936 tacks
Could a ‘digital diet’ help me fix my bad phone habits?
Smartphone Nation by Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr offers strategies to help individuals regain control over their smartphone usage. The author, Linda Geddes, experimented with Regehr’s methods, including keeping a “phone fed journal” to identify problematic habits and greyscaling the phone to reduce its visual appeal.
‘Alexa, what do you know about us?’ What I discovered when I asked Amazon to tell me everything my family’s smart speaker had heard
A Guardian writer requests all data Amazon holds about their family, including purchase history, Kindle usage, and interactions with Alexa. Analyzing the data, he traced their children’s musical tastes and discovered Alexa’s role as a surrogate for various family needs, from answering questions to providing advice.
University’s AI experiment reveals shocking truth about future of online discourse
A research paper from the University of Zurich confirms the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation online. The study, which involved deploying AI-controlled Reddit accounts to influence users in the r/ChangeMyView community, found that the bots were able to persuade real users, raising concerns about the future of online discourse.
‘Don’t ask what AI can do for us, ask what it is doing to us’: are ChatGPT and co harming human intelligence?
AI tools like ChatGPT are making cognitive tasks easier but may weaken critical thinking, memory, creativity, and intelligence. Studies show frequent AI use correlates with lower critical thinking skills, and overreliance could atrophy vital brain functions. While AI offers benefits, experts warn it may harm brain development, reduce problem-solving abilities, and lessen creative diversity.
Australia’s social media ban is attracting global praise – but we’re no closer to knowing how it would work
Australia’s social media ban for children under 16, praised globally, faces implementation challenges. The government is testing age assurance technology with schoolchildren, but the preliminary report, due in April, will not be publicly released.
Risks to children playing Roblox ‘deeply disturbing’, say researchers
Researchers found that children on Roblox can easily encounter inappropriate content and interact with adults unsupervised. Despite new safety tools, the platform’s child-friendly appearance belies the risks children face.
Video games can’t escape their role in the radicalisation of young men | Keith Stuart
Video game communities can play a role in the radicalisation of young men, especially those lacking guidance and purpose. While not inherently harmful, some online gaming spaces have become hubs for misogyny, racism, and extremist ideologies. The games industry must take responsibility for moderating toxic environments, but deeper societal issues—such as male identity, mental health, and disconnection—must also be addressed.
The big idea: do we worry too much about misinformation?
We may overestimate the threat of misinformation. While falsehoods exist, the real issue is misinterpretation—even of accurate information. Oversimplifying the problem as a flood of lies can damage trust and critical thinking. Instead, we should focus on helping people better interpret information, spot flawed assumptions, and navigate uncertainty. Blind belief and total scepticism are equally harmful; reflection and reasoning are essential for distinguishing truth in today’s complex media environment.
Trump urged to target ‘coercive and discriminatory’ Australian media laws by Musk’s X, Apple, Google and Meta
Big tech firms, including Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Elon Musk’s X, have urged the Trump administration to challenge Australia’s News Media Bargaining Incentive. The policy requires digital platforms to pay news publishers and fund Australian content. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) claims this amounts to a “coercive and discriminatory” tax, costing U.S. firms $140M annually.
Hear what Horizon Zero Dawn actor Ashly Burch thinks about Sony AI taking her job
Ashly Burch, the voice of Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn, has voiced strong concerns over a leaked Sony AI experiment replacing human actors. While Horizon developer Guerilla assured her the AI demo isn’t in development, Burch fears for the future of game performance as an art form.
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