships with it. Written and directed by Spike Jonze, Her is an ahead-of-its-time contemporary romance film that explores the state of modern human relationships. Released ten years ago, it follows the story of a man who falls in...
Can fans be mad at artists who delay releasing new material?
As fans of art (and creatives ourselves) we know the process of generating new material should never be rushed. Still, do we have a right to be annoyed when musicians constantly tease new work or disappear into the abyss without releasing anything new? Becoming a fan of musicians and artists is a journey unique to everyone, but it’s one often sparked by a specific project we feel a special connection...
What is Jai Ho summer?
The latest Gen-Z internet trend is all about celebrating South Asian culture, without South Asians. You’d be forgiven for thinking 2024 was the summer of all this Brat. But the internet’s latest obsession isn’t just about wearing lurid green and smoking a packet of Marlboro Reds. This year, a new vibe has taken hold of the Gen-Z zeitgeist: Jai Ho Summer. And yes, that does refer to the 2008 Pussycat Dolls...
