Society & Humanity

Understanding the people, values and cultural forces behind Europe’s transformation.

As artificial intelligence reshapes how information is produced and perceived, literacy can no longer mean simply reading and verifying facts. It must address who constructs meaning, how algorithms frame reality and whether citizens retain agency in an increasingly synthetic information environment.

As algorithms and artificial intelligence increasingly determine what citizens see, media literacy can no longer focus solely on identifying misinformation. Understanding the infrastructures that shape visibility has become essential for democratic resilience and cognitive autonomy in Europe’s evolving digital public sphere.

While the world marvels at data centers and NVIDIA chips consuming electricity equivalent to small cities, a two-year-old sits on the floor of an ordinary daycare. Using no more than a dim household bulb’s worth of energy—20 watts—this child performs feats Silicon Valley can only dream of: learning a language, understanding sarcasm, recognizing a banana, whether drawn, plastic or half-eaten.

We live in a time where technological innovation never pauses. Artificial Intelligence is growing exponentially; algorithms predict our behavior and smart systems make decisions once reserved for humans. Yet… life feels faster but poorer. We have more resources than ever, yet less time, less rest and less meaning. Society seems increasingly individualistic; hidden poverty is on the rise—not only financially but socially and emotionally.

She speaks sparingly, promises little and lets systems do the talking. Margarita Betrard is not a CEO who seeks the spotlight; she engineers control. Not a traditional visionary, but an architect of containment. Since taking the helm at ABN AMRO, one thing has become unmistakably clear: this bank is no longer led by instinct, but by logic, code and legal impermeability.

In the world of medical technology, five giants dominate the landscape: Philips, Siemens Healthineers, GE HealthCare, Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson MedTech. They shape hospitals, diagnostic labs and operating rooms worldwide. But their influence goes far beyond machines and software: their story is one of technological innovation intertwined with human care, navigating governance challenges, mergers and ethically complex healthcare decisions.

About us

Altair Media explores how innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and human values shape Europe’s future. Founded to bridge technology and humanity, we bring together journalists, researchers and thinkers to foster informed progress with empathy at its core.
Independent insights and strategic perspectives on AI, technology and Europe’s digital governance.
📍 Based in The Netherlands – with contributors across Europe
✉️ Contact: info@altairmedia.eu