"The Monkey Business of Machine Learning Can We Tame the Wild?

The Monkey Business of Machine Learning Can We Tame the Wild?

As machine learning engineers, we're accustomed to navigating complex systems and unpredictable outcomes. However, have you ever stopped to consider the wild animals that roam our digital jungles? I'm not referring to AI-powered chatbots or self-driving cars – I'm talking about the primates that are taking over one of the world's most famous tourist attractions Angkor Wat.

The Monkeys of Misconduct

In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) story of how a group of mischievous monkeys has turned the ancient temples of Angkor Wat into their own playground. We'll examine the role that human interaction – particularly by YouTubers – has played in altering these wild animals' behavior and what this can teach us about the impact of our digital actions on the world around us.

The Canard Connection

Before we dive into the monkey business, let's explore a little-known concept the canard. A canard is a type of wing design used in aircraft to improve stability and maneuverability. Similarly, our digital tools and techniques can be thought of as a kind of canard – helping us navigate the complex landscape of machine learning and stay ahead of the curve.

The Monkey See, Monkey Do

As anyone who's visited Angkor Wat knows, the ancient temples are steeped in history and culture. However, what many visitors may not realize is that they're also home to a thriving population of macaques – wild monkeys that have adapted to life in the bustling tourist complex. For years, these monkeys have been getting into all sorts of mischief, from stealing snacks from tourists to causing damage to the temples themselves.

The Role of YouTubers

However, it's not just the monkeys' natural behavior that's changed – it's also our own actions as humans that have had an impact on their behavior. A small number of YouTubers have been feeding these monkeys in order to create viral content, which has led to a change in their behavior from wild animals to domesticated ones.

The Consequences

As a result, the monkeys have become more aggressive and territorial, biting tourists and causing damage to the temples. It's not just the humans who are suffering – the monkeys themselves are also at risk, as they've lost their natural fear of humans and are now more vulnerable to predators.

Lessons from Angkor Wat

So what can we learn from this story? For one thing, it highlights the importance of considering the unintended consequences of our actions – whether that's in the digital world or in the real one. As machine learning engineers, we have a responsibility to think carefully about how our tools and techniques will impact the world around us.

A Call to Action

So what can you do to help? Here are a few suggestions

If you're planning a trip to Angkor Wat, make sure to respect the monkeys' space and don't feed them.
Consider supporting conservation efforts in Cambodia – every little bit helps!
As machine learning engineers, let's use our skills to develop tools that can help us better understand and protect these incredible animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of the monkeys at Angkor Wat is a reminder of the power of human interaction – for good or ill. By considering the unintended consequences of our actions, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for all – humans and animals alike. So let's embark on this journey, shall we?

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.