Despite how one may feel about data centers, there is little dispute that their growth and investment have had a substantial impact on Virginia’s tax base and government revenues. Now, Virginia is poised to lead the nation in the next wave of investments – artificial intelligence. According to a AI Insider, a report from TRG Data reCenters finds that Virginia is the best positioned state for AI data center growth. Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas followed. The commonwealth’s relatively low carbon output for existing AI data centers helped push Virginia to the top of the list.
Ever feel overwhelmed with information, and find that existing technology tools only add to the burden? That was Mizoxin Wang’s experience at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Set to graduate next year, the self-described introvert Wang decided to put AI to use and developed TendCo, a tool that “captures, organizes and resurfaces the context people need to reconnect with the right person at the right time,” according to a piece from the Darden School of Business. At a time when people worry about being replaced by AI, TendCo serves as an excellent example of AI coming alongside people and making them more productive and more efficient.
Finally, AI – like every tool – can be put to use for bad ends. Martin Bailey, an AARP Community Ambassador and member of the Silver Shield Task Force wrote a piece for the Fairfax County Department of Family Services on how not to get caught in AI scams. (To see some of the ways this is being done, review this list from IDTheftCenter.) Because AI can mimic voices and be used to psychologically manipulate people, online individuals have to be especially on-guard. Among the things older adults in particular are warned to be on the lookout for are: unnatural language, lack of contextual understanding, lack of personalization, and word repetition. For more on how to protect yourself, read the guide.
That technology is changing Virginians’ lives and work is a given. But how? Daily Tech Notes examines the new ventures, educational opportunities, and public ways companies and individuals are leveraging technology to write the commonwealth’s future.
