Oct 31 WATCH: Facebook, Twitter, Google testify in Senate intelligence committee hearing on Russia By Joshua Barajas Representatives from all three major tech companies are set to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee at 9:30 a.m. ET Wednesday. Watch live here. Continue reading
Oct 16 Thousands share stories of sexual abuse with #MeToo after Weinstein allegations By Joshua Barajas Thousands of people revealed the magnitude of sexual assault and harassment they have endured under the social media hashtag #MeToo within the last 24 hours. Women shared stories of how they’ve been the targets of such abuse after actor Alyssa… Continue reading
Sep 28 Twitter to meet with House, Senate committees in Russia probe By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Social media giant Twitter will visit Capitol Hill Thursday as part of the House and Senate investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Continue reading
Sep 27 Watch 8:22 How to fight extremist psychology with social media By Travis Daub The internet and interconnectedness of the world has aided the spread of extremist ideologies like white supremacy. But researchers are seeking ways to turn social media into a megaphone for facts and alternative narratives as a way to turn people… Continue watching
Sep 19 Facebook may be facing an ‘era of accountability’ By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press The problems keep piling up for Facebook, and it's unclear how long the internet giant will be able to brush them aside as it barrels toward acquiring its next billion users. Continue reading
Sep 09 A Russian propaganda group purchased ads on Facebook during the 2016 election. Here’s what that means. By Dan Cooney Facebook announced this week that a Russian propaganda organization used the social media platform to purchase $100,000 of political advertising. Here’s what you need to know about this news. Continue reading
Sep 06 Twitter chat: Why suicide rates are on the rise, especially among teen girls By Lora Strum The suicide rate among teen girls doubled from 2007-2015, reaching a 40-year high according to new analysis from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. What are the risk factors and what can parents and educators do to support teens?… Continue reading
Aug 25 Watch 3:14 The problem with only liking things we find relatable By PBS News Hour The social media culture of “likes” is contributing to our conformity, says novelist and creative writing teacher Charmaine Craig. Instead of trying to empathize with the unfamiliar, we “like” and find refuge only in the things that seem most relatable. Continue watching
Aug 07 Watch 8:05 Are smartphones making a generation unhappy? By PBS News Hour The promise of social media is instant human connection. But for many teens, greater use of social media mans a far greater sense of isolation, according to an increasing body of evidence. William Brangham speaks with Jean Twenge, author of… Continue watching
Aug 04 Watch 2:55 Why Google is like truth serum for our most personal thoughts By PBS News Hour Seth Stephens-Davidowitz spent five years studying Google search data that revealed people's darkest and weirdest thoughts. It actually made him feel better. It also changed what he thought he knew about how the world works. Stephens-Davidowitz offers his humble opinion… Continue watching