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SOCIAL MEDIA
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Finding Faith on YouTube In idle moments, when I pick up my phone and open YouTube before even realizing I’m doing it, the first video recommended to me is usually something to do with Christian denominational apologetics. At the precise intersection of my sociological interests, spiritual commitments, and social media addiction, the YouTube algorithm has realized that nothing absorbs me more readily than listening to Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant apologists debating points of dogma. There is a whole flourishing genre here – videos in which Christians document their processes of denominational discernment, articulating their theological commitments and defending their traditions in digital space, with titles such as “10 Reasons Why I Became Catholic” or “7 Reasons Why I’m Still Protestant” or “The Real Reason I’m Leaving Non-Denominationalism.” It’s like watching the unfolding of many spiritual autobiographies at once in real time, but unlike Augustine’s Confessions or John Henry Newman’s Apologia Pro Vita Sua, social media is an ever-unfinished book. (Plough; 1.1.26) READMORE>>>>> |
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More harm than help: Evangelicals’ social media use not in line with belief
Fifty-four percent of evangelicals believe social media is more harmful than helpful to the Christian faith, but they use social media anyway, according to a report by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research. This and other findings can be found in their latest report “Helpful or Harmful? Evangelicals and Social Media.”
A total of 1,039 evangelical Protestants, according to the report, participated in this study. Data for the report was gathered in early 2024, a news release noted. “Those who are more actively engaged in their faith — regular Bible readership, worship attendance, prayer, etc.— are more likely to see social media as helpful,” the two groups said in the release. “Some of the primary reasons social media was considered more helpful than harmful include evangelism, easy access to Christian content, connecting with community and encouragement in their faith.” (Alabama Baptist 12/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Fifty-four percent of evangelicals believe social media is more harmful than helpful to the Christian faith, but they use social media anyway, according to a report by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research. This and other findings can be found in their latest report “Helpful or Harmful? Evangelicals and Social Media.”
A total of 1,039 evangelical Protestants, according to the report, participated in this study. Data for the report was gathered in early 2024, a news release noted. “Those who are more actively engaged in their faith — regular Bible readership, worship attendance, prayer, etc.— are more likely to see social media as helpful,” the two groups said in the release. “Some of the primary reasons social media was considered more helpful than harmful include evangelism, easy access to Christian content, connecting with community and encouragement in their faith.” (Alabama Baptist 12/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Morning Rundown: Joel Osteen Post Sparks Social Media Meltdown
Joel Osteen Post Sparks Social Media Meltdown The megachurch televangelist has sparked some controversy on social media. The pastor posted on X, “It’s the simple things in life that bring us the most joy. You may not have a lot of resources, but if you have family, you’re blessed. If you have your health, you’re blessed. If you can look up at the stars at night, you’re blessed.”
(Charisma 7/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Joel Osteen Post Sparks Social Media Meltdown The megachurch televangelist has sparked some controversy on social media. The pastor posted on X, “It’s the simple things in life that bring us the most joy. You may not have a lot of resources, but if you have family, you’re blessed. If you have your health, you’re blessed. If you can look up at the stars at night, you’re blessed.”
(Charisma 7/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
"Not just about going viral": Christians Against Christian Nationalism translates TikTok activism to local politics
Standing outside the US Capitol on 6th January, 2023, Georgia McKee witnessed two very different responses on the second anniversary of the infamous mob attack. Circled together and holding candles, one group of faith leaders condemned Christian nationalism, calling it a “poisonous ideology” and “gross distortion of our Christian faith". The other group marched in front of the Supreme Court building, shouting into megaphones, wearing MAGA hats, waving American flags and holding signs saying, “One Nation Under God". (Kathryn Post/Sight 1/10/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
Standing outside the US Capitol on 6th January, 2023, Georgia McKee witnessed two very different responses on the second anniversary of the infamous mob attack. Circled together and holding candles, one group of faith leaders condemned Christian nationalism, calling it a “poisonous ideology” and “gross distortion of our Christian faith". The other group marched in front of the Supreme Court building, shouting into megaphones, wearing MAGA hats, waving American flags and holding signs saying, “One Nation Under God". (Kathryn Post/Sight 1/10/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
Christians Against Christian Nationalism translates TikTok activism to local politics
(RNS) — Standing outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2023, Georgia McKee witnessed two very different responses on the second anniversary of the infamous mob attack. Circled together and holding candles, one group of faith leaders condemned Christian nationalism, calling it a “poisonous ideology” and “gross distortion of our Christian faith.” The other group marched in front of the Supreme Court building, shouting into megaphones, wearing MAGA hats, waving American flags and holding signs saying, “One Nation Under God.”
(Kathryn Post/Religion News Service 1/8/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
(RNS) — Standing outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2023, Georgia McKee witnessed two very different responses on the second anniversary of the infamous mob attack. Circled together and holding candles, one group of faith leaders condemned Christian nationalism, calling it a “poisonous ideology” and “gross distortion of our Christian faith.” The other group marched in front of the Supreme Court building, shouting into megaphones, wearing MAGA hats, waving American flags and holding signs saying, “One Nation Under God.”
(Kathryn Post/Religion News Service 1/8/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
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Nov 17, 2022: Relevant: 15 Things Christians Should Stop Doing on Social Media
What you do and say on social media actually matters. While many Christians carry themselves with kindness and grace at church, once they tap that social media app they transform into some kind of snarling beast.
Christians are called to be Christ’s ambassadors: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
But for some reason on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, many times, it seems like Christ is completely absent from our minds.
Here are some tips to help us better represent Christ online — by addressing common pitfalls of Christians on social media: image, attitude, discernment, distractions and nastiness.
What you do and say on social media actually matters. While many Christians carry themselves with kindness and grace at church, once they tap that social media app they transform into some kind of snarling beast.
Christians are called to be Christ’s ambassadors: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
But for some reason on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, many times, it seems like Christ is completely absent from our minds.
Here are some tips to help us better represent Christ online — by addressing common pitfalls of Christians on social media: image, attitude, discernment, distractions and nastiness.
Dec 2, 2022: Cold Case Christianity: How To Be “In” The Social Media World But Not “Of” The Social Media World
Mainstream media outlets (now sometimes referred to as the “Legacy Media”) used to decide who was a celebrity and who was not. That all changed with the invention of social media. You don’t have to be a movie star or politician to gain the attention of the culture anymore. Many of us now have large social media platforms that rival the notoriety of celebrities in the past. This is reflected in the rise of social media influencers. The lure of popularity tempts all of us; few people wish they had fewer followers. But the next time you find yourself tempted by celebrity, remember the words of Jesus. If we are truly following Him and speaking His words into the world around us, we shouldn’t expect to be popular:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:18-21)
Mainstream media outlets (now sometimes referred to as the “Legacy Media”) used to decide who was a celebrity and who was not. That all changed with the invention of social media. You don’t have to be a movie star or politician to gain the attention of the culture anymore. Many of us now have large social media platforms that rival the notoriety of celebrities in the past. This is reflected in the rise of social media influencers. The lure of popularity tempts all of us; few people wish they had fewer followers. But the next time you find yourself tempted by celebrity, remember the words of Jesus. If we are truly following Him and speaking His words into the world around us, we shouldn’t expect to be popular:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:18-21)
Politicians no longer offer quips to be funny but to do damage, inflict harm, humiliate others. The real purpose of the quip is to have it replayed on Twitter, Instagram or the news channels.
Now quips live in the gutter. Politicians throw out quips like a short-order cook pitching out garbage from the back of a Waffle House. For generations, democracies have relied on social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong anchor institutions, and shared stories. Jonathan Haidt says, “Social media has weakened all three.” Quips are now poisoned arrows dipped in the vitriol of a brew of anger, resentment and disdain. There’s no humor, just a mean-spirited determination to inflict damage to opponents. Even a casual study of the quips, tweets and slogans reveal words reeking of ugliness: “crazy,” “sick,” “stupid,” “loser,” “socialist,” “communist.” -Baptist News Global |
Today’s social media culture, coupled as it is with such easy access to information and literature, has created a vast network of armchair theologians. This reality comes with both positives and negatives. We are all theologians to some degree, whether we realize it or not. More people thinking about theological issues and getting involved in those conversations is a good thing. But the situation presents a few risks as well.
One significant risk for any theologian is that of absorbing a wealth of knowledge without putting it into practice. Several years ago, I saw the Disney movie Meet the Robinsons. I really don’t remember a whole lot from the film, but one part stuck with me. A young boy is huddled in a corner, trapped by a massive T-Rex. Fortunately for the boy, the dinosaur cannot reach him because its head keeps getting in the way. The T-Rex turns to the main villain and says, “I have a big head and little arms. I’m just not sure how well this plan was thought through.” The moment offers a bit of on-screen comedic relief but also serves as a word of caution for believers today. If we fail to practice what we believe, we become just like the T-Rex in the film: big heads but totally ineffective in carrying out our mission. While it ended up being a good thing in the movie that the beast couldn’t use its arms, the same cannot be said for us who are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world. -BLOG: T-REX THEOLOGIANSPosted by Carissa Jones | May 2, 2022 |
Amazon to contribute $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund. Meta is also donating $1M
Amazon is planning to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, a move that comes as major tech companies seek to improve their relationship with the incoming president. A company spokesperson confirmed Thursday evening that the e-commerce giant will also stream Trump’s inauguration on its Prime Video service, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million. Earlier in the day, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.
(Associated Press; 12/12/24) READMORE>>>>>
Amazon is planning to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, a move that comes as major tech companies seek to improve their relationship with the incoming president. A company spokesperson confirmed Thursday evening that the e-commerce giant will also stream Trump’s inauguration on its Prime Video service, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million. Earlier in the day, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.
(Associated Press; 12/12/24) READMORE>>>>>
The Evangelicals Calling for War on Poor People
A new, antisocial strain of the prosperity gospel is making its way into pulpits and breeding new hostility toward the least fortunate Americans. For all of its certainty, social media algorithms favor muscular Christianity. During the pandemic, when people couldn’t go to church, the preachers who had the online infrastructure in place to broadcast sermons—and accept donations—found a whole new audience: members of “mom and pop” churches who had nowhere else to go. Those who ended up getting their Christianity from Facebook rather than the pulpit found it all too easy to fall down into some extreme theological rabbit holes. And without anyone to bounce new ideas off, they had no mooring—there was no congregation to moderate radical ideas. Scott McConnell believes that this bombardment of new ideas has disrupted conventional Christian teachings. “We have access to so much knowledge and so many information sources,” he says, and unless believers are intentionally returning to the Bible, few have the time to “check their credibility.” (Elle Hardy/ New Republic 10/23/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
A new, antisocial strain of the prosperity gospel is making its way into pulpits and breeding new hostility toward the least fortunate Americans. For all of its certainty, social media algorithms favor muscular Christianity. During the pandemic, when people couldn’t go to church, the preachers who had the online infrastructure in place to broadcast sermons—and accept donations—found a whole new audience: members of “mom and pop” churches who had nowhere else to go. Those who ended up getting their Christianity from Facebook rather than the pulpit found it all too easy to fall down into some extreme theological rabbit holes. And without anyone to bounce new ideas off, they had no mooring—there was no congregation to moderate radical ideas. Scott McConnell believes that this bombardment of new ideas has disrupted conventional Christian teachings. “We have access to so much knowledge and so many information sources,” he says, and unless believers are intentionally returning to the Bible, few have the time to “check their credibility.” (Elle Hardy/ New Republic 10/23/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Over the years, I’ve had a few Facebook “friends” (people I never met but who professed to be Christians) who trafficked in slandering some of my friends. Some of the accusations leveled against my friends were not only false, but ridiculous.
As soon as I became aware of this, I immediately unfriended them (and unfollowed them on Twitter).
If a person — even a professing Christian — defames a brother or sister in Christ, they are slandering us, for “we are members of one another.”
According to the Bible, the sin of slander is just as serious as murder, theft, and adultery. Scripture exhorts us to “have nothing to do with” such people, until they repent (see Titus 3:10 and Romans 16:17).
Feeding slanderers is to participate in their sin and listening to gossip is like drinking poison:
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8, 26:22) -Frank Viola
As soon as I became aware of this, I immediately unfriended them (and unfollowed them on Twitter).
If a person — even a professing Christian — defames a brother or sister in Christ, they are slandering us, for “we are members of one another.”
According to the Bible, the sin of slander is just as serious as murder, theft, and adultery. Scripture exhorts us to “have nothing to do with” such people, until they repent (see Titus 3:10 and Romans 16:17).
Feeding slanderers is to participate in their sin and listening to gossip is like drinking poison:
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8, 26:22) -Frank Viola
gab
Aug 13, 2022: Raw Story: Far-right platform Gab veers into overt antisemitism — and only some Republicans back away
On Friday morning, Andrew Torba, founder of the far-right social media platform Gab, issued a seeming ultimatum to the Republican Party: "Gab is becoming the litmus test for candidates. Many have passed the test and doubled down. Some have lied and disavowed to gain points with the enemy. A truly great service to the American people to see who has a spine and who does not."
On Friday morning, Andrew Torba, founder of the far-right social media platform Gab, issued a seeming ultimatum to the Republican Party: "Gab is becoming the litmus test for candidates. Many have passed the test and doubled down. Some have lied and disavowed to gain points with the enemy. A truly great service to the American people to see who has a spine and who does not."
Jan 9, 2023: Religion News: Evangelical TikTok worship parodies bring unexpected healing
Using exact quotes from the Bible, Prezleigh and Joshua Colburn write and record worship parodies under the names Sayge and Trysten. A former creative arts pastor (Joshua) and music pastor (Prezleigh), they departed their respective churches in 2019 over issues they say include the exclusion of LGBTQ folks, inadequate responses to mental health and the doctrine that non-Christians go to hell.
Using exact quotes from the Bible, Prezleigh and Joshua Colburn write and record worship parodies under the names Sayge and Trysten. A former creative arts pastor (Joshua) and music pastor (Prezleigh), they departed their respective churches in 2019 over issues they say include the exclusion of LGBTQ folks, inadequate responses to mental health and the doctrine that non-Christians go to hell.
==instagram======
Experts voice concern over Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard brand - as the company is yet to put a single product on sale five months after glitzy Instagram launch.
Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand is yet to put a single product on sale five months on from its glitzy Instagram launch - sparking concerns from experts over its future. American Riviera Orchard, which plans to sell kitchenware, jams and jellies, has so far only shared a few of its products with a celebrity friends. The brand's Instagram page and website also remain bare with no option yet for customers to buy products. (Daily Mail 8/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand is yet to put a single product on sale five months on from its glitzy Instagram launch - sparking concerns from experts over its future. American Riviera Orchard, which plans to sell kitchenware, jams and jellies, has so far only shared a few of its products with a celebrity friends. The brand's Instagram page and website also remain bare with no option yet for customers to buy products. (Daily Mail 8/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Instagram launches Myspace-like feature, lets users add songs to profiles
A new feature announced by Instagram on Thursday is reminiscent of the early days of social media. The social media company announced that Instagram profiles will now include a music feature similar to one Myspace had in the early 2000s.
“We’re excited to announce that you can now add a song to your profile, giving you more ways to express yourself through music. Your profile song selection will be live until you swap out the song,” Instagram said in a post.
(KTLA 8/23/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A new feature announced by Instagram on Thursday is reminiscent of the early days of social media. The social media company announced that Instagram profiles will now include a music feature similar to one Myspace had in the early 2000s.
“We’re excited to announce that you can now add a song to your profile, giving you more ways to express yourself through music. Your profile song selection will be live until you swap out the song,” Instagram said in a post.
(KTLA 8/23/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==reddit======
Is This How Reddit Ends?
The internet is growing more hostile to humans. Google results are stuffed with search-optimized spam, unhelpful advertisements, and AI slop. Amazon has become littered with undifferentiated junk. The state of social media, meanwhile—fractured, disorienting, and prone to boosting all manner of misinformation—can be succinctly described as a cesspool. It’s with some irony, then, that Reddit has become a reservoir of humanity. The platform has itself been called a cesspool, rife with hateful rhetoric and falsehoods. But it is also known for quirky discussions and impassioned debates on any topic among its users. Does charging your brother rent, telling your mom she’s an unwanted guest, or giving your wife a performance review make you an asshole? (Redditors voted no, yes, and “everyone sucks,” respectively.) The site is where fans hash out the best rap album ever and plumbers weigh in on how to unclog a drain. As Google has begun to offer more and more vacuous SEO sites and ads in response to queries, many people have started adding reddit to their searches to find thoughtful, human-written answers: find mosquito in bedroom reddit; fix musty sponge reddit. (The Atlantic; 1/29/25) READMORE>>>>>
The internet is growing more hostile to humans. Google results are stuffed with search-optimized spam, unhelpful advertisements, and AI slop. Amazon has become littered with undifferentiated junk. The state of social media, meanwhile—fractured, disorienting, and prone to boosting all manner of misinformation—can be succinctly described as a cesspool. It’s with some irony, then, that Reddit has become a reservoir of humanity. The platform has itself been called a cesspool, rife with hateful rhetoric and falsehoods. But it is also known for quirky discussions and impassioned debates on any topic among its users. Does charging your brother rent, telling your mom she’s an unwanted guest, or giving your wife a performance review make you an asshole? (Redditors voted no, yes, and “everyone sucks,” respectively.) The site is where fans hash out the best rap album ever and plumbers weigh in on how to unclog a drain. As Google has begun to offer more and more vacuous SEO sites and ads in response to queries, many people have started adding reddit to their searches to find thoughtful, human-written answers: find mosquito in bedroom reddit; fix musty sponge reddit. (The Atlantic; 1/29/25) READMORE>>>>>
tik tok
TikTok, whose mainland Chinese counterpart is Douyin, is a short-form video hosting service owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance. It hosts user-submitted videos, which can range in duration from three seconds to 60 minutes. It can be accessed with a smartphone app. Since its launch, TikTok has become one of the world's most popular social media platforms, using recommendation algorithms to connect content creators with new audiences. In April 2020, TikTok surpassed two billion mobile downloads worldwide. Cloudflare ranked TikTok the most popular website of 2021, surpassing Google. The popularity of TikTok has allowed viral trends in food and music to take off and increase the platform's cultural impact worldwide. TikTok has come under scrutiny due to data privacy violations, mental health concerns, misinformation, offensive content, and its role during the Israel–Hamas war. Countries have fined, banned, or attempted to restrict TikTok to protect children or out of national security concerns over possible user data collection by the Chinese government through ByteDance.
TikTok disinformation is no more dangerous than Fox News disinformation
The question draws nuance from the context. In the context of elections, if Congress interferes with a foreign-owned media platform like TikTok, partly in the name of election security, why should a domestic corporation like Fox News, another
known purveyor of election misinformation, be spared the same scrutiny? The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to require TikTok to divest its Chinese ownership or be banned in the U.S. because of national security concerns. The security risks identified by the bill’s sponsors include a Chinese law that gives Xi Jinping legal access to user data, along with China’s ability to meddle in U.S. elections. Millions of Americans are influenced by manufactured information campaigns every day. Over the past few years, the most aggressive online disinformation campaigns in the U.S. have targeted COVID-19vaccines, climate science and elections. Pew Research shows that the share of U.S. adults who want the federal government to restrict such false information has risen, from 39 percent in 2018 to 55 percent in 2023.
(Sabrina Hake; The Haake Take 3/24/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The question draws nuance from the context. In the context of elections, if Congress interferes with a foreign-owned media platform like TikTok, partly in the name of election security, why should a domestic corporation like Fox News, another
known purveyor of election misinformation, be spared the same scrutiny? The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to require TikTok to divest its Chinese ownership or be banned in the U.S. because of national security concerns. The security risks identified by the bill’s sponsors include a Chinese law that gives Xi Jinping legal access to user data, along with China’s ability to meddle in U.S. elections. Millions of Americans are influenced by manufactured information campaigns every day. Over the past few years, the most aggressive online disinformation campaigns in the U.S. have targeted COVID-19vaccines, climate science and elections. Pew Research shows that the share of U.S. adults who want the federal government to restrict such false information has risen, from 39 percent in 2018 to 55 percent in 2023.
(Sabrina Hake; The Haake Take 3/24/24) READ MORE>>>>>
'Beyond Help': TikTok Star Kyle Marisa Roth's Parents Saw Concerning Video That Triggered Welfare Check and Led to Death Discovery
TikTok star Kyle Marisa Roth's parents were concerned for her well-being on the day she was found dead at her apartment, RadarOnline.com has learned. Roth's parents were disturbed by a video they saw online of the daughter and reported the matter to police, prompting a welfare check on April 14. Court documents revealed one of Roth's parents called 911 to request a welfare check after not hearing from her for several days, according to TMZ. (Radar Online 4/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
TikTok star Kyle Marisa Roth's parents were concerned for her well-being on the day she was found dead at her apartment, RadarOnline.com has learned. Roth's parents were disturbed by a video they saw online of the daughter and reported the matter to police, prompting a welfare check on April 14. Court documents revealed one of Roth's parents called 911 to request a welfare check after not hearing from her for several days, according to TMZ. (Radar Online 4/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
From James O’Brien to Joe Rogan: Rise of news influencers and alternative voices
Big broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky do best, along with The Guardian, but these brands are more challenged in YouTube and TikTok by a range of youth orientated outlets such as Politics Joe, LADbible, and TLDR News – and also by more partisan political outlets such as Novara Media and individual creators. (Press Gazette 6/20/24)READ MORE>>>>>
Big broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky do best, along with The Guardian, but these brands are more challenged in YouTube and TikTok by a range of youth orientated outlets such as Politics Joe, LADbible, and TLDR News – and also by more partisan political outlets such as Novara Media and individual creators. (Press Gazette 6/20/24)READ MORE>>>>>
STUDY: Tradwife influencers are quietly spreading far-right conspiracy theories
TikTok’s “For You” page recommendation algorithm propels users who interact with “tradwife” content — which promotes “traditional values” and rigid gender roles — down far-right conspiracy theory rabbit holes. Media Matters coded and analyzed 327 recommended videos after exclusively interacting with tradwife content and documented what happened. We found TikTok’s recommendation algorithm rapidly populated our FYP with conspiracy theory content and fearmongering, which made up nearly one-third of all videos served to the FYP. (Media Matters 5/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
TikTok’s “For You” page recommendation algorithm propels users who interact with “tradwife” content — which promotes “traditional values” and rigid gender roles — down far-right conspiracy theory rabbit holes. Media Matters coded and analyzed 327 recommended videos after exclusively interacting with tradwife content and documented what happened. We found TikTok’s recommendation algorithm rapidly populated our FYP with conspiracy theory content and fearmongering, which made up nearly one-third of all videos served to the FYP. (Media Matters 5/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Computer-generated TikTok ‘Jesus’ promises divine blessings — and a potential jackpot for its creator
The TikTok profile Daily Believer (@believerdaily) has 70 videos with computer-generated Jesuses looking directly at the viewer, beseeching them to stop scrolling and watch the next minute’s worth of content.
All these Jesuses are long-haired and bearded, recalling artist Warner Sallman’s ubiquitous 1940 painting “Head of Christ.” Some wear the crown of thorns, some look alarmingly like the actor Jared Leto. Nearly all promise a surprise or “good news soon” in exchange for the viewer liking, commenting “Amen” or sharing it with their friends and family. With this digital outreach, the Daily Believer has gained, as of Nov. 13, 2023, 813,200 followers and over 9.2 million likes.
(Brandon Dean/Study 11/15/23)
Read More>>>>>
The TikTok profile Daily Believer (@believerdaily) has 70 videos with computer-generated Jesuses looking directly at the viewer, beseeching them to stop scrolling and watch the next minute’s worth of content.
All these Jesuses are long-haired and bearded, recalling artist Warner Sallman’s ubiquitous 1940 painting “Head of Christ.” Some wear the crown of thorns, some look alarmingly like the actor Jared Leto. Nearly all promise a surprise or “good news soon” in exchange for the viewer liking, commenting “Amen” or sharing it with their friends and family. With this digital outreach, the Daily Believer has gained, as of Nov. 13, 2023, 813,200 followers and over 9.2 million likes.
(Brandon Dean/Study 11/15/23)
Read More>>>>>
Are You Too Ugly for TikTok?
One minute a pig meanders through the mountains; the following adorable puppies clamor for food until three teens doing a funny trick involving their mouths and a credit card demand your attention. Let’s face it, TikTok is fun, like bubble gum for your eyes. And that is precisely how the video app has danced its way into Gen Z’s hearts, taking over Instagram as the second most popular app in 2020 among US teens and raking in a cool $34.3 billion. (Christine Vann/Good Men Project 1/24/22)
READ MORE>>>>>
One minute a pig meanders through the mountains; the following adorable puppies clamor for food until three teens doing a funny trick involving their mouths and a credit card demand your attention. Let’s face it, TikTok is fun, like bubble gum for your eyes. And that is precisely how the video app has danced its way into Gen Z’s hearts, taking over Instagram as the second most popular app in 2020 among US teens and raking in a cool $34.3 billion. (Christine Vann/Good Men Project 1/24/22)
READ MORE>>>>>
Oct 30, 2022: Eurasia Review: American Exorcist Starts TikTok Channel To Help Souls Navigate ‘Dangerous Territory’
Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a 71-year-old Catholic priest, started a TikTok channel last month when it came to his attention that the popular social media platform was introducing kids to something other than harmless videos of lip-syncing, viral dance challenges, and funny things caught on home security cameras.
As the chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington, Rossetti was concerned when he learned that videos with hashtags like “WitchTok” and “Folk Catholicism” had become popular on the TikTok app.
Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a 71-year-old Catholic priest, started a TikTok channel last month when it came to his attention that the popular social media platform was introducing kids to something other than harmless videos of lip-syncing, viral dance challenges, and funny things caught on home security cameras.
As the chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington, Rossetti was concerned when he learned that videos with hashtags like “WitchTok” and “Folk Catholicism” had become popular on the TikTok app.
Jan 24, 2022: Good Men Project: Are You Too Ugly for TikTok?
The viral app filters our kids’ faces with a beauty algorithm straight out of Black Mirror while we’re busy focusing on Facebook’s misdemeanors.
The viral app filters our kids’ faces with a beauty algorithm straight out of Black Mirror while we’re busy focusing on Facebook’s misdemeanors.
Truth Social (stylized as TRUTH Social) is an alt-tech social media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), an American media and technology company majority-owned by former U.S. president Donald Trump. It has been called a "Twitter clone" that competes with Parler, Gab, and Mastodon in trying to provide an alternative to Twitter and Facebook. Truth Social uses Mastodon as its backend. The service was launched on February 21, 2022. Since mid-2022, Truth Social has been facing financial and regulatory issues. The application was initially not available on Google Play because of violations of Google policies prohibiting content with physical threats and incitement to violence, but was approved for Google Play in October 2022 after agreeing to enforce policies against incitement. As of March 6, 2023, it was ranked number 101 in Apple's App Store rankings for social media apps, and SimilarWeb ranked its website as number 203 in their "News & Media Publishers" category, behind Gab at number 154, but ahead of Parler at number 1,052. Trump estimated in an April 2023 personal financial disclosure that the site's value ranged from $5 million to $25 million. Digital World Acquisition Corporation (DWAC), the special-purpose acquisition company formed to fund Truth Social's parent company TMTG and take it public, disclosed in October 2023 that it was refunding to investors the $1 billion it had raised for TMTG. A November 2023 financial disclosure by DWAC indicated that Truth Social had made a cumulative loss of at least $31.5 million since its inception. In March 2024, DWAC shareholders voted to merge with TMTG, with the merged company trading on NASDAQ under the stock ticker DJT.
'How can we trust him?' New concerns about Trump Media as auditor found to use many names
According to a report from the Financial Times, the outside auditor hired by Trump Media & Technology Group to create a report used by investors for guidance has a history of using multiple names when signing off on documentation, which is raising some eyebrows . The report notes that BF Borgers accounting firm principal, Ben F. Borgers, has filed forms using 10 different names including, Ben F Brogers, Blake F Borgers and Ben F Vonesh, among others that may just be simple misspellings. However that, including a history of ongoing disputes about his company's failings, is raising questions about the embattled Truth Social which has seen its stock plummet. (Raw Story 4/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
According to a report from the Financial Times, the outside auditor hired by Trump Media & Technology Group to create a report used by investors for guidance has a history of using multiple names when signing off on documentation, which is raising some eyebrows . The report notes that BF Borgers accounting firm principal, Ben F. Borgers, has filed forms using 10 different names including, Ben F Brogers, Blake F Borgers and Ben F Vonesh, among others that may just be simple misspellings. However that, including a history of ongoing disputes about his company's failings, is raising questions about the embattled Truth Social which has seen its stock plummet. (Raw Story 4/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
'Not going to be able to sleep tonight': Truth Social boosters panicking as stock plummets
With the value of stock in Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) continuing its unceasing slide downward since the technology company went public, supporters of Donald Trump who profess to have invested in the company are increasingly expressing dismay about the collapse on the former president's Truth Social platform. According to a report from the Daily Beast's Noah Kirsch, faith in the troubled company that was reported to have lost millions last year right after the public offering, is in short supply at the same time the former president was telling supporters at Mar-a-Lago that all is well, stating: "We have over $200 million dollars in cash, which is very liquid.” (Raw Story 4/13/24) READ MORE>>>>>
With the value of stock in Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) continuing its unceasing slide downward since the technology company went public, supporters of Donald Trump who profess to have invested in the company are increasingly expressing dismay about the collapse on the former president's Truth Social platform. According to a report from the Daily Beast's Noah Kirsch, faith in the troubled company that was reported to have lost millions last year right after the public offering, is in short supply at the same time the former president was telling supporters at Mar-a-Lago that all is well, stating: "We have over $200 million dollars in cash, which is very liquid.” (Raw Story 4/13/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==youtube======
YouTube is an American online video sharing platform owned by Google. Accessible worldwide, YouTube was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in San Bruno, California, United States, it is the second-most visited website in the world, after Google Search. As of January 2024, YouTube has more than 2.7 billion monthly users, who collectively watch more than one billion hours of videos every day. As of May 2019, videos were being uploaded to the platform at a rate of more than 500 hours of content per minute, and as of 2021, there were approximately 14 billion videos in total. In October 2006, YouTube was purchased by Google for $1.65 billion (equivalent to $2.31 billion in 2023). Google expanded YouTube's business model of generating revenue from advertisements alone, to offering paid content such as movies and exclusive content produced by and for YouTube. It also offers YouTube Premium, a paid subscription option for watching content without ads. YouTube incorporated Google's AdSense program, generating more revenue for both YouTube and approved content creators. In 2022, YouTube's annual advertising revenue increased to $29.2 billion, more than $9 billion higher than in 2020. Since its purchase by Google, YouTube has expanded beyond the core website into mobile apps, network television, and the ability to link with other platforms. Video categories on YouTube include music videos, video clips, news, short and feature films, songs, documentaries, movie trailers, teasers and TV spots, live streams, vlogs, and more. Most content is generated by individuals, including collaborations between "YouTubers" and corporate sponsors. Established media, news, and entertainment corporations have also created and expanded their visibility to YouTube channels in order to reach greater audiences.
YouTube Execs Weigh In On AI Safeguards, Living Room App Tweaks & How Pat McAfee’s ESPN Move Could Be Emmys Precursor
After YouTube announced new creator tools and product updates at its Made on YouTube event Wednesday, CEO Neal Mohan emphasized that security, especially surrounding updated AI tools, remains “top of mind” for the tech giant. “YouTube occupies a truly unique space,” he explained during an onstage Q&A session at the end of the event. “We get to work closely with cutting-edge technologies that are invented at YouTube, invented at sister organizations like Google DeepMind.” The company has settled into a place where it is “very gradual about the rollout of these technologies instead of just putting it out there and seeing what happens,” he added. As far as potential misuse of AI, Mohan said: “This is really what the name says. It’s a tool. It’s about streamlining” the creative process. (Deadline 9/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
After YouTube announced new creator tools and product updates at its Made on YouTube event Wednesday, CEO Neal Mohan emphasized that security, especially surrounding updated AI tools, remains “top of mind” for the tech giant. “YouTube occupies a truly unique space,” he explained during an onstage Q&A session at the end of the event. “We get to work closely with cutting-edge technologies that are invented at YouTube, invented at sister organizations like Google DeepMind.” The company has settled into a place where it is “very gradual about the rollout of these technologies instead of just putting it out there and seeing what happens,” he added. As far as potential misuse of AI, Mohan said: “This is really what the name says. It’s a tool. It’s about streamlining” the creative process. (Deadline 9/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Tech Execs, Creators Mourn Former YouTube Chief Susan Wojcicki
Former YouTube chief and Silicon Valley pioneer Susan Wojcicki, who served as the video sharing platform’s longest-serving CEO during some of its most formative years, died Friday at the age of 56, according to a statement from her husband, provoking an outpour of support and condolences from YouTube creators and technology executives. Wojcicki died Friday after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer, her husband, Dennis Troper, wrote in a Facebook post. Wojcicki is survived by Troper and four of her five children, as 19-year-old Marco Troper passed away in February. Wojcicki became YouTube’s CEO in 2014, about eight years after she oversaw Google’s $1.6 billion acquisition of the video sharing platform.
(Forbes 8/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former YouTube chief and Silicon Valley pioneer Susan Wojcicki, who served as the video sharing platform’s longest-serving CEO during some of its most formative years, died Friday at the age of 56, according to a statement from her husband, provoking an outpour of support and condolences from YouTube creators and technology executives. Wojcicki died Friday after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer, her husband, Dennis Troper, wrote in a Facebook post. Wojcicki is survived by Troper and four of her five children, as 19-year-old Marco Troper passed away in February. Wojcicki became YouTube’s CEO in 2014, about eight years after she oversaw Google’s $1.6 billion acquisition of the video sharing platform.
(Forbes 8/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
From James O’Brien to Joe Rogan: Rise of news influencers and alternative voices
Big broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky do best, along with The Guardian, but these brands are more challenged in YouTube and TikTok by a range of youth orientated outlets such as Politics Joe, LADbible, and TLDR News – and also by more partisan political outlets such as Novara Media and individual creators. (Press Gazette 6/20/24)READ MORE>>>>>
Big broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky do best, along with The Guardian, but these brands are more challenged in YouTube and TikTok by a range of youth orientated outlets such as Politics Joe, LADbible, and TLDR News – and also by more partisan political outlets such as Novara Media and individual creators. (Press Gazette 6/20/24)READ MORE>>>>>
YouTuber faces a federal charge after allegedly directing video of fireworks being shot from a helicopter at a Lamborghini
A popular Los Angeles YouTuber faces an explosives charge with federal prosecutors accusing him of directing a video stunt in which fireworks were blasted from an airborne helicopter and at a speeding Lamborghini. Suk Min Choi, 24, who also goes by Alex Choi, 24, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced in a news release Thursday. Choi, who has 923,000 followers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram, posted a video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” on July 4, 2023, according to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint.
(CNN 6/6/24)READ MORE>>>>>
A popular Los Angeles YouTuber faces an explosives charge with federal prosecutors accusing him of directing a video stunt in which fireworks were blasted from an airborne helicopter and at a speeding Lamborghini. Suk Min Choi, 24, who also goes by Alex Choi, 24, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced in a news release Thursday. Choi, who has 923,000 followers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram, posted a video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” on July 4, 2023, according to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint.
(CNN 6/6/24)READ MORE>>>>>
May 15, 2022: Religion News: Tennessee preacher and MAGA celebrity Greg Locke claims YouTube has banned him
Greg Locke, a Tennessee pastor known for his viral videos about COVID-19, election conspiracies and witchcraft, claims another social media giant has given him the boot.
Locke, pastor of Global Vision Bible Church just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, was in Ohio, getting ready for a preaching gig on Tuesday (Nov. 15), when he got word his YouTube channel was gone.
Greg Locke, a Tennessee pastor known for his viral videos about COVID-19, election conspiracies and witchcraft, claims another social media giant has given him the boot.
Locke, pastor of Global Vision Bible Church just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, was in Ohio, getting ready for a preaching gig on Tuesday (Nov. 15), when he got word his YouTube channel was gone.