Hello World
What We’ve Been Feeding Our Brains
An eclectic mix of books, podcasts, records, and games that The Markup staff has found fascinating this month
Michael Reilly
Managing Editor
Reilly (everyone calls him Reilly) was Managing Editor at The Markup. He left in June 2024.
He has brought an insatiable curiosity, a desire to build, and a genuine love for his colleagues and their mission as journalists wherever he’s gone. That’s included stops at New Scientist, two startups, and MIT Technology Review, which was a two-time National Magazine Award finalist during his time as executive editor.
While at Technology Review, he pioneered the magazine’s newsletter operation, established an award-winning podcasting team, and edited countless print and online features and investigations. Reilly’s editing and reporting work has won a variety of awards, including investigative prizes by the Association of British Science Writers, the Newswomen’s Club of New York, and recognition by the American Bar Association, among others.
(Photograph by Simon Simard)
The BreakdownPrivacy
We Tested Kids’ Smart Toys for Privacy. Here’s How You Can, Too
All you need: your computer or smartphone, some free tools, and your child’s internet- or Bluetooth-connected toy
Hello World
Trump, Kate, and a Misplaced Shark
Let’s talk about fake news images
News
The Future of Border Patrol: AI Is Always Watching
Human rights advocates warn of algorithmic bias, legal violations, and other dire consequences of relying on AI to monitor the border
Automated Censorship
حجب، حذف، ورفض: هناك أكثر من مجرد ”حظر الظل“ على الإنستغرام
وجد تحقيق أجرته ”ذا مارك آب“ أن منصة الإنستغرام حجبت صور متعلقة بالحرب على غزة، وحذفت التسميات التوضيحية دون سابق إنذار، وحرمت المستخدمين من خيار الاستئناف.
Hello World
I Used ChatGPT as a Reporting Assistant. It Didn’t Go Well
The AI tool ignored basic instructions about sourcing and citations. But it’s a pretty good newsroom coding partner.
Hello World
Apocalypse Not
Why do tech people love talking about the end of the world?
Machine Learning
Teachers Are Using AI to Create New Worlds, Help Students with Homework, and Teach English
Around the world, these seven teachers are making AI work for them and their students
Hello World
What Happens When Your Art Is Used to Train AI
A conversation with web cartoonist Dorothy Gambrell on the curdled internet, labor, and how we became just numbers
The BreakdownAutomated Censorship
How Automated Content Moderation Works (Even When It Doesn’t)
Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms moderate billions of posts—here are some of their common techniques
Page 2 of 9