New data shows tech companies are getting better at stopping hate speech
While social media platforms provide a great medium for us to connect with people, they have also been used as a medium for people to spread hate speech. Fortunately, tech companies are getting much better at managing hate speech, according to the European Commission (EC). The findings come as Read More...
How to control the flood of information during a natural disaster
In a 21st century crisis, information is dissipated in mass through social media channels. But when the communication stakes are high, such as relaying evacuation notices, bridge collapses, and road closures, how do we decipher what is accurate in the virtual flood of information? Shannon Bowen, a Read More...
New bill seeks to ban “addictive” features on social media platforms
Today, most of the social media apps and websites we use daily are designed in such a way as to keep us hooked, instead of helping us. Social media addiction has become a serious problem of modern society, and the tech companies behind these platforms are continuously using tricks to exploit Read More...
Why social media has been a boon for the science community
The field of science communication -- the practice of informing and educating people about science-related topics -- arose just after the start of the Enlightenment when Francesco Algarotti published his first edition of Newtonianism for the Ladies in 1737. While that bit of 18th-century Read More...
Singapore and Australia are drawing news laws to stop spread of fake news
The phenomenon of ‘fake news’ poses a serious threat to democracies all over the world because of its ability to significantly influence political and social trends in our societies. In an attempt to prevent such democratic disruptions, governments in the Asia Pacific region are accelerating Read More...
Study: Deleting your Facebook profile can boost your mental health
Facebook has been around for over a decade, meaning for many of us, it’s become intertwined with our daily lives. But is that really a good thing? According to a new study, which is being hailed as the most trustworthy scientific assessment of social media’s effects, it may not be. The study Read More...
How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is using social media to change politics
29-year-old congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not your average politician. Not only has the young politician shown amazing charisma in the face of hostility, but she’s a first-class example of how to use social media to bring more honesty and intimacy into politics. Have a peek here to Read More...
Using social media may only worsen your feelings of depression and loneliness
If you’re feeling depressed or lonely, browsing social media may be the last thing you should be doing. According to a new study, researchers found that cutting down on social media usage actually improved the well-being of people suffering from depression. Simply by cutting social media usage to Read More...
Social media is making us smarter
Clive Thompson likes to observe young people while they’re typing a Tweet on their phones. In the New York metro, for instance, or on a park bench. He noticed the Tweet-typing goes in a set pattern. First someone types a few words. Then they erase them. That’s followed by a few more new words, Read More...
Interview with Stacey Monk, founder of Epic Change
While economic upheaval has caused many businesses to fail, Ode has interviewed several entrepreneurs who have found ways to thrive and remain focused on positive social change. We interviewed them about their companies, how they view the current economic situation, how they define success, and how Read More...