Study measures the psychological toll of wildfires

Research in Southeast Asia quantifies how much wildfire smoke hurts peoples’ moods; finds the effect is greater when fires originate in other countries.

Peter Dizikes | MIT News • mit
Feb. 13, 2024 ~7 min

Social media use tied to inflammation

"This study adds to the growing amount of evidence pointing to the risks of spending too much time on social media..."

Bert Gambini-Buffalo • futurity
Feb. 8, 2024 ~7 min


Using AI to monitor the internet for terror content is inescapable – but also fraught with pitfalls

The complex task of tackling online terror needs human eyes as well as artificial intelligence.

David Wells, Honorary Research Associate at the Cyber Threats Research Centre, Swansea University • conversation
Feb. 7, 2024 ~8 min

We are living in a ‘digital dark age’ – here’s how to protect your photos, videos and other data

Future generations may not be able to access the digital artefacts we create today.

Esperanza Miyake, Chancellor's Fellow - Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Strathclyde • conversation
Feb. 1, 2024 ~8 min

Are social media apps ‘dangerous products’? 2 scholars explain how the companies rely on young users but fail to protect them

As legislators rail against social media companies, the companies continue to put millions of young people at risk. Here’s how − and what can be done about it.

Sara Parker, Research Analyst at the Media Ecosystem Observatory, McGill University • conversation
Feb. 1, 2024 ~9 min

Teens on social media need both protection and privacy – AI could help get the balance right

Social media companies have come under intense pressure to do more to protect teens, but there’s another concern – they could go too far.

Afsaneh Razi, Assistant Professor of Information Science, Drexel University • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 ~7 min

A TikTok ‘expert’ says you have post-traumatic stress disorder − but do you? A trauma psychiatrist explains what PTSD really is and how to seek help

Post-traumatic stress disorder can’t be diagnosed over social media.

Arash Javanbakht, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University • conversation
Jan. 23, 2024 ~9 min

Jan. 6 was an example of networked incitement − a media and disinformation expert explains the danger of political violence orchestrated over social media

Social media allows a political leader to direct the behavior of political movements, including engaging in violence and insurrection.

Joan Donovan, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies, Boston University • conversation
Jan. 5, 2024 ~8 min


Social media drains our brains and impacts our decision making – podcast

New research shows that scrolling through Instagram can effect our processing and language capabilities. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Jusneel Mahal, Freelance editor, The Conversation • conversation
Dec. 21, 2023 ~4 min

War in Gaza: An ethicist explains why you shouldn't turn to social media for information about the conflict or to do something about it

Social media is designed to keep you engaged by getting a rise out of you, not help you think critically or take effective action on political issues.

Nir Eisikovits, Professor of Philosophy and Director, Applied Ethics Center, UMass Boston • conversation
Dec. 15, 2023 ~8 min

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