“She was complaining to her friend that the like-count on the first photo of the baby wasn’t high enough.” Despite the countless articles teaching us how to think critically, there doesn’t seem to be that many media literate people around. Ted Bauer suggests it’s likely because people are unable and unwilling to learn because there’s no dopamine rush that comes with being critical; people will act in ways that net them the most reactions, which critical thinking rarely provides.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
