Who’s your favourite pro streamer? The older generation often scratches their heads; why are the young obsessed with watching other people play video games, like e-sports? Well, e-sports have a few unique properties. Chief among them are the more personal relationships between players and viewers. Players, especially when they’re streaming, crack jokes, call each other names, and voice their opinions; they seem human. As viewers, we feel like we get to know them better than we ever would a traditional sports player. 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
