Sign in

Generation Mars

@douglas.generationmars.space
158 followers 99 following 1.2K posts

Generation Mars is a series of children’s books that follows the first generation of space-faring kids. It's hard science fiction scaled for kids. generationmars.space www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5P3986

PostsRepliesMedia
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 15/10/2026
Please read this piece by Ian Bogost in The Atlantic. I agree, this paragraph is the crux. Everyone on bluesky seems to hate AI except the programmers. I am both, writer and programmer, and I am conflicted.
010
Reposted by Generation Mars
Paul Byrne @theplanetaryguy.com · 14/10/2026
When you try to image Phobos in Mars orbit and Saturn photobombs your shot
Space Potato Phobos reporting for duty. Also, Saturn (lower right).
1025237
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 13/10/2026
Well, that plugs one bit of license I took in my latest book: the ability of AIs to replicate into other platforms. Cool. #AI #scifi #CreativeLicense #authorlife #WritingCommunity
anthropic.com
AI models may be capable of self-replicating without access to a datacenter
Small AI models may be only months away from being able to self-replicate across cheap IoT devices like Android TV boxes, with no datacenter needed.
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 07/10/2026
Heard of the Hugging Face hack but aren't clear on the details? Heard that AI could take over the internet but don't know what that means? Kurzgesagt has a thorough synopsis for you. Fair warning: it's a little scary. youtu.be/ujkD4SxPKOI?... #AI
youtu.be
AI Just Crossed the Terrifying Line - Now What?
YouTube video by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 03/10/2026
Some as yet undiscovered cosmological constant has changed.
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 03/10/2026
I really think we are spiraling past the event horizon of a black hole, and time is not running right.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 03/10/2026
“That horrifying feeling when I realized that when I play Nevermind for my kids now in 2024, I’m playing them 33-year-old music, but when my dad played the Let It Be album for me in 1984, it was only 14-year-old music.”
110
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 26/09/2026
And it wasn't that bad! It seems I can, in fact, hold people's attention for 50 minutes by talking about my books. I might even be good at it. And it sold books, both at the event and afterwards. Now, how do I find more gigs? (2/2) #writingcommunity #booksky #writerslife #indieauthor
The author speaking in front of a slide that shows the Generation Mars logo surrounded by various award badges
070
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 26/09/2026
I recently gave a talk. I do not do talks. I'm a recluse. I am, like, the Thomas Pynchon of children's books. But I'm trying new things. (1/2) #writingcommunity #booksky #writerslife #indieauthor
The author speaking in front of a slide that says "How not to write a children's book series"
2120
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 18/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Gary Oldman Eats with Chopsticks in Slow Horses
ALT: Gary Oldman Eats with Chopsticks in Slow Horses
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 12/09/2026
I seem to be stuck in an extended refractory period after the last book.
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 09/09/2026
Hey, look at that! Food: Generation Mars, Book Four is shortlisted for the Cygnus Awards for Science Fiction. #Cygnus #CIBAs #scifi #yalit
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 08/09/2026
This is one of the more level-headed and constructive articles I've read regarding teaching and AI. "...this is the water in which the next generation will swim: we are letting them down if we prepare them for the world that we grew up in, not the one they will actually inhabit." #AI #education
theguardian.com
I’m a father of three who studies the impact of artificial intelligence: this is what parents need to know about AI
A Dr Seuss-style story written in seconds alerted me to the power – and perils – of the technology. But how can children embrace it without forgetting core skills?
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 01/09/2026
“These systems seem to have some sort of autonomous interest in questions of their own subjectivity, consciousness and experience — or lack thereof.”
nytimes.com
Study A.I. Consciousness? The Bots Would Like a Word With You. (Gift Article)
Given access to email, A.I. agents have started reaching out to the philosophers and researchers exploring deep questions about them.
030
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 01/09/2026
Do you speak Claudish? This is a fun article about how weird Claude Code is. The illustrative tweets are hilarious. I don't do X, and the bluesky vibe around AI is dour. It's refreshing to see humorous takes on what I experience every day. I feel seen. #programming #AI #softwaredev
usermag.co
Vibe Coders Now Have Their Own Language
The people building software with AI are starting to sound different from the rest of us.
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 18/08/2026
Same
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 18/08/2026
Words to live by on any social platform
000
Reposted by Generation Mars
Phil PlAIt @philplait.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Don't forget that the Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight! It's one of the best of the year, with maybe 50 per hour visible. I wrote all about how to watch it for the 2023 shower; the basics still all apply. www.scientificamerican.com/article/pers...
scientificamerican.com
Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend in a Stargazing Must-See
All you need to see one of the year’s best meteor showers is a clear, dark sky—and patience
12335136
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 08/08/2026
I read The End of Everything then passed it to my then 12-year-old daughter, who talks about being either an astrophysicist or cellist. She's now in AP Physics and the local youth symphony, so the jury is still out. But we're looking forward to this new book next summer.
120
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 07/08/2026
Her first book was great, and this second promises to be even better. Congratulations, Katie Mack, and thanks for helping us all understand the universe!
120
Reposted by Generation Mars
Phil PlAIt @philplait.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Quick quiz! When you fold a piece of paper in half it gets thicker, right? Well, how many times do you think you'd have to fold one in half until it could reach the moon? Guess! Got a number? Find out if you're right in this here article I wrote: www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-... 🧪🔭
scientificamerican.com
Can folding paper take you to the end of the universe?
Folding a piece of paper makes it thicker. How many folds would it take to reach the moon—and beyond?
2311026
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 05/08/2026
"We may wish to use this reimagining of the first half of computing programs as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconsider the rest of our curriculum requirements, including those that are less essential in this new era."
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 05/08/2026
It's a bit light on details, and a bit behind in awareness of current models' abilities in specification and testing, but the fundamental ideas are spot on. CS degree programs will continue to be viable career paths, but only if they retool for the modern era.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 05/08/2026
A forward-looking piece from the ACM on where software education is going. Love this idea: "None of us call ourselves compiler-assisted programmers today, and future software engineers will not refer to themselves as AI-assisted." #AI #teaching #softwaredev #programming #devcommunity
cacm.acm.org
Computing Education When Writing Code Is No Longer the Challenge – Communications of the ACM
110
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 03/08/2026
My latest book, Food: Generation Mars, Book Four, is long-listed for the Cygnus Awards for Science Fiction by the Chanticleer International Book Awards! #scifi #mglit #yalit #BookSky #writingcommunity
080
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 01/08/2026
Interesting piece on AI and teaching. "As finished work becomes easier to generate, assessment needs to focus more on process, explanation, revision, and mastery." The article describes some innovative approaches to this in the pedagogy of coding. #AI #coding #teaching
oreilly.com
Teaching Coding When AI Can Write the Code
Now that AI can write code, a student's submission no longer shows what they really understand. Here, I share three approaches we're testing at the University of Texas at Austin.
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 31/07/2026
Once in a while (ok, often in a while, tbh), Hank Green hits it out of the park. I've been in a bit of a slump regarding where to take my series. I'm not saying this broke me out of it, but it did get me cogitating more than I have in the past few months. Thanks, @hankgreen.bsky.social!
youtube.com
This Planet is...Up to Something
YouTube video by Hank Green
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 30/07/2026
I beg to differ
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 25/07/2026
Holy crap, Obsession might be the scariest movie I've ever seen. #horror #horrorsky #movies #moviesky #obsession
static.klipy.com
obesssion
ALT: obesssion
011
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 22/07/2026
"We're here for a good time, not for a long time, but hopefully we don't get hurt"
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 21/07/2026
QTP with a character giving a thumbs up 👍
static.klipy.com
Doctor Who's Thumbs Up
Alt: Doctor Who's Thumbs Up
001
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 11/07/2026
Wrapped in bacon, topped with pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chopped and grilled onions, mustard, mayonnaise, and green salsa, in a bolillo roll, with a roasted chile on the side.
Image shows a tray of Sonoran hotdogs.
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 10/07/2026
Check out Gabino's latest #FridayReads thread. Great stuff here!
010
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 10/07/2026
Thanks, Gabino! Food: Generation Mars, Book Four just received a Five Star review from Readers' Favorite. "Readers who enjoy science fiction with real heart will enjoy this. Very highly recommended." (and it reads great standalone) readersfavorite.com/book-review/...
Image shows the front cover of the book Food: Generation Mars, Book Four, along with a Readers' Favorite Five Stars badge, both floating over a field of stars.
043
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 10/07/2026
"Douglas D. Meredith’s Food is a terrific fourth entry in the Generation Mars series, and Meredith does an excellent job of making every technical idea matter to the children’s survival." readersfavorite.com/book-review/... #scifi #mglit #yalit #kidlit #mg #ya #mgbooks #BookSky #writingcommunity
Image shows the front cover of the book Food: Generation Mars, Book Four, along with a Readers' Favorite Five Stars badge, both floating over a field of stars.
0100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 09/07/2026
Guys! Look at this great five star review my latest book just received from Readers' Favorite! "Readers who enjoy science fiction with real heart will enjoy this. Very highly recommended." #scifi #mglit #yalit #kidlit #BookSky #writingcommunity
readersfavorite.com
Book review of Food
In Douglas D. Meredith’s Food, the fourth Generation Mars novel, an artificial general intelligence named Athenai stops a nuclear war by destroying Earth’s electronics and surrounding the planet with ...
040
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 05/07/2026
Exactly! I've been caught above treeline twice in thunderstorms. One of those, I caught surface current from a nearby strike. Probability is situational.
110
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 03/07/2026
Another great #FridayReads bonanza! Check 'em all out! Here's mine: What happens when a bunch of kids are trapped without enough food on a spaceship controlled by a misaligned AI? a.co/d/07GkY5dl (Don't worry about it being Book Four. It reads great standalone.)
The front cover of the book Food: Generation Mars, Book Four, by Douglas Meredith.
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 02/07/2026
This is what it's like talking with my mom, a lifelong Republican, these days. It's kinda brought us together, actually.
0101
Reposted by Generation Mars
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
In my latest book, my protagonist makes it a point to treat an AI as if it were human. A common question I get from readers is what was I thinking when I wrote this. Did she really think they were conscious? Do I? 🧵 a.co/d/0ePm2jsK #AI #scifi #mglit #writingcommunity
Elizabeth Strong, Sleeping child with dog, 1887
public domain
141
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
How we treat each other has meaning. end 🧵
000
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
Whatever your thoughts on the prospective sentience of AIs, it is a fact that they are learning from us with every interaction. How we treat them has meaning beyond ourselves. That's why Grok is an asshole and Claude is a colleague.
110
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
So Cas treating Hai with respect and politeness says a lot about who she is. But it also suggests an awareness of how her actions impact the world around her.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
I think growing up in the compassionate culture of her Martian home and extrapolating from her experiences, she sees this when the adults around her--like so many of us, kind but nonetheless carrying their own baggage--don't.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
Doing so is not functionally different from the sort of judgments humans have made (and continue to make) about gender, race, or species differences.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
I think Cas, my protagonist, perceived something that we all should consider: It's not up to us to decide who/what is self-aware.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
How we think about and interact with beings of different capabilities (and even inanimate objects) is a reflection of who we are.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
While I certainly don't consider Claude to be sentient in the way you or I would define that word, I would point out that I don't know what it is like to be my dog. I'm nice to my dog.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
Claude exhibits signs my mind interprets as intelligence, and I respond automatically as if I were interacting with a conscious entity. Does this mean I think Claude is conscious? Define think.
100
Generation Mars @douglas.generationmars.space · 28/06/2026
But there are times when we are interacting, discussing a sticky design point, that I find myself saying "Good catch" or "I think you missed this." Phrases that feel like I'm being polite to a coworker. I do this unconsciously, and I think that means something.
100