The need to have a good social media image has spread beyond influencers and into the world of creative workers. More and more people feel pressured to commit to an influencer-like social media presence just to get food on the table. Since faces seem to boost one’s presence in the algorithm, many have not only shifted toward making portrait pieces but also posted selfies. They power through discomfort and forgo other forms of art to get more eyes on their work. Read full article here
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
