Why subscribe?

Sticks & Stones covers 5 big talking points every month, covering the real world impact of digital technologies like social media and AI. Expect stories about:

1. Power

Who holds the power? And who is fighting back, where and how? We’re used to seeing our conversations harvested for data, but how about surveillance and control? We need to be aware of the infrastructure behind our everyday digital interactions.

2. Regulation

Technology regulation is in a right old mess. Privacy and data protection are crucial to the future of AI and social media, but legislation moves slowly and is often ineffective. What more can be done?

3. Behaviours

Activists and online creators increasingly use underhand methods to stay one step ahead of the algorithms and avoid censorship. This and other factors are adding to the complexity of the messages we see online.

4. Truth

Shared truths are essential for democracy. We need to better understand how emotions, online networks and the flow of information affect each other in order to deal with problems like misinformation and polarisation.

5. Influence

Unlikely viral campaigns and new ways of communicating always interest me. As well as social media influencers who come from nowhere to reset cultural norms. I look forward to celebrating anything that gives us cause for optimism.