This Matters

Brain computer technology is at a point where the potential medical implications are so exciting many players are pursuing different approaches to the field. The potential ethics of using this technology are sometimes best explained in science fiction like “Black Mirror” and “The Matrix.” Neurotechnologist Graeme Moffat joins This Matters to discuss the latest in brain computer interface technology. He explains what’s important about Elon Musk’s recent Neuralink presentation where he revealed “Cyber Pigs.”

To discuss the state of the movie industry, streaming, TIFF, drive ins, blockbusters, indies and, of course, a quick review of “Tenet,” Raju Mudhar talks with Peter Howell, former film critic at the Star, who now publishes his reviews at nightviz.ca.

In today’s episode, we will get a first-hand account from a military frontline worker about how the force’s responded to the pandemic and to the care and well-being of Canadians, and what can be done so that we don’t need to call in the military — for either a rescue or reconnaissance. Corporal Laila Ahmed is a CAF Medical Assistant who worked in Ontario long-term care homes and was part of what was called Operation LASER and she left her full time job at that time, as a registered practical nurse on the civilian COVID-19 frontline — to be a part of this operation.

York University researchers published a study reporting that while the Chinese diaspora in Canada faced incidents of harassment, they often ahead of the curve in responses to the pandemic, even compared to the advice of public health officials at the time. Adrian Cheung and Star reporter May Warren talk about the reporting of the new study, what early reporting on racial incidents missed out on and what lessons we can learn from our own communities during the pandemic.

Guests: Leena Usman, Pino Buffone and Kris Rushowy

In what could be a landmark lawsuit in Canada, at least five major Ontario school boards are taking some of the largest social media companies to court over their platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, alleging they have been designed in a way that’s almost “rewiring” the way children behave. The allegations have yet to be proven in court, and there is no set date for when they will be heard, but they are now joining a wave of U.S. school districts doing the same. We find out more about this lawsuit and examine the implications for online safety, digital responsibility and the future of social media regulation. Plus, Gen-Zer Leena Usman shares her lived experience of what it's like on the social media front lines.

This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz and Paulo Marques.

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