(Photo Courtesy of CNN) “AI-Generated Image of Kamala Harris” Collin Gallagher Connector Contributor In a world where reality and fiction are increasingly blurred, AI-generated images and content have become powerful tools in the hands of those who seek to influence public opinion. From political campaigns to false advertisements, AI-crafted media is increasingly being weaponized to…
The streaming service paradox
(Photo courtesy of NPR) “Streaming services have simultaneously multiplied in numbers and gotten more expensive, leading to consumers having to make the choice of which ones to keep.” Maxwell Valin Connector Editor The rise in streaming services over the better last decade has completely changed how entertainment across film, television, and music is…
The Lindy Effect and the resilience of the bookstore
(Photo courtesy of Barnes & Noble) “Barnes & Noble has seen its first expansion in the 2020s after a rough 2010s.” Maxwell Valin Connector Editor If you’re a consumer of entertainment in any form, you’ve most certainly found yourself having to make less effort to access the content you want than you would’ve…
Why the air fryer is the pinnacle of technology
(Photo courtesy of CNN) “A Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, which CNN called the best air fryer of 2023.” Steven O’Hara Connector Editor Have you ever been at home, fiending for a nice hot meal, but didn’t have a working oven? Well, I haven’t, because my air fryer is still the go-to tool for any meal…
404 Festival comes to UMass Lowell
Alecia Connolly and Conor Dawson The 404 Festival is an international exhibit celebrating a fusion of technology and art. The original festival was held 16 years ago in Argentina and was created by artist and musician Gina Valenti. This is the first year the festival has come to the United States. The festival at UMass…
Becoming a nomad in the digital age
It may be easier for college students to become digital nomads than they may think. (Courtesy of YouVisit) Dorian Taylor Connector Staff Many aspiring travelers become discouraged from traveling because they feel like they are too busy or do not have enough money. For aspiring travelers in a point in their lives where they are…
Is technology changing the classroom?
Emmy Misail Connector Contributor Dr. Thomas Shea has been a biology professor at UMass Lowell for 24 years, and has watched classrooms transition from paper to PC with alarming speed. He has seen computers help his students reach amazing heights in the classroom, from conducting cutting-edge research to crafting good PowerPoint presentations. But that influx…
O’Leary Library prepares for facelift with digital media major on track
Director of Libraries George Hart plans to upgrade O’Leary Library (George DeLuca/Connector) George DeLuca Connector Staff With director Mitch Shuldman and key associate John Callahan about to retire, students, faculty, and staff are wondering about the future of the Media Center at the O’Leary Library on south campus. The center’s future will be driven by…