News & Analysis

White House Order Provides Guidance on AI Safety

What you should know about President Biden’s executive order on the development and use of Artificial Intelligence.

Shop Safely this Holiday Season

There are indeed some real bargains out there, but beware of any that are “too good to be true.”

Surveys Shed Light on Teen and Parent Feelings about Social Media

It’s relatively rare to get new research on teens, parents and social media but three surveys dropped this week.

Beware of ‘Smishing’ Scams

The first few times I got a text message from a stranger that appeared to be directed at someone else, I politely informed them that they’d reached the wrong number.

How Americans Feel about AI

Talking to your family about artificial intelligence.

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Social Media Can Contribute to Despair about War but also Provide Relief

Like many people, I’ve spent a lot of time in front of my phone, computer and TV, focused on the war in Ukraine. On some TV news programs, it’s literally the only subject covered, sometimes in minute detail.

How to Talk with Your Kids About War in Ukraine

How parents and other adults respond can have a big impact on how a young person handles the news coming out of Ukraine.

Russian Cyberattacks are Possible. Be Prepared But Not Panicked.

Although it’s very unlikely that average Americans will be directly targeted by a Russian cyberattack, it is quite possible to become an indirect victim of an attack against a company, health care organization or government agency we rely on.

Real-Time Location Sharing Can Enhance, Jeopardize Safety

Snapchat is the latest app to add real-time location sharing, which means you can use it to inform friends and family of your exact location even if the app is closed.

Metaverse: What’s the Risk?

You’ve probably heard the term “metaverse,” which is being embraced by numerous tech companies. The company formerly known as Facebook is so committed to the idea, that it’s renamed itself “Meta” to symbolize its deep dive into this new online world.

Computing Has Gone Full Circle, and It’s Time to Go Back a Bit

My very first computer was a Cyber 70. I didn’t own it nor did I ever get within a few feet of it. It was a giant mainframe housed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate Research Center.

Facebook Not Alone in Embrace of ‘Metaverse’

As you’ve undoubtedly heard, Facebook has renamed itself Meta. Some people thought that was in response to the company’s recent troubles, but a company the size of Facebook doesn’t go through a major rebranding in a matter of weeks. It’s clearly been on the drawing board for months, if not longer.

Generosity is Great, But Be Cautious When Giving to Charity

“Giving Tuesday,” which is now behind us, is really the start of the end-of-the-year holiday giving period. Unfortunately, this season of generosity also brings out online scammers.

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Generosity is Great, But Be Cautious When Giving to Charity

“Giving Tuesday,” which is now behind us, is really the start of the end-of-the-year holiday giving period. Unfortunately, this season of generosity also brings out online scammers.

Despite Laws and FCC Rules, Robocalls Remain a Problem

Google the term “robocall,” and you’ll find an FCC webpage that begins, “Unwanted calls – including illegal and spoofed robocalls – are the FCC’s top consumer complaint and our top consumer protection priority.”

Facebook Offers Tools to ‘Slow Down’ Toxic Conversations

Facebook has new tools to help moderate conversations and potential conflict within a group.

Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks

A ransomware attack can encrypt data or lock you completely out of your device. It can also be used as a form of blackmail or extortion if the hacker finds something that they think may embarrass or incriminate you. Although victims are often large companies or public agencies, it can affect small businesses or people at home.

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Tools to Help Identify Real Vs. False Online Information

by Larry Magid Daniel Patrick Moynihan is credited as once saying “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not...

Comcast Expands Access and Increases Speed of Internet Essentials Due to Coronavirus

A lot of communities are closing schools and, of course, many of those workers who can are now working from home. This makes a lot of sense, but there are families who simply can’t afford high-speed home Internet.

TikTok to Give Parents More Control Over Teen Accounts

TikTok is adding a Family Safety Mode to give parents more control over their teen’s account

Research Finds Teens May Not Be Suffering From Too Much Tech use

One of the most important observations of the study is that “Policies restricting adolescents’ access to new technologies … may be ill advised

CNET Cheapskate Mystery Box Raises Funds for ConnectSafely, Hunger Project & TAPS

Larry speaks with CNET and Cheapskate columnist Rick Broida, who has launched the Cheapskate Mystery Box 2019 Edition, a bundle of tech goodies from a variety of great companies.

Data Refute President’s Linkage Between Violent Videogames & Mass Shootings

In his address to the nation following a weekend of two mass shootings, President Trump made a reference to violent video games, suggesting that these games may have something to do with shootings such as the ones that took place in El Paso and Akron.

Overall Increase in Cyberbullying — Girls 3 Times More Likely To Be Cyberbullied Than Boys

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