Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Overhyped Tech and Valuing Journalism
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss journalism that has value, the business ballgame, and soft AI boosters.
sex
This Man Wants to ‘Save the World’ By Letting You Jerk Off Into a Computer
The creator of the gimmicky DIY sex sleeve says any criticism against the Orifice is “gene warfare."
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Serious Science and Hanging Out With Hackers
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss big science and hanging out with hackers.
Instagram Will Automatically Blur Nudes in Direct Messages
This will also apply to end-to-end encrypted messages, because the processing is done on device, according to Meta.
Music
These Songs Are Still Legal in Chechnya
Making 80 to 116 BPM music illegal won't stop stomp-clap or ska.
age verification
Arizona Governor Strikes Down Age Verification Bill, Says It Violates First Amendment
“While we look for a solution, it should be bipartisan and work within the bounds of the First Amendment, which this bill does not," Arizona governor Katie Hobbs wrote.
Announcements
Introducing the First 404 Media Fellow: Jules Roscoe
Jules will be covering labor and automation and helping our stories show up on all platforms as our first 404 Media fellow.
virtual reality
How Amateur Performers Are Making Porn in the Apple Vision Pro
Damien and Diana Soft are making porn using Apple's new VR device—and the headset stays on during sex.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Posting, and Pissed Off About Art
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss posting through it, art that pisses people off, and convos with the FBI.
conspiracy theories
The Editor's Note on Kate Middleton Cancer Announcement Video Doesn't Mean It's Fake
The Getty Images "handout" disclaimer on the video of the Princess of Wales' video statement about her cancer diagnosis is pretty common, actually—and not proof of a conspiracy.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Amplification and Heavy Breathing
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss weirdness in the FOIA world, the idea of "amplification," and breathing heavily.
computing
Scientific Journal Bans Images of ‘Lena,’ Researchers’ Favorite Centerfold
"Starting 1 April, new manuscript submissions will no longer be allowed to include the Lena image,” a message from IEEE to engineers announced.