Albania Imposes TikTok Ban Amid Concerns Over Social Media's Influence on Youth

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Reuters

Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has announced a one-year ban on TikTok, set to take effect in January, following the tragic killing of a 14-year-old schoolboy in the capital, Tirana. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the influence of social media on young people, as the fatal incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation initiated on social media platforms. Rama, speaking at a meeting with educators, parents, and psychologists, described TikTok as "the thug of the neighborhood," criticizing its content as harmful and inappropriate for children.

The move to block TikTok has sparked significant debate, both domestically and internationally. TikTok has responded by seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government and has stated that it found no evidence linking the individuals involved in the stabbing to TikTok accounts. Despite this, Rama has doubled down on the decision, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations to protect children from what he described as the "scum and mud" of online content.

The tragic killing of the schoolboy and the subsequent injury of another have ignited broader discussions in Albania about the role of social media in shaping the behavior and mental health of young people. Parents, educators, and psychologists have voiced concerns over the unregulated access children have to platforms like TikTok, where content often prioritizes engagement over education or well-being. Rama cited TikTok’s operations in China, where the app promotes educational and culturally enriching content, contrasting it with the platform's content in other countries, which he criticized as harmful and frivolous.

Albania’s decision aligns with a growing global trend of regulating social media platforms, particularly those with ties to Chinese companies. TikTok has faced scrutiny and bans in other nations, including India, Iran, and Afghanistan, due to concerns over data privacy, security, and cultural influence. The United States has also taken significant steps, with Congress passing legislation to ban the app unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its ownership. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the matter, as TikTok fights to prevent a nationwide ban set for January 19.

European countries have similarly introduced measures to restrict social media access for minors. France, Germany, and Belgium have implemented rules to protect children online, while Australia recently passed what is considered the world's strictest legislation, banning children under 16 from using social media altogether. These actions reflect a growing consensus among governments about the need to address the pervasive and potentially harmful impact of unregulated social media usage.

Albania's ban on TikTok is positioned not only as a punitive measure but also as a stepping stone toward broader educational reforms. Rama announced plans to introduce programs aimed at educating students and equipping parents with tools to monitor their children’s online activities. This initiative signals a commitment to creating a safer digital environment while fostering greater awareness of the challenges posed by social media.

As Albania prepares to enforce the ban, the decision underscores the complex interplay between technology, culture, and policy. It highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and innovative solutions to address the challenges of the digital age, particularly in safeguarding the well-being of younger generations.

How AI and Human Brains Blur the Senses: "Tasting" Colors, Shapes, and Sounds

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.

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Image Source : David Robson

The Overlap of Senses: A Human and AI Phenomenon

What does pink taste like? How does a Sauvignon Blanc sound? These questions might seem absurd, but the human brain naturally merges sensory experiences, often blurring the lines between sight, taste, and sound. This phenomenon, known as "cross-modal correspondences," is a subconscious process that shapes how we perceive and interact with the world. 

Interestingly, artificial intelligence (AI) systems exhibit similar patterns, as shown by recent research. The AI’s sensory "merging" isn't a sign of independent creativity but rather a reflection of the data it was trained on—essentially mirroring human tendencies. Researchers hope to leverage this AI ability to explore untapped connections in human sensory perception. 

How Humans "Taste" Colors and Shapes

The brain's integration of senses is an ongoing process, whether we're conscious of it or not. Colors, shapes, and sounds all influence how we experience taste. 

For example: 

- Colors and Taste: Pink and red hues are often associated with sweetness, while green suggests sourness, and brown or black evoke bitterness. 

- Shapes and Taste: Round shapes are perceived as sweet, while spiky forms are linked to sourness or bitterness. 

Research shows these sensory connections are consistent across cultures. A study led by Xiaoang Wang at Tsinghua University demonstrated similar associations in Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian participants. This suggests these tendencies may be rooted in shared human experiences, such as recognizing that fruits become sweeter as they ripen and turn red. 

Other factors, like emotions and safety instincts, may also play a role. For instance, round shapes evoke comfort and sweetness because they feel non-threatening, while sharp edges align with bitterness, reflecting the brain’s association with harm or danger. 

AI and Cross-Modal Perception

Inspired by the brain's sensory integration, researchers recently tested whether generative AI could replicate human-like associations. A team led by Carlos Velasco and Kosuke Motoki asked AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to respond to prompts commonly used in psychological studies. 

For example: 

- "To what extent do you associate round shapes with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes?" 

- "Which color best represents sweetness?" 

AI tools reflected patterns similar to human responses. ChatGPT-4, in particular, provided more reliable associations compared to earlier versions, likely due to its larger training dataset. For example, the AI linked pink to sweetness, green to sourness, white to saltiness, and black to bitterness—aligning with experimental evidence. 

The Practical Implications of Sensory AI

This sensory overlap in AI opens up fascinating possibilities: 

- Marketing and Design: AI could help companies design product packaging or advertisements that align with consumers’ subconscious sensory expectations. For instance, pink packaging could make a product seem sweeter, while rounded shapes might enhance perceptions of indulgence. 

- Scientific Exploration: Generative AI could propose novel hypotheses about sensory associations that researchers can test on humans, broadening our understanding of perception. 

Charles Spence, a pioneer in cross-modal research, believes that AI might reveal previously unknown sensory connections. However, he emphasizes that AI should serve as inspiration rather than a definitive solution, noting the nuances of human creativity. 

AI’s Shortcomings and Surprising Insights

Despite its potential, AI has limitations. It often "hallucinates" (fabricates responses) and lacks the intuitive quirks of human perception. For example, when Google's Gemini AI was asked about the sweetest color, it cited research directly from scientific literature, suggesting it might have "read" the answer rather than generating insights independently. 

Still, the uncanny ability of AI to reflect sensory associations highlights just how ingrained these patterns are in human cognition. 

Practical Examples: Music and Mulled Wine

The blending of senses isn’t limited to visual and gustatory experiences—it extends to sound. Studies have shown that certain pieces of music can enhance the flavors of wine. High-tempo and high-pitch compositions like Debussy’s Jardin Sous la Pluie complement citrusy whites, while slower, deeper tones like Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise pair well with fuller-bodied reds. 

Curious about festive pairings, I asked ChatGPT for music suggestions to accompany mulled wine and mince pies. The AI recommended Carol of the Bells for its “layered melodies,” likening them to the spices in mulled wine. Other options included jazz renditions of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas or the mellow sophistication of Christmas Time is Here by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. 

While AI’s recommendations align with traditional associations, human input remains essential for adding the nuanced flair that AI lacks. 

The Future of Sensory AI

AI’s ability to "taste" colors and shapes offers a window into the complexities of human perception. With further advancements, these tools could deepen our understanding of the brain, assist in product innovation, and enhance artistic creativity. 

For now, however, AI serves as a reminder of how interconnected our senses are—and how much we still have to learn about the way we experience the world. 

Police Chief Orders Probe as Stampedes at Food Drives Claim Lives in Nigeria

By Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Staff

B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering African News

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image source: Nigerian Police Force

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has since ordered an investigation into the stampedes at Abuja and Anambra State during the food distribution events.

The one in Abuja happened at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama; it killed at least ten persons and left many others with injuries. Meanwhile, three people died and many others were injured in Okija, Anambra State, during a philanthropic food distribution drive.

Authorities have appealed for calm, ensuring that the injured were receiving medical attention. The IGP said the negligence on the part of the organizers was criminal and that it would not be taken lightly.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the IGP had instructed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to independently conduct thorough investigations into the incidents with a view to addressing the situations appropriately.

The IGP equally directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to give the incidents thorough investigations to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book," Adejobi said.

He also called upon government functionaries, traditional rulers, communities, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to work together in establishing an orderly system for the distribution of relief materials.

The IGP again warned the organizers of events to always involve the security agencies in such activities, quoting provisions in the Penal and Criminal Codes that declare negligence a criminal act.

Meanwhile, president Bola Tinubu, has called off all official engagements in Lagos State, including his scheduled attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, as a mark of respect for the dead.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga conveyed the president's condolences thus: "In this season of celebration, we mourn with those grieving the loss of their loved ones. Our prayers for divine comfort and healing are with them.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also reacted, blaming the incidents on systemic failures in society. While commending the organizers for making efforts toward ensuring that the needy were supported, Obi pointed out the dire economic conditions that drive people to such desperate measures.

These tragedies represent massive systemic failures in our society. The harsh economic situation has driven our people to desperation that often involves the loss of several lives in the search for survival," Obi tweeted.