Technofeudalism and Useless Search
"power is centralized with these few tech bros/feudal lords, with social media users as subservient serfs."
Alex Hern and Dan Milmo tackle the troubling rise of "slop" in digital content, the Dublin-New York portal reopens with new safety measures after a shutdown, and Sabrina Carpenter's SNL debut. The rise of hackathons, A24's film deal for "The Entertainment System Is Down," the complex effects of the weight-loss drug Ozempic, Kendrick Lamar's culturally charged diss track, and a study on workplace body language that reveals intergenerational tensions.
Spam, junk … slop? The latest wave of AI behind the ‘zombie internet’, The Guardian
Alex Hern and Dan Milmo delve into the emergence of "slop" - AI-generated web content aimed at profit. Coined by Simon Willison, the term sheds light on this damaging trend. With slop proliferating in various forms, including misleading articles and images, its presence challenges online authenticity. Farhad Divecha of AccuraCast notes, "We have seen instances where people have commented that an advert was AI-generated rubbish when it was not," reflecting industry concerns.
The Viral Dublin-New York Portal Reopens After 6-Day Shutdown Over Flashing, Inappropriate Behavior, Forbes
The Dublin-New York portal, a live video connection enabling interactions between the two cities, reopened after a shutdown due to inappropriate behavior, including flashing and offensive gestures. With enhanced security measures, the portal aims to curb such incidents. The attraction has drawn massive attention, with 500 million visits in its initial five days, demonstrating its global appeal and cultural potential.
Sabrina Carpenter Sizzles With ‘Espresso’ Performance on ‘SNL’ Season Finale: Watch, Billboard
Sabrina Carpenter dazzled in her SNL musical guest debut, performing her hit "Espresso" and a medley of "Feather" and "Nonsense." The 25-year-old pop star's theatrical performances continue to showcase her incredible talent and stage presence. Carpenter's success extends beyond SNL, her single "Espresso" has spent four straight weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and her recent tour with Taylor Swift.
Why companies are turning to internal hackathons, TechCrunch
Companies increasingly use internal hackathons to foster innovation and collaboration among employees. These events encourage creative problem-solving and feature strong participation across disciplines, enhancing product development and services, particularly in AI. Hackathons also promote a culture of inclusivity by involving diverse roles and perspectives, leading to more effective and innovative outcomes.
A24 Closing U.S. Rights Deal on Ruben Ostlund’s ‘The Entertainment System Is Down’, Variety
A24 is finalizing a significant deal to acquire U.S. rights to Ruben Östlund’s film "The Entertainment System Is Down," reported by Variety. The film, featuring stars like Kirsten Dunst and Keanu Reeves, explores passengers coping with boredom on a flight without entertainment. Östlund, a two-time Palme d’Or winner, enhanced realism by using a real Boeing 747 for filming.
The known unknowns about Ozempic, explained, Vox
Sean Illing interviews Johann Hari about his book on Ozempic, a weight-loss drug that works by mimicking a gut hormone to suppress appetite. Hari explains, "It has this bizarre effect... I woke up and I wasn't hungry." They discuss Ozempic's potential as an anti-addiction treatment and concerns about significant side effects, including its long-term impact on mental health and a potential increase in thyroid cancer risk.
The Number One Song in the Country Is a Diss Track. Is That a Good Thing?, Rolling Stone
Andre Gee examines Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," which targets Drake and topped the charts. Gee highlights, "The record’s success highlights how desensitized we are as a music-listening public," pointing out the track's aggressive lyrics and cultural implications regarding appropriation within hip-hop. The song's viral success raises cultural concerns about the appropriation of Black art and its consumption by a global audience, despite its community-specific messages.
Body language is key workplace communication. Your coworkers hate these hand gestures, Fast Company
Shannon Cudd discusses a Preply study revealing that effective communication in the workplace is often nonverbal, yet many are unaware of their body language. The study highlights, "only 2 in 5 Americans are very aware of their body language." Millennials find the middle finger offensive, Gen Z dislikes eye-rolling, and older generations are annoyed by knuckle-cracking. Understanding these nuances is crucial for better workplace interactions.
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