Opinion

A collage with ancient Egyptian art, human hands, geometric patterns, rock tools, and the text "Human Agency" on a checkered background.
How humanity transformed its fate
From surviving on wild plants and game to controlling our world with technology, humanity’s journey of progress is a story of expanding human agency.
Three individuals sitting on steps, all engrossed in using their smartphones. The background appears blurry, with a dark and starry effect framing the scene.
Apps
My anxious generation: The unforeseen toll of a digital childhood
In this op-ed, columnist Rikki Schlott draws from personal experience to argue that a digital childhood is a childhood squandered.
Close-up of a computer motherboard featuring a central processor labeled "AI" surrounded by various electronic components, including capacitors, heat sinks, and connectors.
Computer Science
Microsoft’s “parallel bets” strategy won the PC Wars. Will it work for AI?
Microsoft made parallel bets to make sure they held their OS lead. They’ll do the same for AI — will it work?
What does China’s crypto ban mean for the tech world?
Lily Z. King
coronavirus predictions
Coronavirus
An epidemic of false confidence related to COVID-19
Danny Hillis
Freethink staff picks: Best of 2019
how the 2010s Changed the World
9 ways the 2010s decade changed the world
B. David Zarley
Biology
A molecular biologist discusses the morality of gene editing
Daisy Robinton, Ph.D.
Americans are divided. These people are doing something about it.
Dan Hayes