From the French Revolution to #MeToo, social movements often burst into the mainstream with what seems like little warning. Cass Sunstein explains why.
The difference in the Christchurch attacks is that propaganda supplied by the perpetrator was available to the professional media, even as the story was breaking.
Wes Mountain/The Conversation
It’s time for social media platforms to be more open about how livestreaming works, how it is moderated, and what should happen if or when the rules break down.
Young people may have a harder time processing violent footage, as their brains are still developing.
David Alexander/AAP
Until social platforms improve filtering of extremist content, we all have a role to play in ensuring our online activities don’t contribute to a spectacle society that rewards terrorists with clicks.
It is possible to limit your bombardment with images of bodies that feel way out of reach – so choose wisely who you follow.
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Do your Instagram viewing habits trigger joy or guilt? New research shows that viewing body positive content may actually improve women’s body image – at least in the short term.
Titania McGrath: not for the easily offended.
Twitter
Spoof Twitter accounts carry on a grand tradition of satire that has its roots in the 18th century.
Multiple people have been killed in the New Zealand city of Christchurch after at least one gunman opened fire on worshippers at two mosques.
Martin Hunter/AAP
CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claimed intent to focus on privacy will be hard to execute, will not happen soon and does not address major concerns about the company’s role in society.
The National Library of Australia recently launched the Australian Web Archive - a historical record of Australian web content.
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The National Library of Australia’s web archive preserves online Australian content dating back to 1996. The next step is to archive platforms such as Facebook and Twitter - but it won’t be easy.
France’s #MeToo backlash has revealed just how deeply rooted sexism is in the country. Disguised as flirtation or child’s play, sexual harassment begins as early as elementary school.
Though #MeToo has changed some aspects of media reporting, there is still much to be done.
Wes Mountain/The Conversation
The #MeToo movement brought to light the extent of sexual violence in the community, largely through the media. But there is still a long way to go to overturn stereotypes and shut down online abuse.
The Algerian population has taken to the streets in a peaceful and nonviolent manner to protest against President Bouteflika’s running for a fifth term of office.
Ryad Kramdi/AFP
Demonstrations against Abdelaziz Bouteflika have opened up a rare space for debate and self-expression – and could signal a change to a more free and involved civil society in Algeria.
Don’t expect to see any less of the Kardashians. Sorry about that.
A new report concludes companies like Facebook – headed up by Mark Zuckerberg – should not be allowed to consider themselves ahead of and beyond the law.
Stephanie Lecoq /AAP
Are you annoyed at Facebook? You’re not alone – and momentum is growing across the world to use regulation and the law to rein in the behaviours of this and other digital platforms.