London mayor rages against social media machine, re-imagines an internet of ‘positivity’

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young people ought to be protected from unregulated online content that is being amplified by algorithms prioritising engagement on social media platforms

engagement-driven algorithms are amplifying both misogynistic content aimed at young men and disinformation campaigns that distort perceptions of London, with real-world consequences for public safety, social cohesion and trust in institutions

Unfortunately now, it’s possible for a boy or a young man to be bombarded with messages about what it means to be a man, even though you’ve not invited them...I worry that for too many young people, their teacher is social media, their teacher is the manosphere, and that’s bad for all of us

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 moves to outlaw social media for young people under 16, while also curbing access to gaming and live-streaming platforms with the aim of limiting strangers from communicating with children

the dangers of engagement-driven algorithms extend far beyond youth culture. He argues that the same systems rewarding outrage and polarisation are also fuelling misleading narratives about London itself.

this responsibility would also extend to Big Tech firms tweaking algorithms to discredit falsehoods that undermine confidence in one of the world’s major financial and tech hubs

Other than bot farms set up in other countries producing falsehoods for profit, Khan also noted a coordinated network of bad-faith actors linked to far-right groups and others that are pro-China, pro-Russia or aligned with the Make America Great Again movement in the US, which are amplifying misleading narratives about London

Rather than monetising ‘poison’, rather than having a division dividend, rather than having an outrage economy, why don’t you have your algorithms a different way?” ....“Let’s just reimagine the internet. Imagine what it could be like if instead of pushing negativity, you’re pushing positivity.

For issues on social media....

Why a speech by Pursuit Of Jade’s Zhang Linghe has divided Taiwan

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this popularity does not necessarily translate into political support for China....Would this one person change how they feel about their identity and make Taiwanese people want to be governed by China? It’s very unlikely....but it could make China appear slightly less hostile

For issues on celebrity influence....

Singaporeans say they want creativity. But do they mean it?

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For issues on rules, creativity and the arts.....

The ​business of ​female ​desire in China

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For gender issues....

S’pore takes targeted approach to online regulation, focuses on national interest: Sim Ann

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accurate information may be challenged by algorithms on social media, often built to encourage attention-grabbing and outrageous content to keep users on the platform. The approach often leads to polarisation and misinformation.

the authorities cannot adopt an overly draconian view towards social media firms, given their presence as commercial entities here

the “manosphere”, which are online communities that promote masculinity and male supremacy.... noted an influx of such content, which could lead to males gravitating towards such ideas and even towards violence.

AI dolls bring comfort to lonely seniors in ageing South Korea

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For issues on AI and loneliness....

Looksmaxxing: When the quest for masculine perfection goes awry

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For issues of perfection and social media

Power-washing artist flooded with support, business inquiries after SMRT removes work in Mountbatten

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For issues on art vs vandalism.....creativity vs rules

Can we talk? Texting doesn’t fix things, and yet we’re all typing away

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Qn: 'The quality of human interaction is diminished by modern communication devices.’ How far do you agree? (Cam. 2023)

Businesses fear for economy if Swiss vote to cap population at 10 million

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For issues on immigration....

I hired a humanoid robot to help clean my home. An auntie did most of the chores

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Qn: To what extent is artificial intelligence replacing the role of humans? (Cam. 2019)

From hiking to hotpot, lonely consumers in China fuel a $9.5 billion companionship economy

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For issues on loneliness....

Singapore blocks online posts targeting Indian community; content likely from China-based platform

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Pursuit Of Jade’s Zhang Linghe and why women want an ‘unmanly man’

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A good read on evolving gender roles in the media....