The metaverse offers a future full of potential – for terrorists and extremists, too

People may think of the metaverse as virtual, but the harm terrorists and extremists could do is very real.

Sam Hunter, Professor of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha • conversation
Jan. 7, 2022 ~9 min

What will 2022 bring in the way of misinformation on social media? 3 experts weigh in

Misinformation will continue to strain society in 2022 as the lines between misinformation and political speech blur, cynicism grows and the lack of regulation allows misinformation to flourish.

Ethan Zuckerman, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Communication, and Information, UMass Amherst • conversation
Dec. 27, 2021 ~9 min


Facebook became Meta – and the company's dangerous behavior came into sharp focus in 2021: 4 essential reads

Meta felt the heat in 2021 as whistleblower revelations, congressional ire and demands for data knocked the company back on its heels. Here’s a look at research into the problems Meta poses for society.

Eric Smalley, Science + Technology Editor • conversation
Dec. 20, 2021 ~8 min

I'm a Black woman and the metaverse scares me – here’s how to make the next iteration of the internet inclusive

Today’s social media is plagued by racism and sexism. Without intentionally building the metaverse to be inclusive, it will be, too.

Breigha Adeyemo, Doctoral Candidate in Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago • conversation
Dec. 15, 2021 ~10 min

The thousands of vulnerable people harmed by Facebook and Instagram are lost in Meta's 'average user' data

Research from Meta and some scientists shows no harm from social media, but other research and whistleblower testimony show otherwise. Seemingly contradictory, both can be right.

Joseph Bak-Coleman, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington • conversation
Nov. 24, 2021 ~7 min

3 ways Congress could hold Facebook accountable for its actions

Pressure is mounting on Congress to take action on Facebook. Our panel of experts offers their top priorities: user control of data, banking-like oversight and resources to close the digital divide.

Ryan Calo, Professor of Law, University of Washington • conversation
Nov. 10, 2021 ~8 min

Facebook will drop its facial recognition system – but here's why we should be sceptical

The commitment applies to the social network, but not necessarily to the metaverse.

Stavros Shiaeles, Senior lecturer in Cyber Security, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Nov. 10, 2021 ~7 min

Metaverse: five things to know – and what it could mean for you

This (virtual) reality is still probably many years away.

Steve Benford, Professor of Collaborative Computing, University of Nottingham • conversation
Nov. 4, 2021 ~7 min


Facebook has a misinformation problem, and is blocking access to data about how much there is and who is affected

Not knowing how many posts people see on social media overall or where specific types of content get concentrated is keeping researchers in the dark about misinformation.

Ethan Zuckerman, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Communication, and Information, University of Massachusetts Amherst • conversation
Nov. 2, 2021 ~12 min

Can Facebook’s smart glasses be smart about security and privacy?

Smart glasses like Facebook’s Ray-Ban Stories could be used to record you surreptitiously. If the company adds facial recognition, you could be even more exposed.

Apu Kapadia, Professor of Computer Science, Indiana University • conversation
Oct. 20, 2021 ~8 min

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