A couple of weeks ago I wrote about David Brooks's column on today's version of evolution and the new survival of the fittest: survival of the most cooperative, whereby people develop moral communities and the social norms that help those communities succeed. Then I watched Brooks's TED Talk about a new humanism that's emerging which expands on that. It's not the right-leaning … [Read more...] about We need to work out the social norms of social media: Why?
online safety
Google’s new reputation-checking tool
So many online reputation experts say the most basic tool is to Google yourself that it seems only natural Google would come out with its own rep-management tool. "The tool, 'Me on the Web,' is now included on the Google dashboard in between account information and analytics," reports a USATODAY blog. Google's explanation is something that needs to become intuitive to every Web user: "Your online … [Read more...] about Google’s new reputation-checking tool
Ultra safe playgrounds turn out to be not so safe
This story in Australia isn't about technology, but consider children's online safety as you read, ok? News.com.au reports that playground equipment has become so safe as to increase harm to children. How can that be? Super-safe playgrounds keep children from learning calculated risk-taking. "Playground injuries were often a result of children being poorly coordinated because they did not know how … [Read more...] about Ultra safe playgrounds turn out to be not so safe
Top EU policymaker on trusting our online kids
It's amazing to hear a policymaker say this: "We cannot, and should not, put our children and youngsters in a digital glass cage, hoping they will never encounter any harmful or illegal content online. This will simply not work." That was Neelie Kroes, European Commission vice president and the EU's top legislator for digital issues, in a speech marking International Missing Children's Day (May … [Read more...] about Top EU policymaker on trusting our online kids
Oddly presented, but 1 way social media protect kids
"Teachers must be cautious in utilizing social media" was the headline in the Courier Post in New Jersey. What a bizarre takeaway that is from this tragic occurrence: "Last month, criminal charges were filed against Charles Reilly, a veteran teacher (and since-resigned town councilman) in Pine Hill [N.J.]. Reilly is accused of having inappropriate sexual conversations with male middle school … [Read more...] about Oddly presented, but 1 way social media protect kids