News
Laguna Beach High School is probing AI-generated images of students
Laguna Beach High School administrators are currently in the midst of an investigation after a troubling incident involving the creation and dissemination of “inappropriate images” of students through the use of artificial intelligence. The extent of the scandal, the content of the images, and the methods of distribution remain unclear at this time.
Principal Jason Allemann addressed parents in an email on March 25, expressing the school’s commitment to investigating and addressing the issue while taking the opportunity to educate students on responsible behavior and mutual respect. The Laguna Beach Police Department is also involved in the investigation, although details are limited due to the involvement of minors.
This incident is not isolated, as educational institutions nationwide grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence in academic and social settings. Instances of deepfake technology being used to create fake nude images of students have been reported, including a case in Beverly Hills where eighth-graders were expelled for generating and sharing such images.
High school students in Calabasas and even celebrities like Taylor Swift have also fallen victim to AI-generated imagery being circulated without consent. The rapid advancement of technology presents a challenge in preventing the creation and sharing of deepfake images, prompting calls for legislative action to address the issue.
Multiple federal bills have been proposed to combat the spread of AI-generated explicit materials, and California lawmakers are considering extending existing laws to cover computer-generated images. School districts are also taking measures to address the use of AI, with Orange County leading discussions on integrating technology into education.
As the problem of manipulated imagery grows, experts warn of the potential social and psychological impacts on today’s youth. The prevalence of social media and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards exacerbate the issue, posing a significant challenge for parents and educators alike.
In response to the incident, Laguna Beach High School is organizing panel discussions on AI-generated content for students, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive campus culture. The school plans to involve various specialists in these discussions to provide guidance and support for students affected by the incident.
Ultimately, the investigation at Laguna Beach High School serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by technological advancements and the importance of promoting responsible digital behavior among students. By addressing the issue head-on and engaging in meaningful dialogue, the school aims to create a safer and more informed community for all students.
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
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