News & Analysis

2024 May Be the Year of Extended Reality

XR, short for “extended reality” includes not just video images that take up your entire field of view, but augmented reality, or mixed reality, that combines computer-generated images with the real world.

Managing Privacy on Facebook

There’s an old saying, “Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody ever seems to do anything about it.” The same could be said about Facebook privacy.

Is Artificial Intelligence the Next Search Engine?

Google fundamentally changed the way we search for information, and IA services like ChatGPT and Bard may do the same.

Resolutions for a Safe and Secure 2024

ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid has advice on what you can do to have a safer and more secure 2024.

Meta, Ray-Ban Release Second-Generation Smart Glasses

I was riding my bicycle the other day taking pictures, talking on the phone and sending and receiving texts without ever taking my hands off the handle bars.

More Recommendations

Apple’s Upcoming Safety Check Quickly Turns Off Location Sharing

Apple, in cooperation with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Women’s Service Network, has developed Safety Check for the next version of iOS – the operating system for iPhones and iPads.

Is There a Relationship Between Tech Use and Gun Violence?

It was bullets, not bytes — that took the lives of 10 people in Buffalo and 21 people, including 19 elementary school students, in Uvalde, Texas. Still, some are blaming video games and social media, along with mental illness.

Pair of California Bills to Protect Kids Online Show Promise, but there are Concerns

California lawmakers are considering a pair of bills to regulate kids’ use of online services. The state’s tech laws can impact the entire country.

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.”

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.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

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.

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.

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.

More Recommendations

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.