Issue #67
The UK's first TikTok prime minister, reimagining AI at London Data Week and why Argentina became so hated during the World Cup
Keir Starmer was criticised for fostering a “tech bro” culture (see Carole Cadwalladr, Beeban Kidron, Byline Times). But Andy Burnham, the UK’s new prime minister, has signalled a different direction. Let’s hope he follows through. Here’s more on Burnham and July’s other top stories. I’ll be offline in August but see you in September!
Andy Burnham with gold medallist Mo Farah on YouTube (Guardian)
1. The UK’s first TikTok PM
Andy Burnham has a knack for social media. He posts daily, jumping on trends and unafraid to appear “cringe”. So far, this seems to be an effective strategy. (Guardian)
2. Reimagining AI at London Data Week
I co-produced a day of reimagining and reclaiming AI for London Data Week, building on momentum following the global launch of the AI Resist List. (Sticks & Stones)
3. Argentina, racism and the World Cup
Mercedes Máspero analysed social media to ask why people hated Argentina during the FIFA World Cup. She found the answer in X’s algorithm. (Mercedes’s Substack) (warning: some offensive content)
4. Meta faces a potential existential crisis
Four US states seek a combined $1.4 trillion in damages, based on allegations that Meta intentionally designed its apps to be highly addictive. (Social Media Today)
5. The Summer of Ludd
A weeklong festival in New York champions human engagement over digital connection and shows how unplugging has become a trend. (Community Catalysts)