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The Download: Bluesky’s rapid rise, and harmful fertility stereotypes

Nov 18, 2024 - technologyreview.com
The article discusses the rise of Bluesky, a Twitter-like platform that has recently crossed 15 million users and is now the number one app in Apple's app store. Many of these new users are reportedly fleeing from Twitter due to Elon Musk's support of Donald Trump and his moves to elevate right-leaning content on the platform. The article suggests a long-term shift away from massive centralized social networks is occurring.

The piece also highlights the problematic nature of the term “women of childbearing age” and its implications on women's worth being tied to their fertility. It also covers various tech-related topics including Trump's plans to loosen US rules for self-driving cars, Bluesky's handling of its explosive growth, and AI models working together faster in their own language. The article ends with a feature on Alina Chan, a postdoc in a gene therapy lab, who has been questioning the origins of the COVID-19 virus.

Key takeaways:

  • Bluesky, a Twitter clone, has seen a significant rise in users, crossing 15 million users recently, and is now the number one app in Apple's app store. This growth is attributed to users leaving Twitter due to Elon Musk's support of Donald Trump and his moves to elevate right-leaning content on the platform.
  • There is a shift away from massive centralized social networks towards smaller platforms like Bluesky and Threads, Meta's answer to Twitter.
  • The term "women of childbearing age" is considered problematic as it ties a woman's worth to her fertility, which has negative consequences and sets back scientific research and health policy.
  • Big Tech is lobbying against the US online child safety bill, and their efforts are likely to succeed. Meanwhile, Amazon has launched a rival to Temu and Shein, and McDonald's is trying to bring back NFTs.
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