936 tacks
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.
Where did our attention spans go, and can we get them back?
The Oxford English Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year, “brain rot,” highlights social media’s perceived mental toll. Informatics professor Gloria Mark, after 20 years studying attention spans, tells Madeleine Finlay why focus isn’t lost and shares tips for reclaiming concentration.
Loveable rogue or mouthpiece for misinformation? Why Australian blokes love Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, often labeled the world’s most popular podcaster, has a polarizing appeal in Australia, especially among men drawn to his unfiltered, long-form discussions on taboo topics. Fans appreciate his authenticity and diverse guests, while critics accuse him of spreading misinformation and failing to challenge controversial ideas.
The bright side of TikTok’s downfall
The potential ban on TikTok has sparked debate about its impact on the social media industry. While some fear the loss of a popular platform, others see it as an opportunity for innovation and a chance to address the negative aspects of social media, such as “enshittification” and user exploitation.
‘It’s a nightmare’: couriers mystified by the algorithms that control their jobs
Gig economy couriers face challenges with opaque algorithms controlling their work and pay. Issues include inconsistent job assignments, pay discrepancies, and sudden account deactivation, often with limited or no explanation.
TikTok Ban: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver discusses the looming TikTok ban in the U.S.
From cow vigilantes to military propaganda: Facebook\'s cuts risk violence in Asia
Meta’s decision to scale back independent fact-checking has raised concerns among civil society groups in Asia, where misinformation can have severe consequences.
‘Each year you delay giving a phone is a big win’: child screen-time solutions from around the world
Countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges of children’s screen time and mobile phone use, implementing various measures to address concerns. Australia and Spain are at the forefront, introducing stringent regulations. Australia has passed legislation banning under-16s from social media, placing responsibility on platforms for age verification. Spain plans to raise the social media age limit to 16 and encourages grassroots initiatives, such as delaying phone access for children.
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