DL 342

Sisyphean Cycles

Welcome back! Here's Digitally Literate, issue #342.

🔖 Key Takeaways

Tech Panics Repeated: Understanding and breaking the "Sisyphean Cycle" of technology fears.
The Coming AI Content Flood: How the shift to AI-generated content may shape the future of the web.
Social Media's Grinds: Exploring the pressures tied to online personas and societal expectations.

📚 This Week’s Highlights

1. Why Are You So Angry? Part 1: A Short History of Anita Sarkeesian

This foundational video series introduces the class I’m teaching on gaming, online discourse, and Gamergate. It serves as a gateway to discussions on gendered and racialized harassment in digital spaces.
Why this matters: Understanding the roots of online harassment is critical for fostering inclusive online communities.
Trigger Warning: This content includes vulgar language and examples of harassment.

2. The Coming Tsunami of Fakery

Monsieur Grandy explores the evolution of content eras on the internet:

Real content by real people.
Fake content by real people (e.g., fake reviews).
AI-generated fake content.
Why this matters: As AI-generated content grows, discernment becomes a vital skill for navigating online spaces.

3. Teach Fear-Mongering Isn't New, But It's Time to Break the Cycle

Jason Feifer breaks down the "Sisyphean Cycle of Technology Panics," coined by Amy Orben. The cycle involves moral panic, backlash, and eventual acceptance of new technologies.
Why this matters: Recognizing this cycle helps us critically approach fears tied to technological advances.

The latest buzz surrounds BeReal, a social media app promoting authenticity. Early adopters embrace new platforms, only for brands to follow and reshape their purpose.
Why this matters: Social media trends often reflect broader cultural shifts and tensions.

The “grind” metaphor highlights societal pressures on teens:

Academic achievement
Social media validation
Personal identity curation
Why this matters: Discussing “the grind” provides a framework to address stressors tied to modern life.

6. FN MEKA: The Rise and Fall of an AI-Powered Virtual Rapper

Capitol Records signed, then swiftly dropped, FN MEKA, an AI-powered virtual rapper, after backlash over its use of racial stereotypes and insensitive content.
Why this matters: The controversy raises ethical questions about cultural representation and accountability in AI creations.

🛠️ DO: Gamify Your Life with Habitica

Habitica is a habit-building tool that turns your goals into a role-playing game. Gain rewards for achievements and battle monsters as you progress.
Why this matters: Gamification can make habit-building more engaging and fun.

🌟 Closing Reflection

“People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.”
— Epictetus

Reflect and Engage

How can we break the cycle of fear surrounding new technologies?
What ethical frameworks should guide AI content creation?
How does social media amplify societal pressures like “the grind”?

I’ve been enjoying the collaboration album Cheat Codes by Danger Mouse and Black Thought. Highly recommend it!

Thank you for reading Digitally Literate. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Connect with me at hello@digitallyliterate.net or explore Newsletter Index for all past issues.