Future of TV: we're putting new personalised features into shows using an ethical version of AI

In a joint project with the BBC, we’re exploring how AI could personalise the way you consume media. But we recognise that AI comes with risks too.

Philip Jackson, Reader in Machine Audition, University of Surrey • conversation
March 7, 2022 ~7 min

Encyclopedia traces decades of Blackness on TV

A new encyclopedia explores representations of people of color in American television. Co-editor Stephanie Troutman Robbins discusses Blackness on TV here.

Lori Harwood-Arizona • futurity
March 4, 2022 ~8 min


Before Shark Week and 'Jaws,' World War II spawned America's shark obsession

As part of the nation's massive wartime mobilization effort, millions of Americans, for the first time, traveled abroad – where many had their first encounters with the marine predators.

Janet M. Davis, University Distinguished Teaching Professor of American Studies, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts • conversation
July 9, 2021 ~10 min

Hollywood sexism still tarnishes female journalists

When a fictional female journalist appears on screen, chances are she's about to sleep with one of her sources. This trope can have real-life consequences.

Alisson Clark-Florida • futurity
June 15, 2021 ~5 min

How to reduce the environmental impact of your next virtual meeting

Study uncovers overlooked environmental impacts of internet use by estimating associated carbon, land, and water footprints.

Kelley Travers | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 4, 2021 ~9 min

Automating material-matching for movies and video games

Animators spend hours adding textures to objects. A new machine-learning system simplifies the process.

Adam Conner-Simons | MIT CSAIL • mit
Dec. 10, 2020 ~5 min

Parents: More TV for kids can amp up your stress

The more TV that kids watch, the more ads they see, and that can make life more stressful for parents, according to new research.

Alexis Blue-U. Arizona • futurity
Nov. 10, 2020 ~8 min

Mask vs. muzzle: Even words are now polarized

Americans are essentially speaking separate, polarized languages, an analysis of words in cable news video comments indicates.

Byron Spice-Carnegie Mellon • futurity
Oct. 23, 2020 ~6 min


STEM TV for kids leaves out women, Latinx characters

Characters in children's television shows can shape kids' opinions and preferences, but STEM programming largely leave Latinx and female characters out.

Caroline Brooks-Michigan State • futurity
Oct. 19, 2020 ~4 min

Experts: Spotlight on art is one upside of lockdowns

Whether taking in art or making it ourselves, long stays at home during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a new appreciation of the arts.

Andy Ober-U. Arizona • futurity
June 4, 2020 ~7 min

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