COVID-19 denial is spreading on social media

Governments and health authorities should take steps to tackle the growing pockets of coronavirus denialism within their communities, as a war against this invisible enemy cannot be won if people don’t believe it exists.

Is social media addictive?

Is social media addictive? Really, truly addictive? Is it so compelling and rewarding for some excessive users that it affects behaviour and choices in “real” life, like substance abuse and gambling?

The Digital Platforms Inquiry gets a lukewarm government response

The ACCC’s inquiry was launched to address concerns about the market power of major digital platforms, such as Google and Facebook, and their impact on Australia’s businesses and media.

Teens should ‘get smart’ about social media

New research indicates that social media is leading young adolescent girls and boys down a worrying path towards developing body image issues and eating disorder behaviours – even though they are smartphone savvy.

The global disinformation order

We once hoped that social media would help bring down dictatorships, but the use of social media by authoritarian countries to spread their propaganda around the world is actually undermining democratic nations.

Are legal curbs coming for social media?

Defamation law reform may see social media companies held liable for what they publish, but while this would be good for lawyers, it might be chilling for free speech.

Face to face with Facebook

Beleaguered social network Facebook is charging ahead with plans for world domination despite falling public trust in its administration and multiple investigations by lawmakers in the US.

Is social media harming our kids?

Social media is a ubiquitous part of life, especially for our “digitally-native” children and adolescents, but is it causing more harm than good? 5 experts weigh in on the topic in this special feature article.

Who owns your content on social media?

Hardly anyone reads the contract terms when joining social media platforms, and so few users realise they are giving away their rights to their own material in the small print.

Snarky tweets and national security

The most common form of interference in democratic elections isn’t direct tampering with results but disinformation campaigns to undermine candidates, increase polarisation and reduce public trust in institutions.

That Instagram post may cost you more than you think

We don’t really know how social media posts are being used or evaluated by banks. We need greater transparency around exactly how our data will be used and the ability to challenge decisions.

Twitter and Facebook counter China’s information onslaught

The bans on Chinese propaganda accounts by Twitter and Facebook highlights how the Chinese government uses media power to shape the narrative and project its own interests.