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Welcome to the Saturday edition of The Conversation U.S. daily newsletter.
A common refrain on social media in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing was some version of “I wish I hadn’t seen that!” The combination of a crowd’s worth of smartphones at the scene, social media algorithms that push sensational content, lax social media content moderation, and social media default settings that automatically play videos meant that many people ended up watching graphic images of Kirk’s death whether they wanted to or not.
This gruesome example of the emotional harm social media can cause – especially in times of crisis – is a good opportunity for people to take steps to limit their risk of suffering a repeat when the next well-documented moment of violence sweeps the internet.
“Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not protect your peace of mind,” writes University of Colorado Boulder social media scholar Annie Margaret. She offers practical advice – from changing app settings to being mindful of your phone use – on how to protect yourself from unwanted visual assaults on your nervous system.
This week we also liked articles about the damage that not getting enough sleep can do to your skin, the limits on presidential power that Trump is challenging by trying to fire Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, and a popular Estonian composer whose work is somehow subtle and fervent at the same time.
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Social media often serves up disturbing images but you can minimize your exposure.
Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images
Annie Margaret, University of Colorado Boulder
The video of Charlie Kirk’s murder went far and wide, and many people ended up seeing it when they would rather have avoided it.
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The primary way scientists compete is through their research papers.
Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Thomas Morgan, Arizona State University
Scientists write papers to share their results – and gain prestige and advance their careers. In this competitive field, selection can favor AI-written papers, citation cartels, paper mills and more.
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The firing of Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook isn’t just about Lisa Cook − it’s about presidential power.
DNY59/Getty Images
Claire B. Wofford, College of Charleston
Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of a Federal Reserve board member isn’t just about her job status. It’s about what checks remain on a president bent on vastly expanding his office’s power.
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Michael Hales, Kennesaw State University
Despite good hydration and nutrition, many athletes across sports still suffer from unexpected cramps. The courts and fields they’re playing on may be the missing link.
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Maurizio Valsania, Università di Torino
The US has long fused politics and violence, often through firearms. To claim that such shootings betray ‘who we are’ is to forget that the US was founded on this form of political violence.
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Mohammad S. Jalali, Harvard University; Zeynep Hasgül, Harvard University
Taxpayer-funded investment supports basic research that can yield crucial medical advancements down the line and make lifesaving drugs and technologies affordable for everyday people.
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