A UK parliamentary inquiry will summon Elon Musk, alongside Meta and TikTok executives, to testify regarding the role of their platforms in spreading disinformation, particularly concerning recent UK riots and the misuse of AI-generated content. The inquiry will investigate the links between social media algorithms, generative AI, and the proliferation of harmful or false information, focusing on incidents like the spread of Islamophobic misinformation following the Southport killings. The investigation will also examine Silicon Valley business models that incentivize the dissemination of misleading and harmful content. This inquiry follows rising concerns that UK online safety laws are insufficient to address rapidly evolving technological advancements and the manipulation of platforms for political purposes.
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The Guardian has announced it will no longer post content on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, citing “often disturbing content” including far-right conspiracy theories and racism. The news organization believes the negative aspects of the platform outweigh the benefits, with the US presidential election campaign solidifying its decision. While the Guardian will not be posting on X, individual reporters will still be able to use the platform for newsgathering purposes, and the organization’s articles will still be accessible and shareable on X. The Guardian encourages readers to visit its website to access and support its journalism directly.
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The recent election results reveal a concerning trend: Gen Z men, particularly, are increasingly right-leaning, defying the assumption that young voters are inherently progressive. While some attribute this to a susceptibility to online disinformation, it’s more likely a response to feeling marginalized and overlooked by a society they perceive as hostile towards them. The Democratic party, particularly the Harris campaign, failed to address these concerns, offering a platform that lacked concrete policies and a compelling vision for the future, ultimately failing to engage with the anxieties and aspirations of young voters. However, this doesn’t mean that Gen Z is inherently conservative; it underscores the importance of engaging with young voters on their own terms, offering solutions and a path forward that resonates with their hopes and anxieties.
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Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, has taken to social media to dispel rumors that she had a mental breakdown and was hospitalized following the 2024 presidential election. She insists that she is doing well and simply experiencing emotions, noting that expressing feelings is healthy and something everyone should feel comfortable doing. Emhoff acknowledges her history of mental health struggles and encourages others to embrace their own mental well-being. Her mother, Kerstin, also denounced the rumors, urging people to leave her children alone and embrace emotional expression. Emhoff’s post includes a photo of her playing fetch with her dog, reinforcing her message of personal well-being.
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Instagram will no longer recommend political content to its users. This recent announcement by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, comes as a response to renewed congressional scrutiny of major social media platforms. By default, Instagram and its sister app Threads will not promote political content, unless it is from accounts that users already follow. Users will also have the option to opt-in and see political content recommendations if they choose to do so. Similar controls will be rolled out on Facebook at a later date.
While this move may help combat the spread of misinformation and polarization, it raises some concerns.… Continue reading
Instagram will no longer recommend political content to its users. As someone who greatly enjoys scrolling through my feed to see cute cat photos and catch up with friends, I welcome this decision. I’ve always felt that politics and social issues have the potential to cause unnecessary division and conflict on social media platforms. While I understand that there are important conversations to be had around these topics, I believe that it is best for individuals to actively seek out political content if they are interested, rather than having it pushed onto them.
The problem with including “social topics” in what is considered political is that it can lead to a never-ending debate about what should or shouldn’t be classified as political.… Continue reading
right, Instagram has recently announced that they will no longer recommend political content to users. This move has sparked a range of reactions and opinions from users across the platform. As I reflect on this decision, I find myself torn between different perspectives and contemplating the potential implications it may have.
On one hand, I can understand why Instagram has chosen to take this step. Social media platforms like Instagram have been facing intense scrutiny when it comes to the spread of misinformation and the radicalization of users. The algorithms that dictate what content we see have been accused of creating echo chambers that reinforce our existing beliefs and lead to the polarization of society.… Continue reading
Biden Sets Internet Alight With ‘Dark Brandon’ Super Bowl Reaction
The power of social media and the internet never fails to amaze me. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something new comes along to grab everyone’s attention and set the internet on fire. Case in point: the recent ‘Dark Brandon’ Super Bowl reaction from President Joe Biden.
Now, I don’t want to delve into the specifics of the incident or debate the merits of the reaction itself. Instead, what I find most fascinating is the way this seemingly insignificant moment sparked so much discussion and controversy online. It’s an indication of how deeply divided and polarized our society has become, and how the internet amplifies and perpetuates these divisions.… Continue reading
Florida man bludgeons father to death after learning he got ‘the vaccine:’ Investigators
It is truly devastating to hear stories like the recent incident in Florida, where a man bludgeoned his own father to death after learning that he had received the COVID-19 vaccine. It is a horrifying reminder of the power of propaganda and misinformation, and the dangerous consequences that can result from it.
The fact that this is the second patricide case in such a short span of time, both involving individuals who bought into right-wing conspiracy theories, is truly disturbing. It raises questions about the impact that constant exposure to blatant propaganda and misinformation can have on individuals.… Continue reading
After Libs of TikTok posted, at least 21 bomb threats followed. This shocking news highlights the dangerous impact of social media and the need for accountability when it comes to online content. The fact that the woman behind this account was appointed to the Oklahoma library board raises further concerns and questions about the system in place to protect the public.
What is truly disturbing is the lack of prosecution for these bomb threats. It seems that there is a double standard when it comes to online behavior, especially when it involves hate speech and incitement to violence. If someone in their 20s can escalate their behavior to the point of making bomb threats without facing any consequences, then there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker