Oct 27 Watch 6:07 How a small but vocal minority of social media users distort reality and sow division By John Yang, Kaisha Young, Veronica Vela Researchers at New York University have concluded that social media is not an accurate reflection of society, but more like a funhouse mirror distorted by a small but vocal minority of extreme outliers. It's a finding that has special resonance… Continue watching
Oct 15 An online journalist tried to sue over her 2017 arrest. The Supreme Court just ordered another look at her case By Associated Press The high court directed the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the lawsuit by journalist Priscilla Villarreal, known online as La Gordiloca. Continue reading
Oct 12 Is childproofing the internet constitutional? A legal expert explains By Meg Leta Jones, The Conversation A wave of state laws have recently passed across the U.S. to address a variety of online harms affecting children as a result of alarming revelations about youth experiences with digital technologies. Continue reading
Oct 08 States sue TikTok, saying the app is addictive and harms the mental health of children By Haleluya Hadero, Associated Press In its filings, the District of Columbia called the algorithm "dopamine-inducing," and said it was created to be intentionally addictive so the company could trap many young users into excessive use. Continue reading
Oct 02 Watch 7:01 New book 'Character Limit' explores Musk's impact on social media after buying Twitter By Ali Rogin He’s the richest person in the world, but also one of the most controversial and increasingly engaged in polarizing political debates. A new book details the tumultuous leadership of Elon Musk and his approach to owning X. Ali Rogin spoke… Continue watching
Sep 17 Instagram introducing private teen accounts amid growing backlash over safety By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press Instagram is introducing separate teen accounts for those under 18 as it tries to make the platform safer for children amid growing backlash against how social media affects young people’s lives. Continue reading
Sep 16 LISTEN: Court hears arguments in TikTok's challenge to law forcing sale or ban of social media app By Haleluya Hadero, Associated Press TikTok faced off with the U.S. government in federal court on Monday, arguing a law that could ban the platform in a few short months was unconstitutional while the Justice Department said the measure is critical to eliminate a national… Continue reading
Sep 12 How social media became a storefront for deadly fake pills laced with fentanyl By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death for minors and social media, where tainted, fake prescription drugs can be obtained with just a few clicks, is part of the problem. Continue reading
Sep 05 Brazilians turn to new digital outlets after ban of Musk's X By David Biller, Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press Brazil’s social masses are primarily on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. But X had outsize influence in terms of newsmakers, agenda setting and thought leaders. Continue reading
Aug 31 Trump courts younger male vote by talking with conservative influencers By Matt Brown, Associated Press Trump's campaign has fully embraced the bravado-filled, macho, often contrarian online spaces popular with a subset of younger men on livestreaming platforms like Twitch and Kick, as well as on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Continue reading