Digital Life

World News

China Cracks Down On Memes After Proposal To End Presidential Term Limits

4:07pm February 26, 2018

Following the Chinese Communist Party's announcement that it plans to do away with term limits, paving the way for President Xi Jinping to continue his rule, China's internet censors have cracked down on criticism posted and shared on Chinese social media, including a meme featuring Winnie the Pooh.

Used car salesman Chris Edwards poses for a portrait at Automaxx in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

8:08am February 24, 2018

by Lee Hale

In Utah, the majority of civil lawsuits are debt related; nearly all of the debtors face those suits without any legal help. A group of law students at Brigham Young University wants to change that.

How 1 Tweet From Kylie Jenner Caused Snap, Inc. To Lose $1 Billion

5:13pm February 23, 2018

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Will Oremus, a senior technology writer at Slate about how a recent tweet by Kylie Jenner caused Snap, Inc. — the parent company for Snapchat — to lose more than $1 billion.

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Facebook Inc said the company will start using postcards to verify potential ad buyers live in the U.S. before selling campaign ads.

Politics & Government

Facebook Is Counting On Postcards To Prevent Future Election Interference

3:43pm February 20, 2018

by Vanessa Romo

Under fire for its role in the presidential election, the social network giant unveiled plans involving snail mail to verify the identity of advertising buyers and stop future foreign manipulation.

Students use their phones following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Should The Parkland Shooting Change How We Think About Phones, Schools and Safety?

8:28am February 17, 2018

Security experts say allowing students to have their phones with them during the school day is unlikely to make anyone safer. Maybe even the opposite.

Google To Block 'Annoying' Online Ads That Fail To Make The Grade

7:58am February 15, 2018

by Scott Neuman

Starting today, Google will award ads a "passing," "warning" and "failing" designation and block some of the most annoying, including pop-ups and auto-playing videos.

An upcoming iOS update will allow Apple users to see their health records on their cellphones.

Health & Safety

Medical Records May Finally Be Coming To Your Apple Smartphone

3:25pm February 14, 2018

by Alan Yu

In a planned upgrade of Apple's operating system for iPhones, the Health app will include health records, so people can take detailed, personal health information anywhere.

What Happens When You Fill A House With 'Smart' Technology

6:57pm February 12, 2018

Gizmodo reporters Kashmir Hill and Surya Mattu talk about their recent experiment in which Kashmir lived in a smart home — complete with connected bed, coffee maker, toys and more — and Mattu tracked the data being sent from all of those devices.

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Books
Arts

'Videocracy' Looks At What Makes A Video Go Viral

4:35pm February 12, 2018

by Neda Ulaby

A new book by Kevin Allocca, YouTube's head of culture and trends, breaks down the world of viral videos. From fans of elevators to make-your-own-slime videos, online communities that form around niche interests are as vital as the videos themselves.

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For many people, checking their smartphone can be addicting.

Smartphone Detox: How To Power Down In A Wired World

2:36pm February 12, 2018

In an era when many kids get a first smartphone at age 10, psychologists say the devices have turned us into Pavlov's dogs — drooling for the next notification, buzz or text. Ready to dial back?

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