All Tacks media-and-change

1,149 tacks

Tired of streaming? Film and music enthusiasts turn to physical media

The resurgence of physical media—particularly DVDs and vinyl—among young people highlights the appeal of owning physical media, including the ability to curate a collection and experience a more immersive viewing experience.

How to actually reduce your screen time: 12 simple, realistic tips to stop doomscrolling

Experts offer practical tips to reduce screen time and combat phone addiction. These include tracking phone usage, scheduling screen-free time, changing lockscreens, and cutting notifications. Other strategies involve making screens less engaging, keeping phones out of reach, and

Our tech overlords are planning for conscious AI to conquer the cosmos. What could go wrong? | Eduardo Porter

Tech elites, driven by a belief in transcending humanity through AI, are pursuing a “transhuman” future. This vision, fuelled by a desire for immortality and cosmic power, involves merging human consciousness with AI and potentially uploading it to

Screentime swaps: how to quit doomscrolling without quitting your phone

Hannah Coates argues that digital wellbeing depends less on screen time itself than on purpose and control. Compulsive doomscrolling can leave users disengaged and dissatisfied, while intentional activities may support wellbeing. Drawing on expert advice, Coates recommends replacing

AI ‘art’ is boring, soulless theft – and when I see it as an artist I see red | Jess Harwood

Artist Jess Harwood argues that generative AI cannot create meaningful art because it lacks human experience, intention and struggle. Inspired by a Split Enz concert, she contrasts the emotional power of human-made music with AI-generated images, writing and

'Losing a generation': Why some countries are moving fast on AI in schools

The article describes the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Asian schools. Some countries, like China, are making AI education compulsory, while others, like Japan, are taking a more cautious approach. The article also highlights the potential

This model is not a real person: how AI is shaking up fashion – video

From digital twins to models ‘sculpted’ by programmers, generative AI has been popping up all over the fashion industry. When an Australian e-commerce retailer started using AI-generated models to sell products, lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman had to see

Should politicians be using AI-generated images?

The use of AI-generated images in Australian politics is raising questions about authenticity and the impact on public trust. While AI can be a quick and easy way to create content, poorly executed images can damage a politician’s

The men offering an alternative to 'manosphere' influencers

The manosphere, a collection of online communities promoting harmful masculine ideals, is a growing concern. While some men on social media, like Luke Bateman and Caleb Ferdinand, are using their platforms to promote positive values and challenge these

Australian students record worst tech literacy results on record

Australian students’ digital literacy has reached a new low, with only 37% of year 10 students and 50% of year 6 students deemed proficient. Despite increased access to technology, students lack the skills to effectively use it, including