169 tacks
Let’s ditch the tired tropes about video games – and research their impact properly | Pete Etchells
The perception of video games has evolved from a niche, negative stereotype to a mainstream cultural force, yet public and academic discussions remain limited, often focusing on harms. A new government research framework aims to address gaps by fostering robust studies, encouraging data sharing, and exploring both the benefits and risks of gaming.
AI-enhanced images a ‘threat to democratic processes’, experts warn
Experts warn of AI risks in politics after a Labour MP shared a manipulated image of Rishi Sunak. Concerns grow over AI's potential to undermine elections, prompting calls for ethical principles, regulations, and watermarking of AI-generated content to ensure transparency and protect democratic processes ahead of key elections in 2024.
TV and movie sets used to be messy. What happened?
TV set designs have shifted from the lived-in, cluttered homes of the 1990s to the pristine, staged interiors of the 2010s. Factors include cultural trends, social media aesthetics, budget constraints, and the decline of physical media, with production designers balancing realism, character storytelling, and modern aspirational standards.
Playing Wolverine, Hugh Jackman shows how male body ideals have warped
Male body ideals have shifted towards a more extreme, mesomorphic standard, influenced by Hollywood and social media. This unrealistic expectation, often achieved through unhealthy means, has led to a tripling of body image dissatisfaction among men in the last 25 years. To combat this, experts suggest promoting performance-based goals, media literacy, and a broader understanding of masculinity beyond physical appearance.
The unstoppable rise of 'day in my life' videos
TikTok’s “day in my life” videos reflect a cultural shift toward performative authenticity, blending aspiration, routine, and self-presentation. Whether sincere or satirical, these vlogs reveal our fascination with productivity, identity, and validation through social media. While some celebrate soft, slow living, others provoke backlash for perceived privilege or superficiality. Ultimately, these videos expose both a desire to be seen and the emptiness that can underlie curated digital lives.
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