Social Warming by Charles Arthur

Social Warming by Charles Arthur explores the impacts of social networks on society, emphasizing how they contribute to increased societal anger and polarization. It discusses the resilience of platforms against user dissatisfaction, the behavior of users, the evolving landscape of AI, and strategies to combat misinformation and encourage critical thinking.

Social Network Dynamics User-Platform Power Dynamics Information Consumption Behavior Artificial Intelligence and Society Online Misinformation and Fact-Checking Media and Perception Community Management and Engagement Content Creation in the Digital Age

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

The partisans beyond the filter bubble

176 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Social media Internet Algorithm Chatbot
  1. Filter bubbles aren't as prevalent as we think; people are actually attracted to diverse and shocking content online.
  2. A study found that small groups of aging right-wingers tend to engage more with partisan news content on desktop computers.
  3. The real issue with online information consumption lies with human behavior, rather than just the algorithms.

The velvet rope: let the right one(s) in

117 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence Tech Trends Networking Innovation
  1. Using a velvet rope strategy can create anticipation and exclusivity for a service, enticing more people to join.
  2. In the world of social networks, a VIP lane for selected users can build hype and set the tone for success.
  3. Artificial intelligence like ChatGPT is impacting various industries, particularly white-collar jobs and online platforms.
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The mystery of Gen Z's time online

117 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Social media
  1. Gen Z has displayed a growing ideological gap between young men and women worldwide.
  2. The use of social media, filter bubbles, and technology are contributing to this divide.
  3. Encouraging more real-life interactions may help reduce polarization among Gen Z.

How's that AI tsunami looking, a year on?

117 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Content Generation Chatbots Large Language Models
  1. The AI landscape has rapidly evolved in the past year with the emergence of tools like ChatGPT and AI illustration programs.
  2. AI systems are being used for various creative tasks like generating content, illustrations, and even entire videos.
  3. Challenges arise as AI-generated content seeps into different aspects of society, raising concerns about identification and integrity.

What everyone's getting wrong about Threads

98 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence Content Generation Digital Platforms Tech industry
  1. Threads saw a rapid drop in initial signups, following a common pattern for new software launches.
  2. Criticism of Threads for having only an algorithmic timeline may not consider the need for engagement for new social networks.
  3. Threads aims to disrupt Twitter, still working on developing features to keep users engaged and improve user experience.

How much would you pay not to use Twitter? Or vice-versa?

78 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media AI Apps Subscription Models Data Privacy
  1. Consider how much you would pay or what special features you would require to access social networks like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat.
  2. Offering the right features for paid subscriptions is crucial for social networks to succeed, as seen in the example of Twitter Blue.
  3. Understanding what users are willing to pay for on social networks is important, especially as the industry shifts towards freemium models.

Sit right there while we berate you for running your platform within the law

78 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Tech Platforms Senators
  1. American politicians are criticizing big tech platforms for perceived failings within the law.
  2. There is concern over the increasing spread of AI-generated content, including clickbait articles designed to attract traffic.
  3. The focus on changing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is generating debate about platform liability and moderation practices.

I didn't read the news today, oh boy

78 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Social Networks Tech industry
  1. Social networks don't necessarily need to prioritize news and politics to be successful.
  2. Encouraging the spread of news and politics can lead to more contentious online conversations.
  3. Journalism is about finding information and sharing things people care about, not just big important news.