News & Analysis
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.
Tech Checklist to Prepare for Disasters and Power Failures
Whether it’s earthquakes, tornadoes, impending fires or even massive hack attacks, it’s important to make sure that your tech is ready and able to operate even in the event of a power failure.
Snapchat Launches Family Center
The new tool allows teens to opt-in so that their parents have insight into how they’re using the popular platform.
How Americans Feel about AI
Talking to your family about artificial intelligence.
UN Internet Governance Forum Focuses on AI
I spent five days last week in Kyoto, Japan, at the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum.
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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.
FBI Issues Warning About Sextortion After Arrest in Teen Death
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) issued a joint national public safety alert on financial sextortion schemes.
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.
New Research & Resources for Online Wellness
It’s been a big week when it comes to resources for promoting wellness and helping protect children online. with new resources from Google and Instagram and a study from Common Sense Media.
Protect Against Identify Theft
There are things you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft, and if you are a victim, there are things you can do to recover.
Safe Online Dating During and After the Pandemic
When it comes to online dating safety, there is good advice that’s been around for years and new advice based on the pandemic.
Good and Not-So-Good News about Digital Civility
While adults showed some improvement, teens did significantly better than previous years.
Safer Internet 2021 Day Goes Online
Safer Internet Day is a global awareness-raising campaign that started in Europe in 2004 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries.
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YouTube Cutting Hateful and Extremist Videos
YouTube is pulling the plug on thousands of videos that promote bigoted views, including “videos that promote or glorify Nazi ideology, which is inherently discriminatory,”
Safety and Privacy of Smart Displays and Speakers at Home and in the Classroom
We discuss our use of the Facebook Portal as well as other smart displays and speakers that they have tested. There are privacy and safety implications, but they can be managed.
Despite Free-Speech Concerns, Banning Hate a Good Thing
by Larry Magid There was big news from Paris this week where 18 countries and numerous companies, including Facebook,...
Balancing Tech and Low-Tech During Kids’ Summer Break
Summer is almost here, which means that kids will be out of school. While that means that they do have more time to use their devices, it’s also time for fresh air, exercise, and — for many — family vacations.
Helping Kids Survive Bullying and Other Trauma
ConnectSafley CEO Larry Magid and K-12 Education Director Kerry Gallagher talk about how adults can support youth who...
Helping Students Cope with Flood of Presidential Election News
The Presidential election campaign is heating up. And with it will come lots of claims, counterclaims and, likely, plenty of inaccuracies.
Facebook Strives to End Age, Gender and Location Discrimination
In response to litigation by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and other parties, Facebook is making changes to its ad policy.
Vaccines, Autism and the First Amendment
The messy thing about our First Amendment is that it protects nearly all speech, not just pleasant speech or even accurate speech.
Online Romance Scam Losses on the Rise. How to Protect Yourself
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Federal Trade Commission published a post saying that in 2018, there were more than 21,000 reports “about romance scams with reported losses of $143 million,