Reasons to be Cheerful · People & society

What We’re Reading: Social Media Control and Map Accuracy

This week's notable readings include potential new laws in Australia giving social media users more control over their feeds and a UN resolution to phase out the Mercator projection map.

Australia is proposing new laws that would allow social media users to choose between algorithm-selected content and content from accounts they follow. The legislation would also restrict children under 16 from viewing content that promotes dangerous behaviors or harms mental health.

The Mercator projection, a map used for centuries, will be phased out by a UN resolution in favor of the more accurate Equal Earth Map. The Mercator projection disproportionately distorts the perceived size of landmasses, notably making Africa appear smaller than it is, which has had lasting cognitive and geopolitical effects.

Other readings include Finland's efforts to end homelessness, the rise of electoral democracy, and a unique taxidermy lending library in California.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.