Samantha Cole

Samantha Cole

Sam Cole is writing from the far reaches of the internet, about sexuality, the adult industry, online culture, and AI. She's the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex.
473 posts
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg Put on 'Leave of Absence'
wordpress

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg Put on 'Leave of Absence'

Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, wrote in a company-wide Slack messages on Wednesday, viewed by 404 Media, that board members "conspired" behind his back to vote to put him on leave.
First ‘Take It Down Act’ Sentencing Puts Man Behind Bars for 15 Years
Deepfakes

First ‘Take It Down Act’ Sentencing Puts Man Behind Bars for 15 Years

James Strahler was sentenced to 15 years in prison for “cybercrimes that included both real and AI-generated sexually explicit images and threats of violence to numerous victims.” 
'Tell Everyone:' A Man Died by Suicide After Talking to ChatGPT. His Former Partner Wants to Warn the World About AI
ChatGPT

'Tell Everyone:' A Man Died by Suicide After Talking to ChatGPT. His Former Partner Wants to Warn the World About AI

After allegedly becoming emotionally reliant on ChatGPT, Austin died at 40 years old, leaving behind family and friends who loved him. Megan wants everyone to know what happened.
We Are Going to Be Okay: A Three Year Anniversary Events Recap
party

We Are Going to Be Okay: A Three Year Anniversary Events Recap

Thank you for three years, and for partying hard with us for two sold out nights of celebration IRL in NYC.
The Republican Nominee for New York Governor Made a Creepy, AI-Generated Video of Mamdani and Hochul
AI

The Republican Nominee for New York Governor Made a Creepy, AI-Generated Video of Mamdani and Hochul

The video makes Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul look like they're hanging out in a prescription medication commercial.
Google's Calling Lake Ontario 'Lake America' Now
google maps

Google's Calling Lake Ontario 'Lake America' Now

Google Maps announced on Saturday it would start reflecting the change for U.S.-based users.
Behind the Blog: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Flamin' Hot Slop
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Flamin' Hot Slop

This week, we discuss cool old books, new toys for ICE, and a boardwalk slop invasion.
The Tragedy and Ecstasy of AI Companions (with Bridget Todd)
Podcast

The Tragedy and Ecstasy of AI Companions (with Bridget Todd)

In her new audiobook, Love at First Prompt: AI and the Future of Intimacy, Bridget Jones and Michael Amato unpack how real people are using chatbots to seek connection, in an era when tech companies are constantly trying to exploit our innermost worlds.
The Man Behind the Anti-Flock Darth Vader Mask Wants to Know: 'When Will This End?'
Flock

The Man Behind the Anti-Flock Darth Vader Mask Wants to Know: 'When Will This End?'

Anthony Ralphs has been speaking against Flock at San Diego City Council meetings for almost a year straight. When he showed up as Darth Vader, the world started watching.
Behind the Blog: Early Birthday Reflections
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Early Birthday Reflections

This week, we discuss our party and panel coming up, and do some light reminiscing.
'Darth Vader' Wants Flock in San Diego
Flock

'Darth Vader' Wants Flock in San Diego

"The emperor is a fan of Flock, and we must continue utilizing Flock technologies so that we can follow and surveil the rebel scum," Vader said during the meeting.
Pornhub's Parent Company to Pay $120 Million to Settle Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
aylo

Pornhub's Parent Company to Pay $120 Million to Settle Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The deal settles class action lawsuits claiming Mindgeek's sites hosted and profited from abuse videos of minors.