3,096 tacks
ChatGPT firm reveals AI model that is ‘good at creative writing’
OpenAI has developed a new AI model capable of impressive creative writing, according to CEO Sam Altman. Sharing an example on X, Altman said it was the first time he was “really struck” by AI-generated text. The revelation intensifies ongoing copyright disputes, with critics arguing AI models are trained on protected content without permission.
My phone knows what I want before I do. That should be worrying – but it’s oddly comforting
Emma Beddington reflects on how her phone anticipates her needs, from suggesting routes home to reminding her to stay hydrated. While the level of surveillance should be unsettling, she finds it oddly comforting, likening her phone to a caring but intrusive parent. With apps managing self-care, moods, and habits, she humorously acknowledges its omnipresence.
Social media firms criticise ‘irrational’ exemption of YouTube from Australia’s under-16s ban
Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have criticized the Australian government for exempting YouTube from its under-16s social media ban. They argue the decision is “irrational” and unfair, demanding equal restrictions across platforms. The law, passed hastily in late 2024, requires social media sites to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. The government justified YouTube’s exemption by citing its educational value, but critics argue it offers similar features to restricted platforms. TikTok called the exemption a “sweetheart deal,” while Meta accused the government of lacking transparency. The companies argue for a level playing field, citing YouTube’s popularity among young Australians.
The strange repulsion of Instragram Reels
Instagram Reels has become an internet punchline, representing a type of content people find cringeworthy, frustrating, or just plain bad. Unlike TikTok, whose algorithm feels eerily accurate, Instagram’s recommendation system delivers bizarre, low-quality, and often irrelevant videos—leading users to question why they’re seeing them. Many millennials, once Instagram’s core demographic, now find the platform outdated and corny. The algorithm favors engagement-driven “slop” over quality content, and negativity thrives in comment sections.
Want to understand why Trump won the election? Look at pop culture.
The rise of “bro country” artists, hyper-masculine influencers, and conservative films have indicated a shift from the diversity-focused, progressive media of previous years. Figures like Sydney Sweeney and country stars have become symbols of traditional gender norms, while conservative media gained mainstream traction
Video Game History Foundation Digital Archive
The Video Game History Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and teaching the history of video games. Their online digital archive is a growing collection of material related to video game history, including behind-the-scenes photographs, footage, planning documents, concept art, code, budgets and more.
Where did our attention spans go, and can we get them back?
The Oxford English Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year, “brain rot,” highlights social media’s perceived mental toll. Informatics professor Gloria Mark, after 20 years studying attention spans, tells Madeleine Finlay why focus isn’t lost and shares tips for reclaiming concentration.
Loveable rogue or mouthpiece for misinformation? Why Australian blokes love Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, often labeled the world’s most popular podcaster, has a polarizing appeal in Australia, especially among men drawn to his unfiltered, long-form discussions on taboo topics. Fans appreciate his authenticity and diverse guests, while critics accuse him of spreading misinformation and failing to challenge controversial ideas.
The bright side of TikTok’s downfall
The potential ban on TikTok has sparked debate about its impact on the social media industry. While some fear the loss of a popular platform, others see it as an opportunity for innovation and a chance to address the negative aspects of social media, such as “enshittification” and user exploitation.
Australian children who play Roblox spending average of 139 minutes a day on the gaming app, data shows
Australian children spend an average of 139 minutes daily on Roblox, making it the most used gaming app and the most blocked by parents. The study, conducted by Qustodio, highlights concerns about online chat, inappropriate content, and in-app spending on the platform.
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