The hottest Information Flow Substack posts right now

CrowdTangle was a tool that helped researchers and journalists track how information spread on social media. Its shutdown by Meta shows a lack of support for transparency.
Social media algorithms often promote divisive content for profit, making it hard for regulators to step in. Without tools to understand these algorithms, it’s tough to address misinformation properly.
There’s a growing need for better tools and processes to help people navigate social media. As we consume more online, it's crucial to be aware of the influences shaping our thoughts.

Productivity in business relies on information flow, but this can limit autonomy and initiative.
Corporate life is becoming more bureaucratic, hindering autonomy and fostering dissatisfaction.
Organizational charts and technology influence autonomy in business, with a need to balance information flow and decision-making.

Software engineering is not inherently more difficult than other professions like medicine or law.
Effective communication with software engineers can be facilitated by using frameworks like The Spreadsheet Analogy and the Given-When-Then method.
Communication breakdowns between engineers and non-engineers can be bridged by understanding software engineering concepts and speaking a shared language.

Understanding the importance of maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio in social networks.
Considering the limitations of human social networks, such as Dunbar's Number and information velocity.
Exploring the potential for a new social network model that prioritizes individual sovereignty, limits global influence, and facilitates meaningful connections.

Perspective Agents book focuses on human and social implications of AI in the "autonomous age".
The book encourages asking big questions about the impact of AI on crises, understanding key events, and fostering optimism.
Prepare for major changes in media, like AI-powered answers, information flows, and the evolution of intelligence engines.

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During the Covid-19 crisis, people reacted impressively quickly once they were aware of the seriousness of the situation, leading to a notable global response.
Public health officials sometimes underestimate the public's ability to act sensibly with nuanced information, leading to overly prescriptive directives.
The pandemic response was influenced by local experiences and the availability of information through the Internet and smartphones, which played a significant role in managing the crisis.

Regulating social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to improve societal discourse and civility is a complex challenge that requires addressing various elements like like buttons, algorithms, and personal feeds.
When evaluating policies for regulating technology and online behavior, it's important to consider different outcomes and potential impacts on free speech, abuse, and innovation.
There is a need to level up legislative and regulatory approaches to address nuanced and multifaceted issues like the impact of social media on society, especially when lawmakers may lack technical expertise.