Latest news with #AaronSmith
BBC News
15 hours ago
- BBC News
You might be ghosting the internet. Can it survive?
Your clicks have immense power. Collectively, just moments of our attention can lift or sink a site. But if you're like most people, it seems there's been a change in your behaviour – one that could reshape the internet you know and love. Over the last year, Google made a tweak. I'm sure you've noticed by now. The first thing you see in search results is often an AI-generated response, instead of the list of blue links that topped Google for decades. Google calls these chatbot answers "AI Overviews". Sometimes they're incredibly useful. Other times they literally tell people to eat rocks and glue in a moment of hallucination. Apparently, AI Overviews also influence what you do next. This year, 900 web-surfing Americans gave the Pew Research Center permission to spy on their browsing. "These users were less likely to click a link when they did a search that produced an AI summary – and also more likely to end their browsing session entirely," says Aaron Smith, director of Data Labs at Pew. According to a new analysis, Google searchers were almost two times less likely to click on links to other sites when they saw AI Overviews. And 26% of the time, they just closed their browser. This is what you might call a "very big deal". People use Google Search five trillion times a year. It's where the majority of all online activity begins. A huge portion of websites make their money through advertising, particularly sites that provide information and content rather than sell things. It's an ecosystem that lives and dies on the size of the audience, and the whims of Google's algorithm can basically shut your company down overnight. "Most websites require that Google traffic to keep the lights on," says Lily Ray, vice president of search engine optimisation strategy and research at the marketing agency Amsive. "But AI Overviews are cutting into traffic so dramatically that many sites are seeing 20%, 30%, even 40% declines in their revenue. It's having a devastating impact, and removing the incentive for a lot of people to create high-quality content." Some people make websites for fun. This could be a preview of things to come, because Google just launched a feature called AI Mode that gets rid of traditional search results entirely. Ray and a long list of experts say the outcome will be cataclysmic. Some fear it may destroy the web as we know it. Google, however, says that's all nonsense. "We consistently direct billions of clicks to websites daily and have not observed significant drops in aggregate web traffic as is being suggested," a spokesperson for the company says. "This study uses a flawed methodology and skewed query set that is not representative of Search traffic." Pew says it's confident in its research. "Our findings are broadly consistent with independent studies conducted by web analytics firms," Smith says. Dozens of reports show AI Overviews cut search traffic as much as 30% to 70% depending on what people are Googling. Ray says she's personally seen this in data from hundreds of websites. But Google tells the BBC you should disregard this, because it's bad research, biased data and meaningless anecdotes. The company says web traffic fluctuates for many reasons, and AI Overviews link to a wider variety of sources and create new ways to discover websites. Google's spokesperson says the clicks from AI answers are also higher quality because people spend more time on the sites they visit. Ironically, Google's own AI disagrees with its PR department. If you ask Google Gemini, it says AI Overviews hurt websites. And according to Ray, the evidence is clear. "Google is trying to spin information and hide the truth because people will freak out," she says. The company says it's committed to transparency. There's another question though. Is this just what we all want? That's what Google thinks, at least. "People are gravitating to AI-powered experiences, and AI features in Search enable people to ask even more questions, creating new opportunities for people to connect with websites," Google's spokesperson says. But Ray says that's missing the point. "Google can say, 'Oh well, nobody wants to click anymore,' but they're benefiting from the hard work everyone else is doing. They're taking the clicks away from the people who created the content Google's AI pulled from in the first place," she says. Forget the websites, though, Ray says AI's propensity to hallucinate means it's worse for you, too. More like this:• Is Google about to destroy the internet?• The hidden world in the shadows of YouTube's algorithm• The people stuck using ancient windows computers "AI Overviews often get things egregiously wrong," she says. "Not only is it stealing traffic from sites, it's almost like robbing the user of their ability to parse through different information, choose what they want to read and come to their own conclusions." Google says AI Search responses are useful and overwhelmingly factual, with accuracy on par with other Search features. Maybe that's just the trade we're all making. A little more convenience, a little less friction and, perhaps, a little less choice. But if Google is wrong, and websites start to go dark, it won't be because we clicked the wrong link. It'll be because we stopped clicking at all. [For more on how AI search will change your life, read our story Is Google about to destroy the web?] * Thomas Germain is a senior technology journalist for the BBC. He's covered AI, privacy and the furthest reaches of internet culture for the better part of a decade. You can find him on X and TikTok @thomasgermain. -- For more technology news and insights, sign up to our Tech Decoded newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights to your inbox twice a week. For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets place DE Jermaine Johnson on active/PUP
The Jets placed edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on the active/physically unable to perform list Saturday, the team announced. Johnson tore his right Achilles in a Week 2 game against the Titans, but he is expected to be ready for the 2025 season opener. He gave an update after the Jets announced their pre-camp transactions. "I will be on PUP because the team wants to move slow to be safe, which I agree with. Not because I'm not ready. All is well," Johnson wrote on social media. Johnson, the 26th overall pick in 2022, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 when he totaled 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. The Jets also placed wide receiver Irvin Charles on the active/PUP list. Charles, a core special teams player, tore an ACL on a punt-coverage snap against the Dolphins last December. At that time, his five tackles on special teams tied for team lead. Rookie linebacker Aaron Smith received an active/non-football injury/illness designation. His injury or illness is undisclosed. The South Carolina State product signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in April after leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with 92 tackles in 2024.
Scotsman
12-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Scotland's Health Awards 2025: NHS Forth Valley volunteer remembers 'unbelievable' awards moment
Scotland's Health Awards 2025 are now open for nominations. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There are 6,500 volunteers who support the work of NHS Scotland across a range of roles and for a variety of reasons. And for one Scottish volunteer, who has been saving lives in NHS Forth Valley for the past 17 years, he says he thrives on the feeling of 'giving back to his community'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Aaron Smith has spent hundreds of hours since 2008 responding to emergency calls and providing critical care in life-threatening situations. His volunteering work is so outstanding that he was recognised for his contribution when he received the Volunteer Award last year at Scotland's Health Awards 2024, hosted by The Scotsman. 'I think it's a really unique type of volunteering that I do,' he said. 'And it's a real sense of giving back to the community because you're doing it within the area that you do reside in.' Over the period of 2022, 2023 and 2024 alone, Mr Smith dedicated 922 hours to his role, attending 311 emergency calls. This included 25 cardiac arrests. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'You go to the most serious of emergencies, but also, you know, maybe the elderly patients that have fallen and maybe just need a helping hand and a bit of comfort and reassurance. 'It is a real sense of helping people that I think this opportunity in terms of volunteering gives.' As chair of Friends of Forth Valley First Responders, Mr Smith also improved community safety through defibrillator placement. Aaron Smith, from NHS Forth Valley, was recognised for his volunteer work last year. | Lisa Ferguson Interviewed off stage after accepting the award, he said: 'In terms of getting this award, it's unbelievable. I was really surprised when I was shortlisted, never mind nominated for the Volunteer Award and Scottish Health Awards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think I would say I'm a first responder of many hundreds across NHS Scotland. So I do take this award, but for everybody that volunteers their time doing first responder activities with the Scottish Ambulance Service. 'But, yeah, I feel fantastic to have received the award tonight.' Nominations are now open across 17 award categories, which all aim to recognise frontline health and social care workers and celebrate those who work hard behind the scenes to make sure patients across the country get the highest level of care possible. Scotland's Health Awards 2025 is open for nominations | The Scotsman The Volunteer Award is for an individual, a group or a team who give their time freely to help improve the health and wellbeing of patients, carers and service users of NHS Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nominees could be doing work from running a fundraiser, befriending patients to supporting carers. Anyone can nominate a volunteer they feel fits the bill by filling out the form with information about who they want to nominate. Other award categories include care for mental health, as well as awards for the doctor, nurse, top team, support worker, young achiever, Allied Health Professional, midwife and leader of the year. Last year another winner was Karli Whittle from NHS Fife who was recognised for her career as a support worker.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Council vote split on Ward 1 replacement; Concerns over new candidate, old rep debated
The Ward 1 position on the Gainesville City Council is still open following a 3-3 vote on who should fill the position. After the resignation of Hayley Hughes, two individuals stepped forward with an interest in the position — Aaron Smith and Linda Lewis, both longtime residents of Gainesville and known throughout the community. During public comments at Tuesday's city council meeting, 12 individuals spoke on Lewis' behalf, asking that she be chosen for the position. Two other individuals spoke against Smith. One resident referenced Smith's campaign against Hughes in the election in May, saying for that he should be given the position. This sentiment was echoed by councilmembers Gary Sutton and Randy Jones. The vote was evenly split with councilmember Dakota Nichols, councilmember Mary Jo Dollar and Mayor Tommy Moore voting in favor of Lewis, and councilmembers Sutton, Jones and Jeff Johnson voting in favor of Smith. Seventeen people spoke in the Citizen Comments portion of the city council meeting, 15 of which were regarding the Ward 1 position. Those in favor of Lewis spoke about her character as the pastor at Old Mount Olive Baptist Church and her work at Abigail's Arms. 'I've known Linda Lewis for over 20 years as a volunteer and board member to Cooke County Friends of the Family, continuing through to the formation of Abigail's Arms and beyond,' said community member Lucy Sutton. 'Linda Lewis' compassion and knowledge for this population is, without a doubt, evidence of pure dedication.' Among Lewis' advocates were multiple people she has worked with in the community over the years, including former Ward 1 councilmember Carolyn Hendricks. Two spoke against Smith, claiming he abuses animals on his bicycle rides, which he films and puts on YouTube under the channel name 'Outdoor Smiths.' 'While Aaron Smith may appear an active member of the community, partially through his frequent bike rides in the rural areas of Gainesville, Callisburg, Era, Muenster and more, his behavior during this rides has caused significant concern among many residents, especially those who live in these areas,' said community member Brooke West. 'Mr. Smith has repeatedly been seen provoking dogs that are simply reacting in a typical rural fashion … rather than responding calmly and avoiding these situations, Mr. Smith often maces the dog or strikes them with his stick with a spear on the end of it.' The Gainesville Register observed several of the videos posted to Smith's channel, showing him cycling through what appear to be rural neighborhoods. In several instances, dogs are seen barking and running up on the cyclist, who stabs at them with a self-described trekking pole or blows an airhorn in their direction. Smith, who was not present at the meeting, told the Register Thursday he loves animals, and has the right to travel down a public road, something he's been doing on his bike for years. He said he carries the trekking pole primarily for balance for his prosthetic right leg, which is essentially strapped to the bike. He has also used bear spray and an airhorn for protection against dog attacks, and does carry a pistol for emergencies. "Having a prosthetic, I can't get off my bike and put it between me and the dog," he said. "And the small dogs can run under my wheels and make me fall. Or they can latch on to your foot and bite ... and they can carry rabies." Gainesville city ordinances maintain that owners are not allowed to let their dogs run at large. A message left for the sheriff's office regarding what the county ordinances were had not yet been returned. Mayor Tommy Moore himself provided council with a police report from May, during which a woman at the local dog park told police Smith had threatened to assault her. The woman said that there had been previous issues with Smith's dogs acting aggressively, so when his dog approached her, she took out a taser stun gun. At that point, Smith approached her and made the threats, according to the report. Smith told the Register the dog in question was his service dog, who was not being aggressive to anyone. "I asked her not to tase my dog, and she 'felt threatened,'" he said, claiming he never made any threat to assault. "I never got called, charges were never pressed..." Community member Trey Schalk spoke less about each individual's character or ability, and more about how Smith had made the commitment to run for election, and while he lost, he should be appointed for the position. Smith lost to Hughes 24-19. "The new candidate, she seems like a really nice lady," Smith said of Lewis. "If she had run [in May], I probably would have voted for her and wouldn't have filed. The only reason I ran in May was I was told nobody else was running. "It's a political thing. Tommy does not want me in that position because I represent a shift in the entire council." By law, the council must fill the seat within 90 days of the vacancy and, since the city does not have an election cycle within that time frame, councilmembers must choose from applicants that apply for the seat. The next city council meeting will be on July 15 at 6:30 p.m., where another vote will likely be held. Council meetings are held in the municipal building at 200 S. Rusk St. Questions over Hughes' Resignation The last day for candidates to withdraw from elections held on May 3 was on Feb. 21, 71 days before Election Day. Councilmember Sutton said Hughes signed a contract to purchase a house in Lindsay on April 9, after the February deadline, and closed on the house on May 9, after the election and after she was sworn in on May 6. Hughes officially submitted her letter of resignation on June 4 and her position was declared vacant on June 17. According to Article 16, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, after becoming ineligible for office, public officers are allowed to continue to perform their duties until a successor is decided and duly qualified. However, Hughes has stepped down and has not maintained her position. Sutton raised suspicions of the timing of Hughes signing a contract to purchase a house out of her area in early April, and then resigning less than a month after being sworn in. "I sent an email questioning whether she had the right to continue to serve. After I sent that email, the same day, she resigned immediately," he said. "What was the holdup on her resigning if she knew she was moving to Lindsay?" Sutton also questioned why Lewis didn't run for election if she wanted the position. Nichols pointed out that there were logical reasons things may have played out the way they did, such as Hughes being uncertain if her house was going to close, or Lewis not running for election because she supported Hughes. He admitted that he had previously thought it logical to give the position to Smith, but had changed his mind in light of some of the uncertainties. 'Thinking on that, I think we're getting into a 'what if' game by assuming,' said Nichols. 'I've just recently kind of had a change of heart in it, but I think it's dangerous to think that way.' Moore agreed, emphasizing that the election was fair and there was nothing illegal about what Hughes did. 'What happened two months ago? We can't fix that,' said Moore. 'No charges have been filed, no complaints have been filed, but we do have a really nice record of Mr. Smith threatening to assault someone in a park here in our town. Do we want to entertain that individual when they didn't show up and we didn't have one person speak on behalf of Mr. Smith?' Sutton responded that one person did advocate for Smith due to him running in the election and called the comments against Smith personal attacks. A member of the audience commented that they just heard people talk about his character. A letter from Jones published in the June 21 edition of the Register was also brought up, where the councilmember advocated for Smith to get the position and said Hughes should not have run at all. 'Councilman Randy Jones of Ward 3, who only won his seat by one vote, wrote a Letter to the Editor suggesting the political process did not work in the last freely conducted election, and makes his case that this city council only has one option in selecting a person from the two candidates presented to this body tonight,' said Moore. He then went on to cite the closing of Jones' letter: 'Why should the remaining members of the city council even consider appointing anyone other than Aaron Smith to the position? I hope that my fellow Gainesville citizens will contact their council representatives to tell them what they think,' calling the statement contradictory. 'By comments made in these chambers tonight from witnesses of Aaron Smith's actions throughout our county and city, I wonder how anyone on this council could recommend him for service,' Moore said.
Global News
08-07-2025
- Health
- Global News
Nova Scotia multidisciplinary health teams a key to improving access: officials
Nova Scotia health officials say they are making progress recruiting health professionals and in reducing the province's primary care wait list through an emphasis on collaborative care. Dr. Aaron Smith, provincial medical executive director with the province's health authority, told a legislature committee today that clinics with multidisciplinary teams attract doctors. Smith says in the past year all of the 89 primary care physicians who came to work in the province were recruited into clinics featuring other health professionals. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The legislature committee was told there are currently 118 so-called health homes or collaborative-care clinics where health teams provide a range of care. However, officials can't say how many of the clinics will ultimately be needed to ensure primary care coverage for most Nova Scotians. The officials credit the multidisciplinary teams with helping to reduce the patient wait list to over 91,000 in June, down from a peak of 160,000 people without primary care a year ago. Story continues below advertisement This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.
