Everyone was shocked when Zillow, a company that provides real estate information and services, introduced a new feature called Zillow Live-Streaming Virtual Tours. This feature allows potential buyers to view the inside of a house without actually going there. Has this real estate website found the next great way to sell a property? Or is it another public relations stunt for their website content? Next-level eavesdropping on other people’s lives? Live broadcasting allows internet users to watch people in their own homes, eliciting mixed reactions from the general public.H 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
