It seems ironic that the same principles that make streaming platforms like Netflix so addictive can also drive the economic growth of a rural town in East Africa. Yet, this is exactly the heart of the problem User Experience (UX) … Continue reading
Megan Tan
Megan Tan is in her third year at McGill University, currently pursuing a BA&Sc in Cognitive Science with a minor in Philosophy. As a Staff Writer at Catalyst Publications, Megan aims to bridge her background in Behavioural Science with International Development as her writing is mainly focused on the Health and Technological dimensions of global political issues. Having grown up in Singapore, Qatar, and Canada, Megan strives to use her diverse upbringing to offer a multifaceted lens through which she examines the interplay of technology, health, and cognitive science.
Silicon Valley’s Win or America’s Loss? Understanding The Overturn of California’s Controversial AI Bill
The terms “innovation” and “public protection” often find themselves head-to-head in national politics. On September 29th, Governor Gavin Newsom prioritized the former when he vetoed a highly contentious AI bill. The bill, otherwise known as the Safe and Secure Innovation … Continue reading
Searching for Cleopatra: Redefining and Reclaiming the Egyptian Queen’s legacy
The last Pharaoh of Egypt; a living goddess, a promiscuous lover, and one of the first female leaders in human history. At least this is the story of Cleopatra that existing literature writes. However, much of Cleopatra’s identity remains … Continue reading
Democratic Decline: Deepfakes, Art, Politics, and Children
A technological monument, a celebratory milestone in human history, or the beginning of the downfall of modern day democracies? In early February, OpenAI announced the release of Sora, an innovative tool that turns textual prompts into videos which are … Continue reading
EVE-volution: A Woman’s Sprint for Equity against the 2024 Olympic Sex Relay
All was never fair in science and sports… until the female body came into the picture. With the 2024 Paris Olympics soon under way, conversations surrounding sex-testing are re-intensifying, making the release of Cat Bohannon’s novel Eve remarkably timely. In … Continue reading
The Cosmic Renaissance: How 21st Century Politics Reignited the Space Race
A universal revolution, one that is both unprecedented and oddly familiar, is quietly unfolding directly above our heads. Outer space: humanity’s final frontier paints a colourful mosaic of politics, revolutionaries, and war. With help from technological advancements, the discovery of … Continue reading
Thinking Biased, Acting Smart: How Cognitive Biases Shape International Politics
Human beings are inescapably, inherently, and unfortunately irrational beings. At least, this is the view Daniel Kahneman posited in his revolutionary novel, Thinking, Fast and Slow, which discusses the inherent cognitive biases that govern our decision-making and worldviews – … Continue reading
Singapore: The World’s Smartest or Fastest City?
Small but mighty; Singapore has time after time surpassed global superpowers as the world’s leading Smart City. “Outsmarting” Helsinki and Zurich, it has transformed its traditional networks with digital solutions, enhancing efficiency for businesses and citizens. Leading the league in … Continue reading