The Fall of the Mainstream Media? By What Metric?

An impressive look at our assumptions about Mainstream Media sources versus the new burgeoning superstars. “The term “mainstream media” has long been used to refer to established journalism outlets in the United States. In recent years, it has also been used in a more critical context, including by former President Donald Trump, other politicians and members of the media… Read More The Fall of the Mainstream Media? By What Metric?

90% Lurkers on Social Media

“Frequent Visits Without Engagement: Your audience is likely part of X’s “lurker” demographic—i.e., users who consume content but rarely interact. Studies suggest that 90% of social media users are lurkers, 9% engage occasionally, and only 1% are heavy contributors (often called the 90-9-1 rule). Your frequent visitors fall into this 90%, consuming your content without… Read More 90% Lurkers on Social Media

Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

11.8.24 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced legislation this week to ban social media for children under 16. The proposed law, set to be introduced in Parliament in the coming weeks, would require platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, to bar access to children and teenage users. There are no exceptions for parental consent. If approved,… Read More Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

An Intelligent Debate on Immigration

Warning: some very brief rough language in the intro clip. Decency follows. “Immigration ranks as the second-most important issue among registered U.S. voters and the top issue for Republican voters, according to a Marist Poll/PBS NewsHour/NPR poll released last month. Perhaps that’s because of the 3.2 million border encounters documented by Border Patrol in 2023—a new record high that’s so… Read More An Intelligent Debate on Immigration

What Total Surveillance Means In Our Time. Cars, Homes, Hotels, Stores…

“Technology advancements, along with the increasing availability of Wi-Fi, broadband internet, and cellular and wireless networking, have played a crucial role in creating a perfect storm for the IoT [“Internet of Things”], steering the direction of various industries.” “Billions” of physical objects, including what we wear. “Science” aping omnipotence, omniscience. NYT. As cars become ever more… Read More What Total Surveillance Means In Our Time. Cars, Homes, Hotels, Stores…