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505: Facebook offers friends-only feed, plus the latest information science updates

Information Changes Everything: The Podcast

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:38 No more free downloads

01:06 More like Facebook of yore

01:31 Coders as overseers

01:57 So many Smiths!

02:24 Short-stopping organic searches

02:53 Switching on the fact-checker

03:14 What’s your TikTok type?

03:42 Putting the “me” in health messaging

04:14 Walk in wonder through old Penn Station

04:53 Just for fun: Booklovers’ brigade

05:23 News from UMSI

05:57 Outro

(00:00):

Brian Reeves: Welcome to Information Changes Everything. Join us as we take a snappy look at the latest news about information and technology changing our world. This podcast is produced by the University of Michigan School of Information – UMSI. 

I’m Brian Reeves.

Alicia Myers: and I’m Alicia Myers.

Brian Reeves: As always, we'd love your feedback at [email protected]. And remember, we link to every story in our show notes. Let’s jump in...

(00:38):

Alicia Myers: Apparently Flickr is fed up with freeloaders using its photo album site to access high-res images. Starting on May 15th, the website says free Flickr accounts will no longer be able to download quote “large-size images,” meaning larger than 1024px. Uploading large images is still fine, but those wanting larger downloads are encouraged to pay for a Pro account or become a Flickr Commons member (which is only for institutions.)

(01:06):

Brian Reeves: When Facebook started, it was a place for friends and family to connect and share. There was no clutter of ads, reels, or sponsored content. How quaint. According to the New York Times, Facebook thinks some users might miss those simpler times. A new feature will allow you to create a tab that only shows posts from your friends. It only works on mobile so far, but it’s a start.

(01:31):

Alicia Myers: According to a Thoughtworks article in MIT Technology Review, while many worry that AI will replace software developers, a reliance on AI-generated code can lead to complacency and errors. The author says that human coders are going to be even more important in the coming years, with their superior judgement and experience. AI will contribute to human/machine partnership, but humans will still need to be the guiding hand on the wheel.

(01:57):

Brian Reeves: What’s in a name? mused Juliet. She might have liked knowing that the most common surname in Italy isn’t Montague or Capulet, but Rossi. An ambitious data cruncher found by NetCredit compiled a visualization of the most common last names in every country in the world. Anglophonic countries are dominated by Smiths, an apparently fertile and far-ranging tribe.

(02:24):

Alicia Myers: Not too surprisingly, a couple of studies called out by SearchEngineLand find that Google’s AI Overviews are, quote, “stealing clicks from organic search results.” Google argues these summaries work to the users’ advantage, making it more likely they’ll find what they’re looking for, resulting in more, quote, “high quality clicks.” But pity the non-branded website languishing at the bottom of the screen. To be honest, we often find AI Overview answers our question and stop there. How about you?

(02:53):

Brian Reeves: After years of anticipation, the gaming world is buzzing over the premiere of Nintendo’s Switch 2, the newest version of the popular adaptable gaming console. While awaiting the second coming on June 5th, HowToGeek helpfully clears up several points of misinformation that have swirled around the release. 

(03:14):

Alicia Myers: We’re up for any test that lets us call ourselves citizen scientists. Australian researchers have devised a new tool that analyzes personality styles based on how people interact with TikTok. ABC News Australia says the goal of the project is to gain insights into how politics are discussed online. The bonus is finding out if you’re a “chatty, cool, exploring overnighter” or a “reserved, curious, nibbling nightowl.” All in the name of science.

(03:42):

Brian Reeves: Skeptical of disease specialists when it comes to vaccines? Maybe you’d believe an AI-generated ChatBot tailored to your own personality. One U-M researcher found customizing vaccine communications in keeping with a personality style met with better reception than more professionally prepared messages. But all scientists polled by The Michigan Daily urged caution, saying the human connection is paramount. In other words, listen to your doctor, whether or not she’s your type. 

(04:14):

Alicia Myers: The demolition of New York City’s Pennsylvania Station in 1963 was one of the most devastating architectural losses in the city’s history. Digital designer Nile Berry worked with Rebuild Penn Station to recreate the experience of entering its magnificent main hall. With blueprints from New York Historical Society archives, he created an accurate 3-D model of the original building and a VR tour of its impressive interior.

While nothing like the grandeur of its predecessor, the new Moynihan Train Hall next door to Penn Station pays tribute to the original building. Reimagined in the Old Post Office building, it echoes the soaring architecture of the Gilded Age and is quite impressive in its own right. 

(04:53):

Brian Reeves: SFGate found that when one indie bookstore in Chelsea, Michigan needed to move its inventory to a new site a block away, it didn’t call a moving company. Instead, about 300 volunteers formed a human chain to move 9,100 books from hand-to-hand down the street around the corner, and onto the shelves of the new store–in alphabetical order. 

Brian Reeves: For links to all these stories, make sure to check out our show notes.

(05:23):

Now, some news from UMSI.

Alicia Myers: When challenged to invent a tool with the potential to significantly improve student learning, a team of UMSI students created OrchestraXR and won top prize at the James A Kelly Learning Lever Prize competition in April. 

Seven UMSI students plus three from computer science designed a learning system that fills the gap in teacher-led XR learning management, allowing for real-time classroom control, in-person collaboration, post-class performance reports, and seamless integration in K-12 education. 

Alicia Myers: Click the link in our show notes to learn more about all the great things going on at UMSI.

Brian Reeves: Have you ever struggled to explain, “What in the world is information science?” We can help. Our website features frequently asked questions and videos that answer everything you’ve ever wanted to know — or tell – about information science. Visit us at si.umich.edu. Or click the link in our show notes.

The University of Michigan School of Information creates and shares knowledge so that people will use information – with technology – to build a better world. If you liked this episode of Information Changes Everything, subscribe and leave us a review—it helps listeners like you find our show and continue the conversation. 

Also, This podcast has a companion newsletter, and you can get the monthly email version for free! Subscribe at umsi.info/digest

Thanks again for tuning in, and remember: Information changes everything. See you next time!