Category: Technology

Could you cut the cord on screen-based entertainment for a week? Seven days is not a long time, but for some, it could feel like a lifetime. Imagine one week of doing something other than looking at a device for entertainment. During Screen-Free Week 2019, over 150,000 people did just that and rediscovered the joys of living without interacting with ad supported screens (Screen-Free Week, 2019). By simply unplugging from our devices for one week, we too can also rediscover the joys of living, which in turn can improve sleep, overall health, creativity, and social engagement.

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In the new world of interconnectivity and data analytics, examining computational data programs provides insights into how Big Data binds together an analytical story. By analyzing crime statistics, such as shootings, robberies, and sexual assaults, data computational tools can place pin points on a map to predict where and when crimes may happen. Although the approach at first seems to capture insignificant data, when large quantities of data are merged together from cell phones, social media, check-ins, and shopping histories, these data sets can paint a story of a criminal mind versus a law-abiding citizen. Big Data might even draw an illustration from a broad perspective and then focus to such precision to create a personal story. If Target can predict pregnancy and Google can predict flu epidemics, then Big Data has potential to prevent and predict crime. However, can analyzing Big Data yield positive outcomes regarding violent crime prevention? In recent years lawmakers have increasingly been turning to Big Data to predict and prevent crime; however, Big Data tools are not necessarily predictors and preventers.

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