Get ready to test your knowledge of the biggest science and technology stories of 2023 with WIRED’s 2023 Year-in-Review Quiz. This past year was filled with AI innovation, billionaire obsessions with social media, and the ongoing challenges of pollution and climate change. Take this 12-question quiz to see how much you remember and then explore the list of articles to learn even more. From the mass extinction in the human gut to the future of artificial intelligence, WIRED has got you covered with the most read articles of the year. Let’s dive in and see how much you know!
WIRED’s 2023 Year-in-Review Quiz
Overview
The year 2023 has been marked by significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with OpenAI leading the charge. While fears of an AI apocalypse did not come to pass, the technology remained a focal point in Silicon Valley, with many software developers incorporating AI tools into their creations. However, AI is not the only compelling narrative from 2023. Researchers explored new strategies to preserve microbial diversity, pollution and climate change continued to impact the environment, and billionaires became increasingly fixated on social media platforms. This article presents a 12-question quiz that highlights some of the most widely read articles on WIRED’s website in 2023. After taking the quiz, readers are encouraged to explore further reading by referring to the list of articles provided.
Highlighted Science and Technology Stories
Question 1: A Mass Extinction Is Taking Place in the Human Gut
This article explores the phenomenon of mass extinction occurring in the human gut. Scientists have discovered that due to factors such as a modern diet and overuse of antibiotics, the diversity of microbes in the gut is declining rapidly. This loss of microbial diversity has significant implications for human health and highlights the need for further research and intervention.
Question 2: A New Drug Switched Off My Appetite. What’s Left?
In this article, a personal account is shared regarding the use of a new drug that effectively suppresses appetite. The author discusses the transformative impact of this medication on their eating habits and explores the potential implications for obesity treatment and management.
Question 3: In Sudden Alarm, Tech Doyens Call for a Pause on ChatGPT
Tech leaders express concerns over the unchecked growth and potential biases in ChatGPT, an AI language model. This article discusses the implications of AI language models and the importance of ethical considerations in their development and deployment.
Question 4: Can Burning Man Pull Out of Its Climate Death Spiral?
Burning Man, the iconic festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, has faced growing scrutiny due to its environmental impact. This article delves into the challenges faced by the event in mitigating its carbon footprint and explores potential strategies for sustainability.
Question 5: HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and the Day Streaming Died
This article examines the shifting landscape of streaming services, focusing on the potential decline of these platforms as audience interests diversify and alternative forms of entertainment emerge. The article explores the impact of this shift on the media industry and consumer preferences.
Question 6: They Plugged GPT-4 Into Minecraft—and Unearthed New Potential for AI
Researchers experiment with integrating the GPT-4 AI language model with Minecraft, a popular video game. This article discusses the promising results of this integration and the potential applications of AI within virtual environments.
Question 7: How Threads Could Kill Twitter
This article explores the impact of threaded conversations on Twitter and the potential consequences they may have for the platform’s user experience and overall engagement. The article discusses the challenges and benefits of implementing threaded conversations and the implications for the future of Twitter.
Question 8: The Snow Crab Vanishes
The disappearance of snow crabs, a staple in the fishing industry, raises concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. This article examines the factors contributing to the decline of snow crabs and highlights the need for sustainable fishing practices.
Question 9: This Is the True Scale of New York’s Airbnb Apocalypse
The proliferation of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb has raised concerns about housing shortages and increased rental costs. This article investigates the impact of Airbnb on New York City’s housing market and the ongoing debates surrounding short-term rental regulations.
Question 10: Sam Bankman-Fried Has Been Found Guilty of Fraud
A prominent figure in the financial industry, Sam Bankman-Fried, faces legal repercussions as he is found guilty of fraudulent activities. This article discusses the details of the case and its implications for the financial sector.
Question 11: Humane’s Ai Pin is a $700 Smartphone Alternative You Wear All Day
Humane introduces Ai Pin, a wearable device offering an alternative to traditional smartphones. This article explores the features and functionality of Ai Pin and its potential impact on mobile technology.
Question 12: OpenAI Staff Threaten to Quit Unless Board Resigns
Internal conflicts within OpenAI emerge as staff members threaten to resign unless changes are made to the organization’s board of directors. This article delves into the reasons behind this dispute and the potential consequences for OpenAI’s future.
Further Reading
Article 1: A Mass Extinction Is Taking Place in the Human Gut
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the mass extinction occurring within the human gut. It explores the scientific research behind this phenomenon and the potential implications for human health.
Article 2: A New Drug Switched Off My Appetite. What’s Left?
Readers can delve into this article to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of a new drug that suppresses appetite. The author shares their personal experience and discusses the broader implications for obesity treatment.
Article 3: In Sudden Alarm, Tech Doyens Call for a Pause on ChatGPT
This article offers insights into the concerns expressed by tech leaders regarding the growth and potential biases of ChatGPT. It highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI language models.
Article 4: Can Burning Man Pull Out of Its Climate Death Spiral?
Explore this article to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Burning Man in mitigating its environmental impact. It offers potential solutions and strategies for the event to become more sustainable.
Article 5: HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and the Day Streaming Died
This article dives into the changing landscape of streaming services and their potential decline as new forms of entertainment emerge. Readers can gain insights into the impact of this shift on the media industry and consumer preferences.
Article 6: They Plugged GPT-4 Into Minecraft—and Unearthed New Potential for AI
Discover the exciting integration of the GPT-4 AI language model with Minecraft in this article. It explores the innovative applications of AI within virtual environments and the promising results of this integration.
Article 7: How Threads Could Kill Twitter
Gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of threaded conversations on Twitter is the focus of this article. It delves into the challenges and benefits of implementing threaded conversations and their potential implications for the platform.
Article 8: The Snow Crab Vanishes
Readers interested in the disappearance of snow crabs and its connection to climate change can explore this article. It examines the factors contributing to their decline and advocates for sustainable fishing practices.
Article 9: This Is the True Scale of New York’s Airbnb Apocalypse
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of Airbnb on New York City’s housing market. It explores the ongoing debates surrounding short-term rental regulations and their consequences for housing availability.
Article 10: Sam Bankman-Fried Has Been Found Guilty of Fraud
Gain insights into the legal case involving Sam Bankman-Fried, a prominent figure in the financial industry, through this article. It discusses the details of the case and its implications for the financial sector.
Article 11: Humane’s Ai Pin is a $700 Smartphone Alternative You Wear All Day
This article explores the features and functionality of Humane’s Ai Pin, a wearable device offering an alternative to traditional smartphones. Readers can learn more about its potential impact on mobile technology.
Article 12: OpenAI Staff Threaten to Quit Unless Board Resigns
Delve into the internal conflicts within OpenAI and the potential consequences of staff members threatening to resign in this article. Gain insights into the reasons behind these disputes and their implications for OpenAI’s future.
By exploring the further reading articles, readers can delve deeper into each of the highlighted science and technology stories and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the advancements and challenges shaping the year 2023.