Is AI Making Our Brains Rot? A New Microsoft Study Says, Maybe So
- A recent study by Microsoft finds that increased reliance on AI tools is leading to decreased critical thinking, with users becoming less engaged in cognitive processes as they trust AI systems more.
- Teams that use generative AI were found to create more uniform and less creative solutions compared to those working without it.
- In addition, they tended to accept AI output without proper evaluation for potential errors when pressed for time.
- The study involved 319 professionals who provided 936 examples of real-world AI implementation.
- It suggests AI tools should be designed to enhance rather than replace human cognitive abilities.
- Read an interesting take on this study from 404 Media, or listen to their podcast where they discuss it.
States Challenge Landmark Disability Rights Law in Federal Court
- Seventeen states have filed a legal challenge against Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act seeking to declare it unconstitutional.
- Section 504, established in 1977, requires schools and federally funded institutions to provide equal access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
- The states argue the federal government exceeded its authority, but disability advocates warn of devastating consequences for accessibility rights.
- Legal briefs from both sides must be submitted by February 25, 2025, with additional states expected to file supporting documents.
Accessibility Livestreams
- Last week, I hosted two free Solid Academy livestreams on accessibility topics with interesting and actionable takeaways for Agencies:
- Making Emails Accessible for All with Gen Herres of EasyA11yGuide.
- Understanding the Legal Requirements for Web Accessibility with Bet Hannon of Accessicart
Big Win for WordPress Service Providers as WordPress Trademark Claims Fail
- The WordPress Foundation’s attempt to trademark common hosting terms has been temporarily blocked, marking a significant victory for hosting providers and agencies in the WordPress ecosystem.
- The US Patent and Trademark Office has ruled that terms like “Hosted WordPress” and “Managed WordPress” are “merely descriptive” and cannot be trademarked.
- This is also a key decision for Agencies that offer services like “WordPress Care Plans.”
- Automattic, however, maintains these USPTO decisions are not final and plans a response.
Worth a Look
- Remember Doom? Somebody put it in a PDF. Yes, really.
- Think you’re having a bad day? This guy accidentally trashed 8,000 bitcoins and is now trying to buy the landfill to get them back.
- YouTube is now allowing AI-generated video in Shorts. What could go wrong?
- Your next Chrome search might be faster with Google’s new implementation of the Speculation Rules API.
