#73: How we consume content (and its consequences)

💎 Word gems

The Unintended Consequences of China Leapfrogging to Mobile Internet (Yiqin Fu)

This is a fascinating article that unpacks how content creation, consumption and sharing differ on desktop and mobile.

Search engine indexing is key to content discovery in the knowledge creation domain, but in a mobile-first world, it is extremely difficult to pull content across the walled gardens, whether or not there is a profit incentive to do so.

Channel surfing (Dirt / Drew Austin)

A compelling argument that social video is becoming more like TV. After seeing so many TikTok videos looking increasingly more like informercials I’m pretty convinced.

Part of TikTok’s excitement is seeing a new video start and trying to figure out what the hell it is. That usually becomes clear within a few seconds; the pattern-matching process mirrors the instant recognition that enables efficient channel surfing. We may train the TikTok algorithm to give us what we like, but the algorithm also trains us to expect its identifiable categories of output.

When Algorithms Promote Self-Harm, Who Is Held Responsible? (Wired / Eleanor Cummins)

A British coroner’s report said Molly Russell died “from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content.” This article unpacks the challenging reality of holding platforms accountable.

If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call:

• (USA) The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14
• International crisis lines

If everyone agrees depressing social media posts can drive a person to suicide, it stands to reason more people will die with this rationale in mind. But by the same token, Abrutyn says the right narrative can also reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Finding ways to talk about individual and community resilience, and the availability of resources for people who are grappling with suicidal ideation, can in fact be protective.

💩 Cool shit

Why Ryan hates Mondays? - A webGL powered 3D diary experience in a browser.

Nightdrive - A javascript simulation of driving at night that feels very Lost Highway.

Parkculator - Calculate how much of a selected area is being used for parking.

Bird Migration Explorer - An incredible visualization of bird migrations.

Podcast.ai - This link was everywhere over the last few days but it’s so mind blowing I had to still share. An entirely AI generated podcast of Joe Rogan interviewing Steve Jobs.

Kevin Costner’s Waterworld - Someone took the 10-second Waterworld arcade game from The Simpsons and turned it into a real game.

hahhahhhahhhah - I don’t know how to describe this. hover over the letters and watch them transform.

Anthony Bourdain World Map - Explore places Anthony Bourdain visited.

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