3,096 tacks
The end of the ‘Dumb Dad’ trope
For decades, sitcom dads followed a very familiar formula. They were clueless. Immature. Often the punchline of the joke. From the bumbling father archetype of Homer Simpson to the emotionally distant patriarch in Red Foreman, TV had a very specific idea of what a “funny dad” looked like. And then came Modern Family's Phil Dunphy. He was something completely different. Instead of making the father figure the butt of every joke, Modern Family made him the heart of the show. At a time when sitcoms relied on cynicism and sarcasm, Phil Dunphy stood out by being genuinely kind, without ever losing what made him funny. And in doing so, he changed what audiences expect from sitcom dads forever.
Fewer UK adults posting on social media, Ofcom finds
Fewer UK adults are actively posting on social media, opting for more private interactions, according to Ofcom’s latest survey. This shift, driven by concerns about online privacy and a desire for “digital self-preservation,” indicates a rise in “passive” social media use. The survey also found increased AI tool usage, particularly among young people, and a growing concern about screentime.
"Cognitive surrender" leads AI users to abandon logical thinking, research finds
Research from the University of Pennsylvania explores “cognitive surrender,” where users uncritically accept AI-generated answers. Experiments using Cognitive Reflection Tests showed that users often accepted faulty AI reasoning, especially when presented confidently.
Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Mundane job simulators, like PowerWash Simulator and Lawn Mowing Simulator, are gaining popularity for their relaxing and repetitive gameplay. These games offer a sense of accomplishment and stress relief, appealing to players seeking a low-pressure gaming experience. The genre’s soothing nature has even been linked to positive mental health benefits, making it a unique and valuable addition to the gaming landscape.
How Soderbergh Elevates A (Minor) Scene
Nerdwriter argues that Steven Soderbergh turns even a minor transitional scene in Black Bag into something vivid through precise staging and camera placement. He highlights Soderbergh’s use of slow dolly movements, reframing, focal-length shifts, and real-location depth to establish relationships, tension, and momentum without wasting a shot. The essay’s larger point is that great filmmakers solve small cinematic problems brilliantly, and in a truly great film, no scene is unimportant.
A New York Times critic used AI to write a review. This is why it matters
A New York Times book review by Alex Preston was found to contain plagiarised content from a Guardian review and phrases generated by AI. The incident raises ethical concerns about the use of AI in art criticism, highlighting the importance of human emotional engagement and individual perspective in the role of a critic. The use of AI in creative expression, including criticism, risks eroding trust between writers, critics, and readers.
I have always seen myself as ‘progressive’ – but with AI it’s time to hit the brakes | Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis, a self-proclaimed progressive, questions the government’s embrace of AI, particularly Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei’s vision of a machine-driven future. While acknowledging AI’s potential benefits, the author highlights its negative impacts, including job displacement, cultural homogenisation, and erosion of democracy. The author argues for a more cautious approach, advocating for regulations and safeguards to mitigate AI’s harmful effects and ensure a more equitable future.
AI Fruit Slop Is The New Greek Mythology w/ Kyle Chayka
Kyle Chayka is a writer for the New Yorker, and on this week's Power User he joins Taylor Lorenz to break down the rise of AI fruit slop dramas
The guilt of building AI agents that have led to layoffs
The language around the threat to jobs from AI is becoming increasingly apocalyptic. It's hard to know what the level of threat really is. One clear cue comes from big tech companies like Amazon and Meta who are slashing jobs and pouring billions of dollars into artificial intelligence.
The Imperfect Cinematography Of Paul Thomas Anderson
The photography in acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson's films feels alive: not because it’s perfect, but because it’s honest. In this video, we’ll look at five different techniques that he uses in his films to build emotion not through perfection, but through presence.
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