Missed Information
Missed Information
3.24 | "If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're misinformed." ― Mark Twain
News and Numbers
Markets this Week:
S&P 500 is down 3%.
NASDAQ 100 is down 4%
Bitcoin-USD is up 5%
Ethereum-USD is up 2%
Headlines from this Week:
OpenAI is in talks to sell shares at $86 billion valuation.
Ferrari starts accepting crypto as form of payment.
Instagram apologizes for adding ‘terrorist’ to some Palestinian user profiles.
Cointelegraph apologizes to its readers after posting false claims on X regarding approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF.
Finance
By Vlad Estoup, B.Comm. (Finance); working in Ethereum cybersecurity
In today's financial landscape, interest rates have been on the rise, impacting the way we make financial decisions. One of the most significant areas affected is the choice between leasing, financing, or paying cash for items like cars, homes, and various products. While many people have grown accustomed to the convenience of financing, the current interest rate environment may warrant a shift in perspective. This article explores why, in the face of high interest rates, paying cash for items you can afford and patiently waiting for better financing terms can be a wise financial strategy.
Reduced Interest Costs
When interest rates are high, the cost of financing items such as cars and homes can substantially increase the overall price you pay. By choosing to pay with cash, you eliminate these interest costs entirely. Paying cash not only saves you money in the long run but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you won't have to make interest payments that can add up over time.
Avoiding Debt
Financing products often lead to debt, which can be a burden on your financial well-being. In a high-interest rate environment, taking on debt becomes riskier, as the interest you'll have to pay can quickly accumulate. Paying cash allows you to enjoy the product without the stress of monthly loan payments, reducing your financial obligations and the risk of falling into debt.
Protecting Your Credit
Using cash instead of financing can help protect your credit score. High-interest rate loans can make it challenging to keep up with payments, which can lead to missed payments and negatively affect your credit. Maintaining a good credit score is essential for future financial opportunities, such as getting a mortgage at a lower interest rate.
Increased Savings and Investment Opportunities
By paying cash for items you can afford, you free up your finances to save and invest elsewhere. In a high-interest rate environment, saving and investing your money can provide better returns than paying high interest on loans. Over time, this can lead to significant wealth accumulation.
Waiting for Better Financing Terms
High interest rates are not permanent. The economic environment is cyclical, and interest rates tend to fluctuate. By paying cash for what you can afford and waiting for rates to go down, you position yourself to secure more favorable financing terms in the future. This strategy is particularly relevant for significant purchases like homes, where a slight reduction in interest rates can translate to substantial savings over the life of the loan.
Financial Security
Paying cash for items you can afford enhances your financial security. In an uncertain economic climate with rising interest rates, having cash reserves can provide a safety net, allowing you to weather unexpected financial challenges without the added burden of loan payments.
Conclusion
In today's high-interest rate environment, paying cash for items like cars, homes, and other products you can afford makes financial sense. By doing so, you can save money, avoid debt, protect your credit, have more significant opportunities for savings and investment, and position yourself to secure better financing terms in the future. While financing can be a convenient option, it's essential to consider the long-term financial implications of high-interest rate loans and prioritize a cash-first approach for a more secure and prosperous financial future.
This is not financial advice and you should always do your own research before investing in any securities or cryptocurrencies.
Sci-Tech
By Keyann, Software Engineer in Web3
Critical Thinking in the AI Era: Battling Misinformation Amidst the Uncanny
The photo above looks real, doesn't it? It isn't. It's a rendering from Unreal Engine 5, a testament to the leaps and bounds of technological evolution. As technology races ahead, it can blur the lines between reality and fiction or circumvent one’s ability to think critically, opening a Pandora's box of opportunities and challenges. How can one discern fact from fiction in such an environment? And where does our memory and discernment come into play?
Dead Internet Theory and the AI Dystopia
The 'Dead Internet Theory' posits that much of the internet is, in fact, not generated by humans but by bots or AI. While the theory itself may be grounded more in speculative discourse than empirical evidence, it serves as a chilling reminder of a potential future where discerning the 'human' from the 'machine' becomes a daily challenge.
In an age where AI can produce eerily accurate human-like content, where does that leave human-generated content? And more importantly, how can individuals discern the authenticity of information? These concerns lead us to an age-old tool: critical thinking.
Revisiting Critical Thinking
Critical thinking isn't just a schoolroom buzzword; it's an essential tool for the 21st century. In essence, it's the ability to think clearly, rationally, and reflectively about what to believe or do. It's the mental armor that shields us from misinformation. Here's how we can wield it effectively:
Question Everything: Don't take information at face value. Ask who is presenting it and why. What are their motivations?
Seek Multiple Sources: One way to ascertain the reliability of information is to cross-reference. If only a single source is proclaiming a "truth" while many others dispute it, skepticism is warranted.
Reflect on Biases: Recognize that all sources, including oneself, can be biased. By being aware of these biases, one can approach information more objectively.
Source Amnesia and the Vulnerability of Memory
Remember the Unreal Engine 5 rendering from the beginning of this article? How long until you forget where you saw it, but remember only the content of the image? This phenomenon is known as 'source amnesia'. It's our tendency to remember information but forget where or from whom we acquired it. In an age rife with misinformation, this can be particularly perilous.
For instance, one might remember a false fact perpetuated by a deepfake video but forget that its source was dubious. Over time, the falsehoods could be internalized as truths, influencing beliefs and actions.
The Way Forward: A New Digital Literacy
In a future teeming with AI-generated content and the challenges of source amnesia, a new form of digital literacy is needed. Beyond just consuming content, individuals must be trained in discerning its authenticity and origin. Schools, media outlets, and tech companies all have roles to play in fostering this new literacy.
Furthermore, technology itself can be part of the solution. Just as we have AI that can generate misinformation, we can harness AI to detect and counter it. Tools that verify the authenticity of digital content or trace its origin can serve as valuable aides in our quest for truth.
Conclusion
As we stand on the precipice of an era dominated by advanced AI, the challenges are numerous. However, by revisiting and reinforcing critical thinking, recognizing the pitfalls of source amnesia, and embracing a new digital literacy, we can ensure that we remain discerning consumers of information. In the age of the uncanny, vigilance is not just a virtue; it's a necessity.
Paradigm Shift
By Roman Kuittinen-Dhaoui, CPHR, BBA (Hons)
Designation
Q: What is the value of having a CPHR designation in Canada?
A: The Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is a well-respected credential for human resources professionals in Canada. Having a CPHR designation in Canada, can bring several benefits:
Professional Recognition: The CPHR designation is recognized and respected within the HR industry and by employers. It signifies a high level of expertise and commitment to the field.
Career Advancement: Many employers in Vancouver and throughout Canada prefer or require HR professionals to have a CPHR designation for mid to senior-level positions. It can enhance your career prospects and open up more opportunities.
Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, having a CPHR designation can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your competence and commitment to HR.
Networking Opportunities: Being a CPHR can grant you access to various HR associations and networking events in Vancouver, which can be valuable for career development and knowledge sharing.
Professional Development: To maintain the CPHR designation, professionals must engage in ongoing professional development and adhere to a code of ethics. This helps you stay current with HR trends and best practices.
Salary and Compensation: HR professionals with the CPHR designation often command higher salaries than those without it due to their expertise and qualifications.
Legal and Ethical Knowledge: The CPHR designation signifies a strong understanding of Canadian HR laws and ethical standards, which is critical for HR professionals dealing with workplace regulations and compliance.
Global Recognition: The CPHR designation is recognized globally, which can be beneficial if you ever plan to work outside of Canada.
TLDR: In Vancouver, which is a major economic hub in Canada, having a CPHR designation is often highly beneficial, especially if you aspire to work in larger organizations or take on leadership roles in the field of human resources.
(Head)Space
By Roman
Why do seasons affect our moods?
Seasons can have an impact on our moods for several reasons, although it's important to note that individual responses to seasonal changes can vary widely. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the influence of seasons on our moods:
Daylight and Sunlight: Changes in the amount of daylight and sunlight can have a significant impact on our mood. Seasonal variations, such as shorter days and less sunlight during the winter, can lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is characterized by symptoms like low energy, sadness, and increased sleep, and it is thought to be related to reduced exposure to natural light.
Circadian Rhythms: Our bodies have internal clocks, known as circadian rhythms, which regulate various physiological and behavioral processes, including sleep-wake cycles. Seasonal changes in daylight can disrupt these rhythms, leading to mood disturbances and sleep problems.
Temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can be uncomfortable and affect our mood. Cold winter weather, in particular, can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased physical activity, both of which can contribute to mood changes.
Outdoor Activities: Seasons can impact our ability to engage in outdoor activities and exercise. During the summer, people are more likely to be active outdoors, which can boost mood through physical activity and exposure to nature. In contrast, winter weather may limit outdoor activities, reducing opportunities for mood-enhancing exercise and time in nature.
Social Interactions: Seasonal holidays and events can also influence our moods. For example, the holiday season in winter can lead to increased social interactions and positive emotions for many people. Conversely, some individuals may experience heightened stress and anxiety during the holiday season.
Cultural and Personal Associations: Our personal and cultural backgrounds can shape our perceptions and experiences of seasons. Some individuals may have positive associations with specific seasons due to childhood memories or cultural traditions, which can influence their moods.
Psychological Factors: The expectation of seasonal changes can also play a role. If someone expects to feel happier during a particular season, they may be more likely to experience a positive mood.
Psychological Resilience: Some individuals may be more resilient to the mood effects of seasonal changes, while others may be more susceptible. Factors such as genetics, personality traits, and coping mechanisms can all influence how a person responds to seasonal shifts.
Company of the Week
PsyFi
PsyFi is a platform built on the Solana blockchain that aims to offer users a range of financial tools and automated investment strategies. Recognizing challenges in traditional finance, PsyFi seeks to leverage the benefits of decentralized finance to provide more transparency and potentially stable returns. The platform's emphasis is on enabling users to tailor their investments according to individual risk preferences. With backing from entities such as Pantera Capital and AscendEX, PsyFi is carving a space for itself in the DeFi landscape. As with all crypto-related ventures, potential users should conduct thorough research and exercise caution.
Written by: Vlad Estoup, Keyann Al-Kheder, and Roman Kuittinen-Dhaoui