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To stop a tech apocalypse we need ethics and the arts

Black Mirror projects the negative consequences of social media, while artificial intelligence turns rogue in The 100 and Better Than Us. The potential extinction of the human race is up for grabs in Travellers, and Altered Carbon frets over the separation of human consciousness from the body.

Published

6 years ago

on

"Robots" by Kollage Kid is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Sara James, La Trobe University and Sarah Midford, La Trobe University

If recent television shows are anything to go by, we’re a little concerned about the consequences of technological development. Dystopian narratives abound.

Black Mirror projects the negative consequences of social media, while artificial intelligence turns rogue in The 100 and Better Than Us. The potential extinction of the human race is up for grabs in Travellers, and Altered Carbon frets over the separation of human consciousness from the body. And Humans and Westworld see trouble ahead for human-android relations.

Narratives like these have a long lineage. Science fiction has been articulating our hopes and fears about technological disruption at least since Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818).

However, as the likes of driverless cars and robot therapists emerge, some previously fictional concerns are no longer imaginative speculation. Instead, they represent real and urgent problems.

What kind of future do we want?

Last year, Australia’s Chief Scientist Alan Finkel suggested that we in Australia should become “human custodians”. This would mean being leaders in technological development, ethics, and human rights.

Finkel isn’t alone in his concern. But it won’t be simple to address these issues in the development of new technology.

Many people in government, industry and universities now argue that including perspectives from the humanities and social sciences will be a key factor.

A recent report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) brought together experts from scientific and technical fields as well as the humanities, arts and social sciences to examine key issues arising from artificial intelligence.

According to the chair of the ACOLA board, Hugh Bradlow, the report aims to ensure that “the well-being of society” is placed “at the centre of any development.”

Human-centred AI

A similar vision drives Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. The institute brings together researchers from the humanities, education, law, medicine, business and STEM to study and develop “human-centred” AI technologies. The idea underpinning their work is that “AI should be collaborative, augmentative and enhancing to human productivity and quality of life”.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford similarly investigates “big-picture questions” to ensure “a long and flourishing future for humanity”.

The centre is set to double in size in the next year thanks to a £13.3 million (A$25 million) contribution from the Open Philanthropy Project. The founder of the institute, philosopher Nick Bostrom, said:

There is a long-distance race on between humanity’s technological capability, which is like a stallion galloping across the fields, and humanity’s wisdom, which is more like a foal on unsteady legs.

What to build and why

The IT sector is also wrestling with the ethical issues raised by rapid technological advancement. Microsoft’s Brad Smith and Harry Shum wrote in their 2018 book The Future Computed that one of their “most important conclusions” was that the humanities and social sciences have a crucial role to play in confronting the challenges raised by AI:

Languages, art, history, economics, ethics, philosophy, psychology and human development courses can teach critical, philosophical and ethics-based skills that will be instrumental in the development and management of AI solutions.

Hiring practices in tech companies are already shifting. In a TED talk on “Why tech needs the humanities”, Eric Berridge – chief executive of the IBM-owned tech consulting firm Bluewolf – explains why his company increasingly hires humanities graduates.

While the sciences teach us how to build things, it’s the humanities that teach us what to build and why to build them.

Only 100 of Bluewolf’s 1,000 employees have degrees in computer science and engineering. Even the Chief Technology Officer is an English major.

Tech CEO Eric Berridge explains why his company hires humanities graduates.

Education for a brighter future

Similarly, Matt Reaney, the chief executive and founder of Big Cloud – a recruitment company that specialises in data science, machine learning and AI employment – has argued that technology needs more people with humanities training.

[The humanities] give context to the world we operate in day to day. Critical thinking skills, deeper understanding of the world around us, philosophy, ethics, communication, and creativity offer different approaches to problems posed by technology.

Reaney proposes a “more blended approach” to higher education, offering degrees that combine the arts and STEM.

Another advocate of the interdisciplinary approach is Joseph Aoun, President of Northeastern University in Boston. He has argued that in the age of AI, higher education should be focusing on what he calls “humanics”, equipping graduates with three key literacies: technological literacy, data literacy and human literacy.

"Robots" by Kollage Kid is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Robots” by Kollage Kid is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The time has come to answer the call for humanities graduates capable of crossing over into the world of technology so that our human future can be as bright as possible.

Without training in ethics, human rights and social justice, the people who develop the technologies that will shape our future could make poor decisions. And that future might turn out to be one of the calamities we have already seen on screen.The Conversation

Sara James, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, La Trobe University and Sarah Midford, Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History and Director of Teaching and Learning (ugrad), School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu steps down, shutdown rumours resurface

OnePlus India confirms business continuity after CEO Robin Liu’s resignation sparks shutdown rumours online.

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 26, 2026

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The resignation of Robin Liu as India CEO of OnePlus has triggered fresh speculation online about the company’s future, even as the firm has firmly denied any plans to shut down operations.

Liu will step down from his role effective March 31, 2026. His exit comes months after he publicly dismissed similar rumours about the company withdrawing from certain markets.

Google searches spike after leadership exit

Following news of Liu’s departure, search trends for terms like “OnePlus shutdown”, “OnePlus shutting down”, and “OnePlus India shutdown” saw a noticeable surge, indicating rising public concern.

However, OnePlus India clarified that there is no change in its business operations and dismissed the shutdown claims as misinformation.

In a public statement, Liu said the company is “operating as usual” and urged stakeholders to rely on official sources rather than unverified reports. He reiterated that claims about the company shutting down are false.

Company says operations remain unchanged

The company stated that Liu’s decision to step down was due to personal reasons and not linked to any strategic withdrawal or operational challenges in India.

OnePlus further emphasized that its India business continues normally, with no immediate changes expected in its strategy or market presence.

Restructuring within OPPO group

Industry observers suggest Liu’s exit may be part of a broader restructuring within the OPPO group, which owns OnePlus.

The restructuring is believed to focus on streamlining operations, reducing costs, and accelerating product development amid challenges such as rising component costs and supply constraints.

Reports also indicate that OnePlus experienced a decline in shipments in 2025, which may have contributed to internal changes.

Reports hint at global strategy shift

According to a report by 9to5Google, the company may scale back its presence in some global markets, including parts of Europe, as early as April 2026.

At the same time, OnePlus is reportedly planning to strengthen its focus on India and expand further into the mid-range smartphone segment.

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Oppo K14 5G launched in India with 7000mAh battery, starts at Rs 17,999

Oppo has launched the K14 5G in India with a 7000mAh battery, fast charging and durability features, starting at Rs 17,999.

Published

4 weeks ago

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March 20, 2026

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oppo K14 5G

Oppo has launched its latest mid-range smartphone, the K14 5G, in India, positioning it as an “endurance powerhouse” with a strong focus on battery life, smooth performance and long-term reliability.

The smartphone starts at Rs 17,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant, while the 6GB + 256GB and 8GB + 256GB models are priced at Rs 19,999 and Rs 21,999 respectively. It will be available for purchase starting March 20 via Flipkart and the company’s official online store. Buyers can also avail an instant discount of up to Rs 1,000 along with no-cost EMI options for up to three months.

Focus on battery life and endurance

A key highlight of the Oppo K14 5G is its 7000mAh battery, designed to support extended daily usage without frequent charging. The company claims the device can deliver up to 738.8 hours of standby time. It also supports long usage across activities such as voice calls, video streaming, navigation and messaging.

The device comes with 45W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 1 percent to 37 percent in around 30 minutes, with a full charge taking about 92 minutes. Oppo says the battery is engineered to maintain durability for up to five years. Reverse wired charging is also supported for added convenience.

Built for durability and everyday use

The smartphone is designed with durability in mind, featuring SGS 5-star certification and MIL-STD-810H military-grade testing. It has undergone multiple drop tests and transportation shock testing to ensure resistance against accidental falls and rough usage conditions.

The device also carries IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering protection against dust, water immersion and high-pressure water exposure. Additional features like water-repellent camera coating and glove and splash touch support further enhance usability in different environments.

Display and design

The Oppo K14 5G features a 6.75-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and brightness of up to 1125 nits in high brightness mode. It is available in three colour options — Icy Blue, Prism Violet and Prism White — with a matte finish and subtle reflective design elements.

Performance and cooling

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the smartphone is designed to handle everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming and multitasking efficiently. It runs on ColorOS 15, which includes system optimisation features aimed at maintaining smooth performance over time.

To manage heat during extended usage, the device includes a vapor chamber cooling system with graphite layers for improved thermal management. This helps maintain stable performance during gaming and heavy usage.

Camera and AI features

The smartphone is equipped with a 50MP main camera, supported by a 2MP monochrome sensor, along with an 8MP front camera. It offers AI-powered features such as portrait retouching, AI eraser, AI clarity enhancement and dual-view video recording.

These tools are designed to improve image quality, assist in editing and enhance overall photography experience for users.

Availability and after-sales support

The Oppo K14 5G will be available starting March 20 with launch offers including discounts and EMI options. The company is also offering a 30-day inspection and replacement policy in case of manufacturing defects, supported by its nationwide service network.

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OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 brings discounts on 15, 15R, 13, Nord 5 and tablets

OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 begins Jan 16 with discounts on phones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline stores.

Published

3 months ago

on

January 13, 2026

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OnePlus has announced its Freedom Sale, offering discounts on smartphones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline platforms. The deals include the recently launched OnePlus 15 series, Nord lineup, Buds audio devices, and other gadgets.

When and where to shop

The OnePlus Freedom Sale starts on Jan. 16 and will run both online and offline. Shoppers can purchase smartphones through OnePlus.in, OnePlus Experience Stores, Amazon, as well as offline retailers including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and others. Tablets are available on Flipkart during the sale period.

Discounts on OnePlus smartphones

  • OnePlus 15: Launched at Rs 72,999, buyers can get an instant Rs 4,000 discount, lowering the effective price to Rs 68,999. Additional benefits include six months of no-cost EMI and a bundled OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
  • OnePlus 13: Originally priced at Rs 69,999, the phone receives an Rs 8,000 price drop, plus a bank discount of Rs 4,000, bringing the price down to Rs 57,999.
  • OnePlus 15R: Listed at Rs 47,999, buyers can avail Rs 3,000 off until Jan 26. After the date, the effective price is Rs 45,999.
  • OnePlus 13R: Launched at Rs 42,999, this device gets up to Rs 6,000 price cut and an additional Rs 1,000 bank discount.

Discounts on OnePlus tablets

  • OnePlus Pad 2: Rs 2,000 instant bank discount reduces the price to Rs 34,999.
  • OnePlus Pad 3: Eligible for a Rs 3,000 instant discount, making the price Rs 44,999. Purchases until Jan 26 include a free Stylo 2 stylus.
  • OnePlus Pad Go 2: Rs 1,000 price drop plus Rs 2,000 bank discount, now Rs 23,999.
  • OnePlus Pad Go: Price reduced to Rs 13,999 after Rs 3,000 cut and Rs 1,000 bank discount.
  • OnePlus Pad Lite: Available for Rs 11,999 after a Rs 2,000 price drop and Rs 2,000 bank discount.

Audio devices on offer

  • OnePlus Buds 4: Rs 700 price cut with Rs 300 bank discount, bringing the effective price to Rs 4,999.
  • OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Now Rs 9,999 after Rs 1,000 price drop and Rs 1,000 bank discount. No-cost EMI options are available for both Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3.

Additional discounts are also applicable to the Nord Buds series — including Nord Buds 3, Nord Buds 3 Pro, and Nord Buds 3R — and neckband devices such as Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC and Bullets Wireless Z3.

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