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More Australians get their news via social media than traditional sources for first time, report finds
For the first time, more Australians now get their news from social media (26%) than traditional online news outlets (23%), according to the 2025 Digital News Report. TV remains the top source (37%), while young people increasingly watch news on TikTok and Instagram. Use of AI chatbots for news is emerging (6%). Trust in news has slightly improved, especially among those with media literacy education, and Australians are more likely to pay for news than many other countries.
Should YouTube be included in Australia’s under-16s social media ban? Here’s what you need to know
Australia’s eSafety commissioner has recommended including YouTube in the under-16s social media ban, reversing a prior exemption granted after lobbying by YouTube. The commissioner cited YouTube’s addictive algorithmic features and links to harmful content, while YouTube argued it is an educational tool, not a social platform, and already enforces safety measures. Children could still watch YouTube without an account. The final decision rests with the minister, with rules and enforcement expected by December 2025.
In the age of the influencer, does the political backing of News Corp matter anymore?
The 2025 Australian federal election demonstrated a shift in the country’s media landscape, with influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram gaining significant influence. While traditional media outlets like News Corp still hold some sway, their impact is diminishing. The rise of influencers, who are increasingly being recognized as legitimate news sources, presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism in Australia.
AI can be more persuasive than humans in debates, scientists find
A study found that AI, specifically ChatGPT-4, can be as persuasive as humans in debates, especially when provided with personal information about the opponent.
Valuable tool or cause for alarm? Facial ID quietly becoming part of police’s arsenal
Live facial recognition cameras are being used more frequently by police in England and Wales, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse. While advocates argue the technology aids in crime prevention, critics point to misidentifications, disproportionate use, and the lack of legal framework governing its use.
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.
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.
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