Wildlife selfies harm animals − even when scientists share images with warnings in the captions

The caption may say that only scientists and trained professionals should handle wild animals, but viewers remember the image, not the words.

Andrea l. DiGiorgio, Lecturer and Post Doctoral Researcher in Biological Anthropology, Princeton University • conversation
Feb. 14, 2024 ~9 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

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

China could be harvesting TikTok data – but much of the user information is already out in the open

TikTok has been banned from UK government devices, but it’s easy for all social media platforms to harvest your data.

Alan Woodward, Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey • conversation
March 21, 2023 ~8 min

Blue ticks: what evolutionary theory tells us about the turmoil around social media verification

Signalling theory tells us lots about the way paid-for verification has disrupted the blue tick system.

Jonathan R Goodman, Researcher, Human Evolutionary Studies, University of Cambridge • conversation
March 7, 2023 ~8 min

Nipple ban on Instagram and Facebook reveals how bizarre our attitude is towards different genders

Facebook and Instagram were recently told by their parent company, Meta, to overhaul their policy on nipple exposure. But the change may not be as radical as people hope. Here’s why.

Lorraine Green, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, Edge Hill University • conversation
Feb. 3, 2023 ~7 min


Liver King: how the rise of mega-influencers has put consumers at risk

Liver King: scandal shows why more regulation is needed for TikTok and Instagram stars.

Catalina Goanta, Associate Professor Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University • conversation
Jan. 19, 2023 ~7 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

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