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It didn’t have to be this way. When social media first went mainstream, it promised a new world of connection, information and fun. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and it’s become a world of addiction, political division, identity theft, deepfakes, stalking, and more.
One in two Australian adults has experienced abuse online – and for women and gender-diverse people, that figure is higher still. Australia’s eSafety commissioner has called for social media platforms to become “safe by design”. But what does that mean in practice?
Senuri Wijenayake and her colleagues have spoken to experts and internet users alike, and have come up with six ways we can make social media safe.
If you value our evidence-based journalism, now is a great time to show your support. Every contribution helps.
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Michael Hopkin
Deputy Chief of Staff
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Senuri Wijenayake, RMIT University; Anastasia Powell, RMIT University; Dana McKay, RMIT University; Madhuka Thisuri De Silva, RMIT University
Australia’s proposed digital duty of care will ask social media platforms to actively prevent harm.
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Olivia Johnston, Edith Cowan University; Becky Taylor, UCL; David Pomeroy, University of Canterbury
Educators have long debated whether it is better for students to be learning with students of a similar ‘ability’ or a mix.
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Cris Brack, Australian National University
Critics have taken aim at an Australian scheme meant to encourage forest regrowth. But independent assessments show the regeneration schemes are working.
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Elizabeth Morton, Curtin University; Lisa Greig, The University of Melbourne
From avoiding dodgy deductions to timing when you submit (depending whether you expect a refund or a bill), two tax experts explain what you need to know.
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Joshua McLeod, Deakin University; Hunter Fujak, Deakin University
Several so-called minnow nations are making their debuts at the World Cup. Will they add to the tournament or is it overkill?
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Juliet Bennett, University of Sydney; Alex Broom, University of Sydney; David Raubenheimer, University of Sydney
Making Nutella sandwiches for lunch again? The food industry has you in a bind, a new study shows.
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Katherine Day, The University of Melbourne; Bec Kavanagh, The University of Melbourne; Matthew Holden
Australia’s bookshops are in trouble, and that’s bad news for readers. But there are ideas we could borrow from Europe to help make our bookshops healthy again.
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Politics + Society
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Joel Robert McGregor, Swinburne University of Technology; Xanthe Weston, CQUniversity Australia
At a time when vehicle theft claims are falling across most of Australia, Victoria is heading in the opposite direction.
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Jennifer Parker, The University of Western Australia; UNSW Sydney
Following news that Australia acquired used Virginia-class submarines from the US, AUKUS has been in the headlines again. But how much of what you’ve heard is true?
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Paul Salmon, University of the Sunshine Coast; Isaiah Jesse Elstak, University of the Sunshine Coast; Scott McLean, University of the Sunshine Coast
This year’s World Cup will be the biggest ever – it also promises to be the most technologically advanced.
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Ihsan Yilmaz, Deakin University; Nicholas Morieson, Deakin University
Democracies can either defend rights in the digital age, or drift into complicity as the architects of a new, global authoritarianism enabled by AI.
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Health + Medicine
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Belinda Thompson, Macquarie University; Louise Koelmeyer, Macquarie University
Social media is spruiking the health benefits of ‘lymphatic draining’. Two lymphoedema experts explain what it is and whether it works.
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Business + Economy
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Donovan Castelyn, University of Tasmania
Yes, some people may try to qualify for a pension payment before selling an asset. But the loophole is far narrower and better defended than some headlines suggest.
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Environment + Energy
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Steve Urlich, Lincoln University, New Zealand
As an overhauled rulebook for commercial forestry comes into force, there are concerns it could weaken safeguards as climate risks intensify.
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Science + Technology
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Andrew Cullen, The University of Melbourne
The AI era has fundamentally changed the risks associated with poor cybersecurity practices.
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Books + Ideas
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Shadi Rouhshahbaz, The University of Melbourne; University of Newcastle
First published in 2000, Persepolis created a transformative shift in comics, memoir and political storytelling. Its Iranian–French creator has died, aged 56.
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The US accuses Australia of modern slavery
“Your article on modern slavery made for interesting reading. The outrageous hypocrisy of the USA is breathtaking! Employers in the US have always taken advantage of their non-existent labour protection laws – what other advanced economy depends on hospitality workers working for $2, $3 or $4 an hour and tips (without which they couldn't survive)? What other country (Western/advanced) is happy that maybe half of its citizens can't afford health cover – and no, they don't have Medicare!”
Stuart Kennedy, Oatlands NSW
The troubles of on-street parking
“We visited Japan about 5 years ago and our guide in Kyoto told us that a car could not be registered unless the owner could show that they had off-street parking. This certainly led to some strange alterations to small houses to accommodate this requirement.”
Annette Waterworth
We'd love to hear from you. You can email us with your thoughts on our stories and each day we'll publish an edited selection.
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The Conversation AU/NZ
Melbourne VIC, Australia
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Part Time
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Government of South Australia
Adelaide SA, Australia
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Full Time
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Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn VIC, Australia
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Full Time
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