Dating platform algorithms skew toward popularity

A study finds that algorithms used by online dating platforms recommend more popular, attractive users over less popular, less attractive users.

Carnegie Mellon • futurity
Nov. 30, 2023 ~5 min

A new way to integrate data with physical objects

StructCode, developed by MIT CSAIL researchers, encodes machine-readable data in laser-cut objects by modifying their fabrication features.

Steve Nadis | MIT CSAIL • mit
Oct. 18, 2023 ~9 min


Practicing mindfulness with an app may improve children’s mental health

New research suggests daily mindfulness training at home helped reduce kids’ stress levels and negative emotions.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Oct. 11, 2023 ~8 min

China's WeChat is all-encompassing but low-key − a Chinese media scholar explains the Taoist philosophy behind the everything app's design

The design philosophy of the everything app WeChat may seem paradoxical, being simultaneously pervasive and inconspicuous. But this idea of “everythingness” goes back to ancient Taoist philosophy.

Jianqing Chen, Assistant Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures and of Film and Media Studies, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Oct. 4, 2023 ~8 min

Tablet app flags different behavioral signs of autism

A new app can accurately screen for autism in children by automatically detecting a wide range of behavioral characteristics, researchers say.

Ken Kingery-Duke • futurity
Oct. 3, 2023 ~8 min

A pose-mapping technique could remotely evaluate patients with cerebral palsy

The machine-learning method works on most mobile devices and could be expanded to assess other motor disorders outside of the doctor’s office.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Sept. 14, 2023 ~8 min

Elon Musk aims to turn Twitter into an 'everything app' – a social media and marketing scholar explains what that is and why it's not so easy to do

Everything apps offer a wide range of features, combining social media with personal finances. But creating the perfect everything app is no easy task.

Kristen Schiele, Associate Professor of Clinical Marketing, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 10, 2023 ~8 min

Can a chatbot ‘superhero’ teach kids supportive self-talk?

"Superhero Zip," an audio chatbot app, helps kids develop skills like supportive self-talk, emotional management, and self-awareness.

U. Washington • futurity
July 21, 2023 ~6 min


System tracks movement of food through global humanitarian supply chain

Unique barcodes scannable in a mobile application will enable food-aid stakeholders to follow individual items from production through delivery.

Ariana Tantillo | MIT Lincoln Laboratory • mit
July 17, 2023 ~13 min

Survey: Half of Tinder users don’t want a date

A survey of 1,000 Tinder users finds that half aren't looking for a date. Are dating apps also entertainment?

Nina Bai-Stanford • futurity
July 12, 2023 ~6 min

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