Analysis: Recent headlines reveal the two truths about social media
CNN
A version of this article first appeared in the "Reliable Sources" newsletter.
Two things have been made even more apparent in recent days: That social media can be exceptionally corrosive to society and that people will still continue to use the products in mind-boggling numbers. The storm of recent headlines might be tarnishing the reputation of Facebook and some of the other industry giants, but the numbers these companies are reporting in their earnings reports show that people will continue to use their products regardless.
Yes, there is a lot of huffing and puffing going on right now about how dangerous these products are, how unethical they behave, how for years they have poisoned the public conversation with hate and misinformation and outright lies and conspiracy theories. And yet, it must be asked: Has that compelled sizable numbers of users to logoff? To hit the delete button? To walk away from the toxicity?
Capitol Police have arrested a person who Rep. Nancy Mace said “physically accosted” her Tuesday, the South Carolina Republican said in a post on X.
The man suspected of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was carrying a “ghost gun” — a type of untraceable, homemade firearm — when he was apprehended Monday, police said.
The Biden administration’s challenge to Idaho’s strict abortion ban divided a federal appeals court that heard arguments Tuesday in an emergency abortion care case that has already reached the Supreme Court once.
Constantino Aucca Chutas is leading a group of conservationists on mission to restore forests of the world’s highest-altitude trees.
President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle as his pick to be the US ambassador to Greece.
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Andrew Ferguson as his choice for Federal Trade Commission chair.
The US government is rushing to uncover new information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice following the collapse of the Syrian government this weekend.
The Supreme Court appeared poised Tuesday to significantly weaken the scope of environmental reviews of major infrastructure projects in a case that could hand President-elect Donald Trump an early win on an issue he often hammered on during his first term.
GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell fell Tuesday, senators told CNN, the latest high-profile incident in a string of health issues for the 82-year-old Kentucky Republican.
The New York attorney general and the Manhattan district attorney both said Tuesday they will not dismiss their historic cases against Donald Trump now that he’s been reelected president.
A former South Korean defense minister was formally arrested Wednesday (local time) over his alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol and others in imposing martial law last week, as authorities investigate whether their acts amount to rebellion.