The Future of Voting: Mobile Apps vs. Traditional Methods
IIn the digital age, where convenience often dictates innovation, the idea of voting through a mobile app, akin to banking apps secured with two-step verification, appears as a progressive step towards modernizing electoral processes. Imagine the ease—casting your vote from the comfort of your home, without the need to visit a polling station. The convenience is undeniable, much like having a personal teleportation device. But, as enticing as this sounds, several significant concerns arise, primarily revolving around security and the integrity of the democratic process.
Security Concerns with Mobile Voting
The primary concern with mobile voting lies in the potential for security breaches. Our phones, though integral to our daily operations, are susceptible to hacking and malware. The stakes in an election are immensely high, involving national or even global implications. A breach in voting security could mean manipulation of results, a risk not worth taking lightly. The idea of hackers, whether independent or state-sponsored, tampering with election results through a mobile app is a frightening prospect, capable of undermining the very foundation of democracy.
Comparing Security: Mobile Apps and Voting Machines
While mobile phones are used for a variety of secure transactions, including banking, the comparison with mobile voting isn’t entirely parallel. Banking systems are robust, protected by layers of security measures and continuously monitored for fraudulent activities. Despite this, banks still face security breaches, evidenced by the thousands of fraud cases reported annually. In contrast, traditional voting systems, despite their vulnerabilities and reported issues, are isolated networks, not connected to the internet, making widespread tampering more challenging.
The Argument for Traditional Voting Machines
Traditional voting machines, despite their perceived obsolescence, offer certain reliability. These machines are controlled environments—physically monitored and less prone to mass-scale hacking compared to software applications that could be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone. This physical security layer, while not foolproof, offers a semblance of control and manageability that a widely distributed mobile app might not.
Looking Forward: The Need for Robust Mobile Voting Solutions
The future might hold a place for mobile voting, provided there can be guarantees of security akin to those provided by the most secure financial institutions, enhanced with the most advanced cybersecurity measures available. Until such a time, the prudent course would be to improve and trust the traditional methods that have served us thus far.
In conclusion, while mobile voting presents an appealing picture of convenience and modernity, the security risks at present outweigh the potential benefits. The integrity of the voting process is paramount, and thus, a cautious approach, favoring secure, traditional methods is advisable until technology can assure absolute security in mobile voting systems.
Reading many articles about the use of AI in different verticals, one stood out to me: the impact of AI in the Travel Industry. The top 5% to 10% in the industry, akin to the fashion world, enjoy margins far beyond the rest. However, some at this level risk losing their edge by underestimating the power of AI.
There are always those called the #Bizosaurus (Business Dinosaurus, ( “EmpreSaurios” in Spanish) who still believe that technology will eliminate the personal touch in the travel industry. However, this perspective overlooks the critical role AI plays, especially in the high-margin luxury travel sector.
AI is essential because it enables the handling of processes efficiently, accurately, and swiftly—capabilities that human resources alone cannot match, especially with the increasing number of modifications and personalized requests from customers. For the top 5% of travelers, who expect impeccable and bespoke service, AI ensures their needs are met seamlessly.
Furthermore, many goods and services in this category of clients, who are not sensitive to price elasticity, continue to dominate the best margins. These clients expect their suppliers to provide the best and fastest solutions for everything. This means that luxury travelers demand cutting-edge technology and top-tier service, which AI can deliver, ensuring a superior customer experience.
Moreover, the innovations and high-level services developed for the luxury travel market often trickle down to the rest of the industry, transforming these exclusive services into a sort of #prêtàporter for the remaining 95% who are focused on competitive pricing and shrinking margins. This is akin to the fashion industry, where top designers leverage more advanced technology than the entire prêt-à-porter sector to deliver cutting-edge creations.
In summary, AI is not just a tool for cost-saving in the travel industry but a crucial element in delivering the exceptional service that luxury travelers demand, and in turn, setting new standards for the broader market. It enables businesses to meet the high expectations of their most profitable clients, who look for speed, efficiency, and innovation from their service providers.
“False Consensus” & the “Majority Illusion” in the
Mexican Presidential Election
Overall, the implications of the “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” in the Mexican Presidential election have profound consequences for democracy, social cohesion, and the well-being of the Mexican population. It is crucial to challenge these biases, promote inclusivity, and foster a more equitable and representative political landscape.
Since the Mexican Presidential election, there has been a growing phenomenon known as the “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” among the middle and upper classes. These classes, which predominantly consist of the traditional elite, have been expressing disbelief and claiming that it is impossible that a popular woman could have won the election.
Similar to the situation in the United States during the 2016 Presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, there is a sense of disconnect between the perceptions of the middle and upper classes and the reality experienced by the majority of Mexicans. This divide is creating a false consensus among the privileged few, leading them to believe that their views and opinions are shared by the majority. ( I wrote about this in 2017 “FALSE CONSENSUS & The MAJORITY ILLUSIONTHE USA ELECTION“)
The “Majority Illusion” is prevalent among the middle and upper classes in Mexico, as they are convinced that their social circles and networks represent the views and values of the entire population. This illusion leads them to believe that their beliefs and preferences are more common than they actually are. It is a form of cognitive bias that distorts their perception of reality and prevents them from understanding the true diversity of opinions and experiences among the Mexican population.
The “False Consensus” effect further exacerbates this divide. As individuals overestimate the prevalence of their own features and beliefs in the population, they assume that the majority of the population shares their political affiliations and ideologies. In the case of the Mexican Presidential election, this has led to the false belief among some members of the middle and upper classes that the majority of Mexicans are against the popular woman who won the election. This erroneous perception overlooks the diverse range of voices and support that contributed to her victory.
Furthermore, “Pluralistic Ignorance” plays a role in reinforcing this false consensus. This social perception bias occurs when individuals incorrectly believe that a majority holds certain beliefs or opinions, even when they themselves do not share those views. This phenomenon is evident as some members of the middle and upper classes in Mexico accept as absolute truth the notion that the popular woman’s victory is an anomaly and that the majority of the population does not support her.
The impact of the “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” in the Mexican Presidential election goes beyond simple misunderstandings or misperceptions. It has significant implications for the country’s social fabric and political landscape. The dismissal of the popular woman’s victory by the middle and upper classes perpetuates a sense of elitism and undermines the democratic principles of inclusivity and representation.
In conclusion, the “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” are social phenomena that have emerged in the context of the Mexican Presidential election. The middle and upper classes, driven by cognitive biases and a distorted perception of reality, are claiming that it is impossible for a popular woman to have won. This false consensus overlooks the diversity of opinions and experiences within the Mexican population and undermines the principles of democracy and representation. It is crucial for all members of society to recognize and challenge these biases in order to foster a more inclusive and democratic Mexico.
The implications of the “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” in the Mexican Presidential election are significant and far-reaching.
Undermining democratic principles: The belief among the middle and upper classes that it is impossible for a popular woman to have won the election undermines the principles of democracy and representation. It suggests a disregard for the will of the majority and perpetuates a sense of elitism, where the privileged few believe their views and opinions should prevail over those of the broader population.
Marginalizing diverse voices: The false consensus created by the middle and upper classes overlooks the diverse range of voices and perspectives within the Mexican population. It dismisses the experiences and aspirations of marginalized communities, reinforcing social inequalities and exacerbating the existing power imbalances.
Polarization and division: The “False Consensus” and the “Majority Illusion” contribute to polarization and division within society. By falsely assuming that the majority of Mexicans do not support the popular woman’s victory, it creates an “us versus them” mentality, deepening the rift between different social groups and hindering efforts to build a cohesive and inclusive nation.
Discrediting legitimate outcomes: The rejection of the popular woman’s victory based on the false consensus undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process. It fosters a lack of trust in democratic institutions and the electoral system, potentially leading to a sense of disillusionment and apathy among the broader population.
Stifling progress and change: The false consensus perpetuates a status quo that favors the interests of the middle and upper classes, hindering progress and social change. By dismissing the popular woman’s victory, it disregards the potential for new ideas, perspectives, and policies that could address the pressing issues faced by Mexico and its citizens.
Reinforcing gender biases: The disbelief in the popular woman’s victory further highlights the deep-seated gender biases and discrimination that persist in Mexican society. It sends a message that women are not capable of holding positions of power and influence, undermining the progress made in achieving gender equality and representation.
When an exceptional product, service, or solution fails to gain momentum, the challenge often lies in its marketing strategy. This predicament is notably prevalent across industries like food, travel, and financial services, where the competition is fierce and consumer expectations are high. The secret to overcoming this hurdle is rooted in multibenefit marketing – a comprehensive approach that showcases the various advantages your offering brings to the table.
To dissect the issue, it’s crucial to scrutinize the benefits your product or service provides. This analysis isn’t merely about listing features; it’s about understanding how these features translate into functional, symbolic, and experiential benefits for your customers. For instance, in the food industry, a product might not only offer the functional benefit of nutrition but also the symbolic benefit of sustainability and the experiential benefit of unique flavors. Similarly, travel services can highlight the practicality of hassle-free planning, the prestige of exclusive destinations, and the joy of immersive experiences. Financial services can promise the efficiency of transactions, the status of premium offerings, and the peace of mind that comes with expert advice.
If your offering is struggling to make an impact, it’s time to reevaluate your marketing approach. Are you effectively communicating how your product or service meets various customer needs and desires? By emphasizing the multifaceted benefits, you can appeal to a broader audience and enhance your product’s attractiveness. This strategy not only distinguishes your offering from competitors but also addresses the diverse motivations behind customer choices, increasing your likelihood of success.
In essence, if you find your groundbreaking product, service, or solution languishing in obscurity, consider whether your marketing effectively highlights its multiple benefits. This approach could be the catalyst you need to capture the attention and hearts of potential customers, propelling your offering to the success it truly deserves.
So how you got here?
Many will tell you that if you build an amazing product it will sell by itself, but many companies have found that it requires not just an amazing product but then the effort of the Marketing Team to position that product, specifically, tangible, in several categories. During my time as head of Marketing in several industries from Food, Technology and Financial Services, I always used a rule for those programs and assigning spending to it, even before you can think on what media, where , etc.. you have to make sure you define this 3 benefits :
– Functional Benefits: Practical advantages like time-saving, cost reduction, or problem-solving. For instance, a car’s good mileage or a software’s user-friendly interface.
– Symbolic Benefits: The status or identity the product confers on its owner, making them feel successful, eco-friendly, or part of an exclusive group. Examples are the elegance of an Apple product or Patagonia’s eco-conscious image.
– Experiential Benefits: The feelings or sensations experienced during use, such as joy, comfort, or nostalgia. Disneyland’s immersive entertainment and the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls are prime examples.
EVEN MORE NOW
In today’s competitive market, successful brands understand that effective marketing transcends mere product promotion. It involves a holistic approach that encompasses multiple types of benefits to resonate deeply with consumers.
This strategy is not confined to any single industry but is applicable across various sectors, including Food, Travel, and Financial Services. I have been involved in those three, so my take of how it will look my definition of targeting.
Food Industry: Take, for example, a gourmet restaurant that sources its ingredients locally. The functional benefits here include the freshness and quality of the food. Symbolically, it communicates a commitment to community support and environmental sustainability, enhancing the diner’s perception of contributing to a greater cause. The experiential benefit comes from the unique dining experience, where the story of each dish adds to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the meal. This multifaceted approach not only attracts customers looking for a high-quality meal but also those who value environmental sustainability and community support.
Travel Industry: In the travel sector, a luxury tour operator might offer packages to exotic destinations. The functional benefits include comprehensive travel planning, comfortable accommodations, and personalized itineraries. On a symbolic level, it conveys a sense of exclusivity and achievement, appealing to the traveler’s desire for prestige and social status. The experiential benefits are found in the immersive experiences offered, from private tours of hidden gems to exclusive access events, providing travelers with memories that last a lifetime. This blend of benefits appeals to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking convenience and comfort to those desiring unique and enriching experiences.
Financial Services: A wealth management firm provides another excellent example. Functionally, it offers sound financial advice and investment strategies. Symbolically, being a client of a reputed firm can signify financial success and security. The experiential benefit comes from the personalized service and the sense of confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing one’s financial future is in good hands. This combination of benefits attracts clients not just for the financial expertise but for the prestige and personalized experience as well.
The most effective marketing strategies are those that offer a blend of functional, symbolic, and experiential benefits. By appealing to a broad spectrum of consumer needs and desires, brands can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Whether it’s the food we eat, the places we travel, or the way we manage our finances, the value of a product or service is greatly enhanced when it’s marketed through a multi-faceted lens. As businesses continue to evolve, so too will the art of marketing, always with the goal of creating deeper connections with consumers.
I was this week at a Mining Conference in Antofagasta, Chile. For those that do not know in this area is located Chuquicamata the world’ largest copper, gold and molybden open pit mine, in terms of excavated volume. It is located in the north of Chile, just outside Calama, at 2,850 m above sea level.
Among many great presentations and an a Fireside Chat with me and my friend Osvaldo Pasten a figure in the Mining industry and from the region; but then one expositor called my attention, the CEO of Domolif, Pamela Chavez took the audience over a trip inside our body and how with so many contaminants we are killing all those living good bacteria that is part of the human body ecosystem. So this is what I learn and remember, plus some of the conclusions we came with in the after conference meeting and conversation, especially with Lab Director at Domolif, PHD Valeria Garcia.
MICROBIOTA
The human body is a remarkable ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiota. These microorganisms, particularly the “good bacteria,” play a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, human activities have inadvertently put these beneficial microorganisms at risk. Pollution with heavy metals, silica dust, and other contaminants can have detrimental effects on the delicate balance of the microbiota. In this article, we will explore the impact of human activities on these microorganisms and suggest ways to protect and improve their survival for the benefit of human health.
The Importance of Beneficial Microorganisms:
Beneficial microorganisms, especially those residing in our gut, play crucial roles in various bodily functions. They aid in digestion, bolster the immune system, produce essential vitamins, and even influence our mental well-being. Their presence is vital for maintaining a healthy gut and overall body function.
Human Activities and Microbial Destruction:
Pollution with Heavy Metals: Human industrial activities have led to the release of heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into the environment. These metals can find their way into our food and water sources. When ingested, they can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and reduce the abundance of beneficial bacteria, leading to potential health issues.
Silica Dust Exposure: Certain occupations, such as mining, construction, and manufacturing, expose workers to silica dust, which can be inhaled and ingested. Silica dust exposure has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, affecting the diversity and composition of beneficial bacteria.
Pesticides and Chemicals: Widespread use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture and other industries has raised concerns about their impact on the microbiota. These substances can have unintended effects on beneficial microorganisms, potentially leading to imbalances in the gut ecosystem.
Antibiotics Overuse: While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, their excessive and improper use can harm beneficial bacteria. Antibiotics do not discriminate between harmful and beneficial microbes, leading to a decline in the diversity of the gut microbiota.
Protecting Beneficial Microorganisms:
Reducing Pollution and Contaminant Exposure: Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to reduce pollution and minimize exposure to heavy metals, silica dust, and other harmful contaminants. Stricter regulations and sustainable practices can help mitigate their impact on both the environment and the microbiota.
Promoting Organic Farming and Bio-fertilizers: Organic farming practices can significantly reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals. By avoiding the use of harmful agrochemicals, organic farming is generally more environmentally friendly and has a less detrimental impact on the microbiota when consuming organically grown produce. Additionally, the adoption of bio-fertilizers, which are derived from natural sources like compost, manure, and beneficial microorganisms, can enrich the soil microbiota, fostering healthier plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers that can harm the microbial balance.
Responsible Antibiotic Use: Healthcare professionals and individuals alike should exercise caution when using antibiotics. Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider and follow the prescribed dosage and duration strictly. Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Consumption: Including probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (nourishment for beneficial bacteria) in the diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiota. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics, while foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, serve as prebiotics.
Conclusion:
The symbiotic relationship between humans and beneficial microorganisms is essential for our health and well-being. Unfortunately, human activities, such as pollution and improper antibiotic use, can disrupt this delicate balance. By taking proactive measures to reduce pollution, promoting sustainable practices, transitioning to organic farming and adopting bio-fertilizers, and making conscious choices about antibiotic use, we can protect these valuable microorganisms and pave the way for a healthier future for both ourselves and the environment. Remember, the well-being of the microbiota is intricately linked to our own well-being, and protecting them is a step towards safeguarding our health.
Since I was a kid, I would read anything that end up near my hands. Old newspapers, magazines, medical books, mechanical engineer manuals, old enciclopedias, everything.
So I keep doing this as a matter of fact, i click and go to places in the metaverse that most people have never been or would not even venture there. For me it became obvious that I can read anything I want, most sites, even those closed have always a way to get in, a promotion, a special key, a partnership that exposes their content and a lot of them have RSS feeds that is easy to bring into your own site.
While I was doing this during my moments of rest from work, I have the 24/7 video feed from the Political Conventions to watch. First the Republican and now the Democrat. Think of this, two full weeks of so many speeches, so many concepts to dig on. It is like having a kid in a candy store.
Then it hit me that almost all of them, both sides seem to be totally disconnected from the real world, their assumptions and what they believed to be truth were totally far away from what the rest of Americans and the rest of the world are living day to day.
There are very smart people dedicated to analyze social behavior, people like me that have a specialization in Sociology, just they have more time in their hands and have been able to
“Majority illusion”
When people are convinced that what is common among their friends and relatives, co-workers, sports club, etc. is more common than it actually is in the rest of the world, they enter this amazing zone.
Constant visitors and some permanent residents here are Presidents, Prime Ministers, CEO’s and a lot of those that fall into the famous Marie-Antoinette (bride of France’s King Louis XVI) “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” …
What happen in the augmented networking capacity that the WEB has brought is that this illusion is causing even more people, to reach wrong conclusions about how common a behavior is, leading them to accept as a norm a behavior that is globally rare.
This is why a very small amount people can create a big BOOM and send it as a a global issue, bu also it also helps to understand why observations and inferences individuals make of their peers are often incorrect.
“False Consensus”
The “False Consensus” effect arises when individuals overestimate the prevalence of their own features in the population, believing their type to be more common. Thus, Democrats believe that most people are also Democrats, while Republicans think that the majority are Republican.
“Pluralistic Ignorance” is another social perception bias. This effect arises in situations when individuals incorrectly believe that a majority believes something or accept as absolute rules that themselves do not share.
This America seems to apply to everything.. that is why we can have fake news, fake friends, fake personas, fake everything and they will be believed and followed..
I remember the times when people around the world used to admire how American will respect and trust their Police. when I was a kid, growing up in Mexico City and traveling around the country and Central America, my Father will always remind us to be careful specially with the Police and to never approach them unless there was an adult with me. Police in many countries around the world is perceived as “Pirates with the King’s license”… For many years
We used to fight against ANY State where police could detain you for any reason, that will hit you and beat you for just watching them the wrong way.
There was this dream among many around the Globe that now they all became corrupt, the typical first step for any “Police State” that we talk and hated so much about Communism. Our US scholars used to call the regimes of URSS, China, Cuba, Yugoslavia, etc. the “POLICE STATES”.
USA history of intervention to bring down so many governments because they have NO respect for the locals and the heads of those States have decided that they were THE LAW. In must cases POLICE or ARMY was not worried about the safety of society but they were defending a condition that allows them to become above the LAW.
Some will say that this POLICE or ARMIES acquired a life of their own imposing their own laws and became a rogue body inside those countries.
We seem to be heading the same way.
Once again, our best and finest NYPD – the way Giuliani, Bloomberg, Bush, etc. called the best int eh country- have attacked again. Like a POLICE MOB, they move and beat the hell out of a single person. How are we supposed to trust the efficiency and training of our Police if they can not deal with ONE single person ? This finest POLICE men and women – video is clear both participate equally – are the same that are not able to find those in motorcycles ( some of them police on their free day) attacking and scaring a little girl when they hit his father and his mother. Of course that will be too much to ask, they are not going after their own. That is exactly the definition of the MOB or a POLICE STATE.
Ironic, as these “brave” men and women were piled on top of one man, pummeling him into the ground, the brave and finest NYPD look nervous and concerned about being surrounded and outnumbered by an angry (but non-violent) crowd.
The video is very clear, when our Police have to always beat people, outnumber them, we should all be concerned. When our children look at this, what is going to be their reaction when a member of the Police Department in an y City in the US , ask them to stop ? If it was me I will be running…
I remember how many bystanders were beaten by the NYPD during Mr. Bloomberg Dictatorship ( yes, he was that at the helm of NYC, he modified the local laws so he can reelect himself an extra period, just like the same people the US fights around the world, Chavez or Maduro in Venezuela, La Junta in Argentina, Pinochet in Chile, Mao in China, Stalin and Lenin in the USSR) just because they were in the wrong place, during the Occupy Wall Street movement? The Police didn’t came as Heroes except for the Bankers and the Wall Street Tycoons – useless leaders at running their own companies that the Government had to intervene and save them – that sounds to me like so much government intervention, but of course our friends at Fox News won’t see it that way. Government, too much of it, is ok as long as it defend the CAPITAL, not the SOCIETY.
I was reminded by so many people that in the US you can NOT demonstrate freely, you need a permit, but we think that the Chinese Government is wrong because one guy started a demonstration in front of the Tanks in Tiananmen or because a large number of people in HongKong decided to demonstrate and were taken out of a Park – sounds familiar Mr. Bloomberg?- or we decide to bomb a whole country because the local government decides to “control popular demonstrations”… of course as long as it happens in other places is wrong but we will NOT accept people demonstrating against ANYTHING popular in the US without beaten them and making sure they are hospitalized or even dead by choking.
