DL 344

Fear of Finding Out

Welcome back! Here's Digitally Literate, issue #344.

🔖 Key Takeaways

📚 This Week’s Highlights

This video series is part of my class on gaming, identity, and the broader phenomenon of online social discourse. It examines GamerGate as a lens to discuss the dynamics of online communities.
Why this matters: Understanding these interactions is crucial to navigating and fostering healthier digital spaces.

Emma Stamm critiques the “fluid self” on social networks, suggesting it’s not a rejection of personal branding but an evolution of it. The algorithmic self, she argues, is as multidimensional as we are and just as economically valuable.
Why this matters: As personal branding shifts, understanding these dynamics helps us make informed choices about how we represent ourselves online.

3. Pre-Bunking: A New Tool Against Misinformation

Short videos teaching manipulation tactics like scapegoating and incoherence can “inoculate” users against falling for misinformation. This method, akin to a vaccine, shows promise in improving digital resilience.
Why this matters: It’s a proactive step toward addressing the misinformation crisis by equipping individuals with critical thinking tools.

Watch an example video.

Rhian Sasseen reflects on authorship in the digital age, drawing parallels to Henry James’s In the Cage. Like the novella’s protagonist, many today act as conduits for others’ words without leaving their own imprint.
Why this matters: As creators and curators in the digital space, the tension between visibility and authorship invites deeper reflection on personal contributions.

Move over FOMO—anticipated anxiety, or FOFO (Fear of Finding Out), is increasingly shaping news consumption habits. A study highlights how this avoidance creates barriers to political engagement and informed decision-making.
Why this matters: Understanding this trend is vital for designing media that minimizes stress while keeping audiences engaged.

This innovative propulsion system might not rival jet engines yet, but it highlights the potential of ion thrusters for engineering breakthroughs.
Watch the build process.
Why this matters: Creative engineering projects like this demonstrate the importance of experimentation and innovation.

🛠️ DO: Unselfing Social Media

Inspired by Maria Popova, and unselfing, here’s a challenge: For one month, make one in every three social media shares about someone else. Highlight the work, life, or art of a friend.
Why this matters: Fostering connection and community can reshape our online spaces into more collaborative environments.

🌟 Closing Reflection

“When truth is replaced by silence, the silence is a lie.”
— Yevgeny Yevtushenko

Reflect and Engage

Pharoah Sanders, the legendary tenor saxophonist who expanded the boundaries of his instrument, passed away at 81. His work with John Coltrane and beyond remains a testament to boundless creativity.
Listen to his music here.

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.