Irene Mwendwa

Turns out Bluesky does have an algorithm but it just sends your joke to the person least likely to get it and most likely to get real mad about not getting it

Nihilistic online networks groom minors to commit harm. Her son was one of them When Dana's son was hospitalized last year, it led her to a path of discovery about predatory online networks that groom children into harming themselves and others. Their reach is global and growing.

When Dana's son was hospitalized last year, it led her to a path of discovery about predatory online networks that groom children into harming themselves and others. Their reach is global and growing.

Okay

Nearly 2 million Americans on unemployment, highest since pandemic era Continuing unemployment claims jumped to 1.97 million in late July, according to a Labor Department report, highlighting a weakening labor market.

The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for at least a week rose to the highest level since late 2021, according to Labor Department data.

I wish someone would write a think piece on the DOGE-style tech folks working with Lex Luthor to defeat Superman. There’s a really good argument about how capitalism and status can blind smart young people to morals and ethics.

Get a therapist that lets you put “Go see Superman” as your homework for next appointment

The Internet’s Funhouse Mirror: Are You Seeing the Truth? 🧠

From echo chambers to extreme voices dominating social media, new research shows how online interactions are shaping what we believe—and making us more vulnerable to disinformation.

I would definitely love to see more on continental/region based content i.e show numbers of papers/applications received per region to highlight impact/regions for audiences? #Africa #Kenya

oh snap

The Internet Is Having an Identity Crisis—And So Are We As platforms, companies, and people shed old labels, we’re all learning to navigate a world where identity is fluid, messy, and in motion.

The Internet Is Having an Identity Crisis—And So Are We
anchorchange.substack.com/p/the-intern...

🤔When an algorithm causes harm, is discontinuing it enough to address its harms?

💡Our #FAccT2022 paper introduces the concept of the _The Algorithmic Imprint_ to show how algorithmic harms can persist long after it’s discontinued

📜https://arxiv.org/abs/2206.03275v1

But why should you care?👇
1/n

The State of Science Reporting in Today's Digital Media Landscape Interviews With Scientists Who Use Sciline's Service

What's the state of science reporting today? As science becomes more central to public life - from pandemics to climate change - understanding how scientists and journalists work together is more important than ever.

To shed light on this, our researchers interviewed 21 scientists who've used SciLine, a service that connects experts with journalists. We explored their experiences with media, public communication, and the evolving digital landscape.

Key insights: • Scientists generally reported positive experiences with journalists, especially when relationships were sustained • Many highlighted misinformation and disinformation as serious concerns, driven in part by politicization and social media • Public communication is seen as vital, but often lacks material support • Many scientists see engaging with journalists as a trainable skill that serves the public good

🧪 What do scientists really think about working with journalists?
Our latest research explores the evolving relationship between science and media — and why public communication matters more than ever.

🔗 Read more: mediaengagement.org/research/sta...

🔎 Scientists told us:
- Public outreach feels important, but is often unrewarded.
- Misinformation is rampant, and scientists feel the weight of correcting it.
- Working with journalists can be powerful, but takes training, time, and trust.

Calling All Technologists: The Era of Neutrality Is Over Movement technologists should join movement lawyers – like me – to reconnect with their social justice values and harness their skills to build tech that is futureproof against abuse by authoritarians...

Movement technologists should join movement lawyers – like me – to reconnect with their social justice values and harness their skills to build tech that is futureproof against abuse by authoritarians and oligarchs, writes Jessica Fjeld.

the-decenter.ghost.io/calling-all-...

do I need money or lots of food? 🥶

Sam Altman isn't keen on you reading my book. EMPIRE OF AI is based on 300+ interviews, 7 yrs covering AI, and my time as the first reporter who got extensive access to OpenAI. I sought OpenAI's perspective throughout. For months they said it was coming. It never did. Pre-order here: empireofai.com.

we probably need AI *as* government since the interweb is the biggest media and it grows and changes faster than anyone could ever pass laws now😹

Vegetables and the blood mosquitoes don’t like 🤭🤭🤭

Its out finally @karenhao.bsky.social congratulations so so so! 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

Social media is no longer social Everyone is on social media, and yet these apps are less and less about socialising. Is it time to rethink how and why we’re online?

"Everyone is on social media, and yet these apps are less and less about socialising. Is it time to rethink how and why we’re online?" www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture...

us those 🤭🤭🤭

Addressing meta problems that support disinformation. My comments to members of U.S.

Addressing 4 meta problems that support the harms from disinformation.

A conversation I had this morning with members of U.S. Congress and UK Parliament.

www.linkedin.com/pulse/addres...

Addressing meta problems that support disinformation. My comments to members of U.S.

Very good post by @jagolinzer.bsky.social . He rightly identifies lack of courage as a serious issue that amplifies the risks posed by states that increasingly resemble organized-crime organizations.

www.linkedin.com/pulse/addres...

Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Plans for Mass Layoffs and Program Closures

On Fri. we helped secure this huge win 4 democracy--proud to be part of the coalition @democracydefendersfund.org

In the 8am et hour i'll join @msnbc.com @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.social to discuss that, SCOTUS birthright citizenship argument (we filed 1st case) &more

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/u...

Honored to share that our replication of the landmark review by @lorenzspreen.bsky.social on digital media and democracy is now out. We verified and extended the findings to 2024 @rd545.bsky.social. Grateful to contribute to this vital conversation!

The former director of California's privacy regulator, Ashkan Soltani, is among the leaders who left the agency in recent months. It is now retreating from rules drafted to govern automated decision making and behavioral advertising. Soltani spoke at CalMatters’ Ideas Festival in Sacramento on June 5, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters Hed: California regulator weakens AI rules, giving Big Tech more leeway to track you

California’s first-in-the-nation privacy agency is retreating from an attempt to regulate artificial intelligence and other forms of computer automation.

The California Privacy Protection Agency was under pressure to back away from draft rules. buff.ly/UTbckUi

📸 Fred Greaves

Time for an update: from campaign financialization to political financialization nathanschneider.info/2024/11/the-...

For years, YouTube didn't disclose how many videos it hosted. That fundamental-but-missing figure about one of the most important parts of our digital communication infrastructure is what launched our big @idpiumass.bsky.social YouTube project. But now there's an official number(ish)! [1/7]

The reality for many tech workers is that an algorithm decides when they work, how much they earn, and whether they stay on the platform.

There’s no transparency.
No way to challenge decisions.

Invisible control is still control.
And Africa’s tech workers deserve better.

#FairDigitalKazi