3,081 tacks
Risks to children playing Roblox ‘deeply disturbing’, say researchers
Researchers found that children on Roblox can easily encounter inappropriate content and interact with adults unsupervised. Despite new safety tools, the platform’s child-friendly appearance belies the risks children face.
Video games can’t escape their role in the radicalisation of young men | Keith Stuart
Video game communities can play a role in the radicalisation of young men, especially those lacking guidance and purpose. While not inherently harmful, some online gaming spaces have become hubs for misogyny, racism, and extremist ideologies. The games industry must take responsibility for moderating toxic environments, but deeper societal issues—such as male identity, mental health, and disconnection—must also be addressed.
The big idea: do we worry too much about misinformation?
We may overestimate the threat of misinformation. While falsehoods exist, the real issue is misinterpretation—even of accurate information. Oversimplifying the problem as a flood of lies can damage trust and critical thinking. Instead, we should focus on helping people better interpret information, spot flawed assumptions, and navigate uncertainty. Blind belief and total scepticism are equally harmful; reflection and reasoning are essential for distinguishing truth in today’s complex media environment.
Trump urged to target ‘coercive and discriminatory’ Australian media laws by Musk’s X, Apple, Google and Meta
Big tech firms, including Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Elon Musk’s X, have urged the Trump administration to challenge Australia’s News Media Bargaining Incentive. The policy requires digital platforms to pay news publishers and fund Australian content. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) claims this amounts to a “coercive and discriminatory” tax, costing U.S. firms $140M annually.
Hear what Horizon Zero Dawn actor Ashly Burch thinks about Sony AI taking her job
Ashly Burch, the voice of Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn, has voiced strong concerns over a leaked Sony AI experiment replacing human actors. While Horizon developer Guerilla assured her the AI demo isn’t in development, Burch fears for the future of game performance as an art form.
ChatGPT firm reveals AI model that is ‘good at creative writing’
OpenAI has developed a new AI model capable of impressive creative writing, according to CEO Sam Altman. Sharing an example on X, Altman said it was the first time he was “really struck” by AI-generated text. The revelation intensifies ongoing copyright disputes, with critics arguing AI models are trained on protected content without permission.
My phone knows what I want before I do. That should be worrying – but it’s oddly comforting
Emma Beddington reflects on how her phone anticipates her needs, from suggesting routes home to reminding her to stay hydrated. While the level of surveillance should be unsettling, she finds it oddly comforting, likening her phone to a caring but intrusive parent. With apps managing self-care, moods, and habits, she humorously acknowledges its omnipresence.
Social media firms criticise ‘irrational’ exemption of YouTube from Australia’s under-16s ban
Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have criticized the Australian government for exempting YouTube from its under-16s social media ban. They argue the decision is “irrational” and unfair, demanding equal restrictions across platforms. The law, passed hastily in late 2024, requires social media sites to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. The government justified YouTube’s exemption by citing its educational value, but critics argue it offers similar features to restricted platforms. TikTok called the exemption a “sweetheart deal,” while Meta accused the government of lacking transparency. The companies argue for a level playing field, citing YouTube’s popularity among young Australians.
The strange repulsion of Instragram Reels
Instagram Reels has become an internet punchline, representing a type of content people find cringeworthy, frustrating, or just plain bad. Unlike TikTok, whose algorithm feels eerily accurate, Instagram’s recommendation system delivers bizarre, low-quality, and often irrelevant videos—leading users to question why they’re seeing them. Many millennials, once Instagram’s core demographic, now find the platform outdated and corny. The algorithm favors engagement-driven “slop” over quality content, and negativity thrives in comment sections.
Want to understand why Trump won the election? Look at pop culture.
The rise of “bro country” artists, hyper-masculine influencers, and conservative films have indicated a shift from the diversity-focused, progressive media of previous years. Figures like Sydney Sweeney and country stars have become symbols of traditional gender norms, while conservative media gained mainstream traction
Showing 261 to 270 of 3081 results