Ask HN: How to deal with security implications of running/installing projects?

A user is concerned about the security implications of running or installing projects found on platforms like Hacker News and GitHub, as it is relatively easy for malicious actors to inject backdoors and malware into software projects. The user is hesitant to try out new projects due to the risk of installing malware or backdoored software, even when using isolation methods like Docker. The concern is that if a project is run with root privileges, it may be possible for an attacker to gain root access to the system. The user is particularly interested in trying out AI-related projects, but is wary of the potential security risks. The user is seeking advice on how to mitigate these risks and ensure the security of their system when installing and running new projects.