The Sunday Brew #101
The Sunday Brew #101
In this brew - 20 Largest Cities in a picture | Focusing Illusion & Concept Creep | Starlink to enter India, US probes TSMC and Google Leadership Restructuring
Welcome to The Sunday Brew, weekly 1-2-3 newsletter by The Percolator. Every Sunday we drop in your inbox 1 story in a picture, 2 concepts, ideas or frameworks to expand your horizons and 3 news from the week, to keep you updated.
If you are not a paid subscriber, here is what you missed last week:
We want to know you better, so that we can do better for you
Please complete this short survey to let us know who you are and how we can improve The Percolator for you.
ONE STORY IN A PICTURE
TWO IDEAS, FRAMEWORKS OR CONCEPTS
This week we bring to you two concepts - Focusing Illusion & Concept Creep
Focusing Illusion
The focusing illusion is a cognitive bias that causes individuals to overemphasize the significance of a particular aspect of an event or decision, distorting their overall perception and judgment.
Introduced by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, this concept illustrates how our attention can skew our understanding of happiness and well-being.
When people concentrate on a specific factor—such as wealth, career success, or a major life change—they often believe that this element will greatly enhance their overall satisfaction. For instance, someone might think that moving to a new city will significantly boost their happiness because they are fixated on escaping an annoying neighbor, overlooking other potential challenges like adjusting to a new environment or the stress of relocation.
Kahneman's research shows that this bias can also affect predictions about future happiness. Individuals often exaggerate how much certain changes will improve their lives while neglecting other critical factors that contribute to well-being. For example, many believe that living in warmer climates, like California, correlates with greater happiness, despite evidence suggesting that such environmental factors have minimal long-term effects on life satisfaction.
The focusing illusion can lead to misjudgments in various aspects of life. For instance, receiving numerous positive comments but fixating on one piece of criticism can distort our overall self-assessment. Recognizing this cognitive bias is essential for making balanced decisions and fostering a realistic view of what truly contributes to happiness and fulfillment.
🚀
Concept Creep
Concept creep refers to the gradual expansion of the meanings of harm-related concepts, a phenomenon first identified by psychologist Nick Haslam in 2016.
This process involves two main forms of semantic inflation: horizontal creep, where concepts extend to include qualitatively new phenomena, and vertical creep, where they encompass less severe instances of previously recognized issues.
For example, the term "bullying" originally described intentional, repeated aggressive behavior among children. Over time, its definition has broadened to include adult behaviors, online harassment (cyberbullying), and even less extreme actions that may not be repeated or intended to harm. Similarly, concepts like "trauma" and "mental disorder" have evolved to cover a wider range of experiences, including those that may not have been considered harmful in the past.
Critics argue that concept creep can lead to an over-sensitivity to harm, blurring the lines between serious issues and minor grievances. This expansion can dilute the clarity and specificity of terms, making it harder for individuals to understand and address genuine problems effectively.
While initial research on concept creep has focused on concepts associated with left-leaning ideologies, evidence suggests that individuals on the political right also exhibit expansive interpretations of concepts central to their beliefs.
Overall, concept creep reflects broader cultural and societal shifts in how we perceive and categorize harm, with significant implications for mental health discourse and social interactions. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for navigating contemporary discussions around mental health and societal norms.
THREE NEWS FROM THE WEEK
Starlink Gains Ground in India as Government Backs Administrative Spectrum Allocation
Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to make a significant entry into the Indian market, receiving a green light from the government amid ongoing competition with Reliance Jio.
After navigating complex regulatory hurdles, Starlink is expected to secure a license to operate, focusing on providing satellite internet services primarily to rural areas where traditional broadband is scarce.
The Indian government recently confirmed that it will allocate satellite spectrum administratively rather than through auctions, a decision that Musk praised as aligning with global practices. This move allows Starlink to bypass the lengthy and complicated auction process favored by Jio, which has invested heavily in its telecom infrastructure. Musk expressed his commitment to serving the Indian populace, stating, "We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink."
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Starlink's service costs are projected to be significantly higher than local competitors, with initial estimates suggesting a first-year price of around ₹1,58,000 (approximately $1,900). In contrast, Jio offers competitive broadband plans starting at ₹399 per month. This pricing disparity could deter potential customers in rural regions.
The competitive landscape is further complicated by Jio's established presence in the market and its lobbying for auction-based spectrum allocation. Analysts suggest that while Starlink aims to disrupt the market with innovative solutions, it will need to navigate regulatory complexities and pricing dynamics effectively.
➖
U.S. Launches Investigation into TSMC's Alleged Ties with Huawei Amid Export Control Concerns
The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched an investigation into Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) amid allegations that it may have assisted Huawei in developing advanced smartphone and artificial intelligence chips, potentially violating U.S. export controls.
This scrutiny arises from concerns that TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, might have circumvented restrictions that prevent Huawei from accessing American technology.
Reports indicate that the investigation focuses on whether TSMC supplied AI-capable chips and other sophisticated components to Huawei, which has been blacklisted by the U.S. since 2019 due to national security concerns. The probe is particularly interested in the Kirin 9000S chips used in Huawei's latest smartphones, raising questions about their origin and whether they were produced after the U.S. imposed a ban on shipments to Huawei in September 2020.In response to the investigation, TSMC has reiterated its commitment to compliance with all laws and regulations, stating that it will take immediate action if any issues arise. The company emphasized its status as a "law-abiding" entity and expressed readiness to cooperate with regulatory authorities.
This investigation comes at a time when Huawei has reported a resurgence in its market presence, launching new products featuring advanced semiconductors that should theoretically be blocked by U.S. rules. Analysts suggest that Chinese manufacturers may be using older technology to produce these chips, enabling Huawei to maintain competitiveness despite stringent sanctions.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue over technology access and national security, this probe underscores the complexities of global semiconductor supply chains and the ongoing battle for technological supremacy between the two nations.
➖
Google Restructures AI Leadership
Google has announced a major restructuring of its leadership team, focusing on enhancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
In a memo to employees, CEO Sundar Pichai detailed the changes, which include the appointment of Prabhakar Raghavan as Chief Technologist and the integration of key AI teams into Google DeepMind.
Raghavan, previously the head of Google's Knowledge and Information (K&I) division, will now concentrate on shaping the company's technical direction and fostering a culture of innovation. Pichai praised Raghavan's contributions over his 12-year tenure, noting his pivotal role in launching AI-driven features across Google’s products, including Search and Maps.
Nick Fox, who has been part of Raghavan’s leadership team, will succeed him as head of K&I, overseeing Search, Ads, Geo, and Commerce. Fox has a strong background in product development and has been instrumental in launching significant initiatives like Google Fi. Pichai expressed confidence in Fox’s ability to lead K&I into its next phase of growth.
One notable change involves relocating the Gemini app team, led by Sissie Hsiao, to Google DeepMind under Demis Hassabis. This move aims to improve collaboration between teams and expedite the deployment of new AI models. Additionally, teams focused on Google Assistant for devices will be integrated into the Platforms & Devices division to enhance user experiences across products.
Pichai emphasized the urgency of adapting to rapid advancements in AI technology, stating, "AI moves faster than any technology before it." The restructuring reflects Google's commitment to maintaining its leadership in AI innovation while streamlining operations for greater efficiency and effectiveness in product development.
The Sunday Brew by The Percolator brings to you curated news on tech, business & entrepreneurship, from across the internet to give your week a perfect start.
Share your thoughts and opinions on the topics covered in this newsletter by leaving a comment and joining the conversation.