Varun Reddy

I am Varun Reddy, a third-year Computer Science major in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. I am connected to TYDE through my undergraduate research assistantship with Prof. Laura Barnes in the Sensing for Systems Health team at the Link Lab. Our team collaborates with Prof. Bethany Teachman and the PACT lab on various projects.

Research

My research focuses on exploring new ways humans can interact with computers, particularly leveraging advancements in natural language processing and neuro-symbolic AI. My goal is to build interpretable, robust, and safe models to address complex societal issues faced by experts.

Daily Life

In my daily life, I integrate digital technology into nearly every aspect. From staying informed on current events to connecting with friends and family, and even tracking my workouts and sleep, digital tools are essential. They help me streamline my lifestyle, making me more efficient, organized, and connected.

Challenges with Digital Technology and Social Media

Digital technology, especially social media, captures vast amounts of user data, leading to highly personalized content and experiences. However, when combined with powerful machine learning recommendation systems, it can exploit the brain's dopamine-driven response, causing young people to spend excessive time mindlessly scrolling. This not only affects their attention span but also poses broader risks to their mental well-being. Finding a healthy balance with social media use is becoming increasingly challenging for young people, making it harder to resist the constant pull of online engagement.