Monochrome vintage engraving drawing human brain with wind up key

How Technology Got Its Modern Meaning

If we give technology credit for changing history, does that mean we give ourselves less?
Artificial intelligence. Male open head with cyberbrain inside.

Are the Posthumans Here Yet?

Implanting machine components into human bodies, argues one scholar, could make for a better society.
Workers at the offices of the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, 1946. At the time the Courier was one of the top-selling African-American newspapers in the United States.

The Black Press and Disinformation on Facebook

The Black Press historically has countered disinformation that targeted Black voters, but now it is financially connected to Facebook itself.
A smartphone in someone's hand

5 Questions to Ask before Joining a Social Network

Clubhouse reminds us of what early adopters forget: Leadership diversity is crucial to platform safety.
La Malaria by Auguste Hebert

Cracking the Malaria Mystery—from Marshes to Mosquirix

It took science centuries to understand malaria. Now we’re waiting to see how the 2019 vaccine pilot works.
Chattering teeth, human hands gesturing, and people working

Dating Apps Are Intensifying Online Partisanship

Some social scientists argue that dating and mating patterns may be the real drivers of polarization.
A phone with a heart-shaped lock on its screen and roses in the background

Ditch the Smartphone and Smell the Roses This Valentine’s Day

Digital detox services may be just as important for your health as a chemical detoxification
A person typing on a computer

How to Use Zotero and Scrivener for Research-Driven Writing

This month, I’m doing something a little different with my column: I’m sharing the system I use to write it, so that you can use or adapt my system.
A woman wearing a non-existent dress

How Much Would You Pay for a Nonexistent Dress?

Not too long ago, digital-only clothing might have been decried as a scam. But our "extended selves" are increasingly invested in virtual goods.
A RSS symbol

What Happened to Tagging?

Tags decentralized and democratized the organization of information. What became of "social tagging?"