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THE INTERNET IS SCARY

@internetisscary.org
91 followers 248 following 52 posts

A guide to internet street smarts, available at internetisscary.org by @tilmonedwards.com

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Reposted by THE INTERNET IS SCARY
cailin @feralcybersec.com · 29/01/2025
Such a great talk with @tilmonedwards.com! The @internetisscary.org is such a fantastic project that needs to be shared widely.
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Cybersecurity Refined and Feral Podcast @cybersecurityrefinedandferal.com · 29/01/2025
🎙️ NEW EPISODE with Sean Edwards from @internetisscary.org Sean shares practical insights on protecting yourself online, while keeping the conversation accessible and actionable. Perfect for anyone looking to build confidence in their digital life! 🎯 (1/2) #Cybersecurity #DigitalSafety #TechTalk
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 29/01/2025
We just published some new artwork for each of the personas, so here's a thread introducing our cast of characters:
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 22/12/2024
Emily is right. In the attention economy, getting mad amplifies the message that you're mad about. Share something constructive instead. 💯
internetisscary.org
The Engagement Trap: Why Your Anger Makes Bad Content Thrive
In the attention economy, engagement is king. But this simple truth leads to a troubling reality: the most inflammatory, divisive, and emotionally manipulative content often rises to the top while …
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 17/12/2024
These hashtags are filled with bots trying to build followings so that they can sell the accounts to spammers or spread disinformation and hate #NoDemUnder5k #NoDemUnder20k #NoDemUnder10k #BlueWave #FollowBack #BlueCrew #Follow4Follow Read more ⬇️
internetisscary.org
Understanding Follow-Back Schemes: When Building “Community” Goes Wrong
Follow-back schemes are an organizing tactic of trolling and disinformation networks and you should not participate in them.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 19/12/2024
Yes, they really call it "mind dominance"
internetisscary.org
How China Uses Social Media for Psychological Warfare
China's military uses social media and AI for psychological warfare and influence operations.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 18/12/2024
Not all animal rescue content is what it seems. Scammers are deliberately putting animals in danger to film "rescue" videos for views and donations. Learn how to spot fake rescue content and protect animals from exploitation.
internetisscary.org
When “Animal Rescue” Videos Are Actually Abuse: Understanding Fake Rescue Scams
Scammers exploit emotional responses by staging fake animal rescues on social media, misdirecting funds and harming animals in the process.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 17/12/2024
These hashtags are filled with bots trying to build followings so that they can sell the accounts to spammers or spread disinformation and hate #NoDemUnder5k #NoDemUnder20k #NoDemUnder10k #BlueWave #FollowBack #BlueCrew #Follow4Follow Read more ⬇️
internetisscary.org
Understanding Follow-Back Schemes: When Building “Community” Goes Wrong
Follow-back schemes are an organizing tactic of trolling and disinformation networks and you should not participate in them.
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Wagatwe Wanjuki @wagatwe.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
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Wagatwe Wanjuki @wagatwe.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
🧵 to read more about the dangers of follow farming hashtags
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Wagatwe Wanjuki @wagatwe.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
follow back parties is how bad actors make their way into communities and hide in plain sight. be careful with things like #nodemunder1k
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Ned Horn @nedhorn.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
A close parallel is the "pitted car window" panic of 1954, one that went all the way up to the white house. Suddenly, MYSTERIOUS PITTS were appearing on windshields! But pitted windshields have always been common, except people never looked for them, until then. www.npr.org/sections/npr...
npr.org
The Windshield-Pitting Mystery Of 1954
For some strange reason, people across America began to notice that thousands of automobile windshields were dotted with teeny-tiny pockmarks.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 16/12/2024
🚫 DO NOT SHINE LASERS INTO THE SKY! 🚫 🚫 DO NOT SHINE LASERS INTO THE SKY! 🚫 🚫 DO NOT SHINE LASERS INTO THE SKY! 🚫
internetisscary.org
The Drone Hoax and Why You Absolutely Should Not Shine Lasers Into the Sky
The drone hoax and why YOU MUST NOT SHINE LASERS INTO THE SKY.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 15/12/2024
Welcome to THE INTERNET IS SCARY, we're here to combat misinformation, deception, scams, and a variety of other online bad behavior. If you're a media organization, grant program, educator, sponsor, or otherwise would like to help with this mission, please contact outreach@internetisscary.org
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 15/12/2024
Here's a great thread on how to identify the actual Russian Trolls 👇🧵
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 15/12/2024
🚨 YouTube creators are losing their channels to scammers posing as brand reps from major companies. 🚩 Sponsorship opportunities 🚩 Signing anything before the first meeting 🚩 Urgency or "Exploding Offers" Learn how to protect yourself:
internetisscary.org
The Evolution of YouTube Scams: How Content Creators Are Being Targeted
Sophisticated scams targeting YouTube creators compromise channels through fake partnerships.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 15/12/2024
Looks like we struck a nerve with the scammers on Facebook! Let's look at this message 🚩 FEAR ("your account will be disabled") 🚩 URGENCY ("You have 24 hours") 🚩 "I'm from Facebook Sup-Team" 🚩 "Group Terms of Service © 2024 Inc" Thanks "Mieczysław Fiks" for a great example of a Facebook page scam 👇
A screenshot from Facebook messenger that reads:

Dear admin page I'm from Facebook Sup-Team
This is an Important message from Facebook for admin page
We have received multiple reports that your business account has violated the terms of service and community guidelines.
1. Using false names/images of others.
2. Sharing content that puts other users at risk.
3. Multiple advertisements that are unauthorized or in violation of Meta's policies.
4. Using tricks to bypass Meta's ad verification system.
We have sent a warning that your will be disabled if it violates any of the above conditions. As a result, your account is scheduled for review. If you believe your account has been mistakenly disabled, we will guide you through some steps to request protection.
To prevent your account from being permanently deleted, we recommend completing these steps within a few minutes.
*Please review and submit your complaint here: [LINK]
You have 24 hours to file an objection to our decision. If this deadline is missed, your account will be permanently disabled. Thank you for your cooperation in improving our services.
Group Terms of Service © 2024 Inc
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 13/12/2024
“Rules lawyering” is the art of technically following the letter of the law while brazenly violating its spirit. Watch out for: 🚩 Antisocial behavior that isn't "technically" a violation of the rules 🚩 Pretending that moderation is a court of law 🚩 Off-platform coordination and strategizing
internetisscary.org
Your Rulebook Is Their Battlefield
Rules lawyering exploits community guidelines, undermining shared values. Protect communities by recognizing bad faith and prioritizing healthy interactions over rigid enforcement.
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Sascha Stronach🏳️‍⚧️, The Sunforge out now @understatesmen.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
somethingawful had the best and smartest rule in the history of any online space: it's against the rules to try to find a grey area in the rules. If you have to argue that what you posted is fine, it's actually not fine, goodbye.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 13/12/2024
“Rules lawyering” is the art of technically following the letter of the law while brazenly violating its spirit. Watch out for: 🚩 Antisocial behavior that isn't "technically" a violation of the rules 🚩 Pretending that moderation is a court of law 🚩 Off-platform coordination and strategizing
internetisscary.org
Your Rulebook Is Their Battlefield
Rules lawyering exploits community guidelines, undermining shared values. Protect communities by recognizing bad faith and prioritizing healthy interactions over rigid enforcement.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 10/12/2024
"Values" that you believe only when they're convenient aren't values at all, they're preferences. What are your actual values? The things you believe when no one is watching. Go write them down on paper, and then read them back to yourself.
internetisscary.org
Values Aren’t Optional
Real values endure despite inconvenience, shaping your character and guiding you through life’s challenges.
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GOLIKEHELLMACHINE @golikehellmachine.com · 10/12/2024
@internetisscary.org has a post related to this
internetisscary.org
Substack is just Tumblr
Substack is just a posting platform like any other; readers must critically assess expertise, claims, and emotional manipulation.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 10/12/2024
⬇️
internetisscary.org
When Fans Become Weapons: Understanding Influencer-Driven Harassment
The dynamics of social media can unintentionally lead to severe harassment; influencers must wield their power responsibly.
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Ed @ed3d.net · 09/12/2024
Tentatively hoping to start alpha testing on the @identivine.com verification service this weekend. Ramp-up is going to be pretty slow, so I don't kill the service under load. Last call for early testers: docs.google.com/forms/d/1vBI...
docs.google.com
Sekrit Project Interest Form
There are many projects, and many are sekrit. This particular one has to do with tackling identity verification in a way that works across a distributed web, doesn't invade the verified's privacy (to ...
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 08/12/2024
youtube.com
Welcome to the Internet - Bo Burnham (from "Inside" -- ALBUM OUT NOW)
YouTube video by boburnham
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 06/12/2024
Attention Economics 101 - all attention is good attention.
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Popehat @kenwhite.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
If a notorious contrarian/heterodox grifter actually does come here, one could keep in mind that yelling abuse at him, whether or not it is deserved, is putting money in his pocket, as he’ll just use it as fodder for the heterodox-victim grift.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 05/12/2024
Your favorite influencer doesn't see the avalanche they create. One complaint from them = thousands of angry DMs for their target. How fans become unwitting weapons in the attention economy, and why you might be part of the problem. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
internetisscary.org
When Fans Become Weapons: Understanding Influencer-Driven Harassment
The dark side of online influence isn’t always intentional. Sometimes it emerges from the natural dynamics of social media, where a single complaint can transform into an avalanche of harassm…
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Jeremy @justbreathe.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
That's why the solution is and remains, "If the vibes seem off even a little bit, just block."
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 05/12/2024
This is a great video from @hankgreen.bsky.social about LLM bots ⬇️ But we're only noticing the most egregious and sloppy examples! How many humans do you think are on this site to relentlessly disagree with anyone and everyone?
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Andy Baio @andy.baio.net · 04/12/2024
In his latest video, @hankgreen.bsky.social talks about a phenomenon you may have noticed here: LLM-driven bots programmed to relentlessly disagree with anyone and everyone.
youtu.be
Who is Creating The Non-Human Army
YouTube video by hankschannel
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 04/12/2024
When you joke online, who's really laughing? In 2024, the line between satire and extremism is thinner than ever. Here's why 🚩'I was joking!'🚩 might not be the justification you think it is ⬇️
internetisscary.org
Poe’s Law: When Jokes Become Weapons
Poe’s Law highlights online communication challenges, where intent must be clear to prevent misunderstandings, allowing extremist views to thrive under ambiguity.
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rahaeli @rahaeli.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
This is a really good thread on why these types of accounts exist and what the goal is! Manipulating the temperature of the conversation and setting people on edge serves a *lot* of purposes. #BadActorBingo
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Ed @ed3d.net · 02/12/2024
hey bsky I heard you like verification maybe you'd like verification that actually does something? I dunno, seems like it might be cool
a screenshot of an app currently called "sekritproject". by me. hint: it's by me.

In the sidebar, there's an avatar and a title, called "hey bsky, check this out". Under it is a menu.

"Dashboard"

A "Site" heading leads to "Site Settings", "Identity Order"

An "Identities" heading leads to "IRL Verified (WIP)", "Bluesky", "Mastodon", "Social Identities", and "Web Sites"

A "Content" heading just leads to "Blocks"

In the main pane we've got "Bluesky Identity", with some helper text explaining things. It's connected and "Verified" to my bluesky account, handle ed3d.net and DID did:plc:klhtmrnregub7we7h6jwiljm.
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you are no longer on twitter @twitter.rip · 01/12/2024
i believe the way those work is they're hooked up to chatgpt or something like that and they just reply in really high volumes; you can identify them by looking at their reply tab and seeing if they're talking faster than anyone could reasonably type.
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you are no longer on twitter @twitter.rip · 01/12/2024
this is kind of a niche issue but: if you are getting weird and hostile responses that feel a little off, there are some folks on here making accounts that automatically reply to large quantities of posts in a vaguely hostile manner. you can ignore them, and also, it's not personal
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 28/11/2024
We're preaching to the choir here, but here's another take on why Bluesky is different from the others.
internetisscary.org
Dethroning the Algorithm: How Bluesky Puts You in Control of Your Social Media Experience
Bluesky empowers users with choice through customizable feeds, breaking the control of traditional algorithms, promoting healthier online spaces and user well-being.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 27/11/2024
We're back for a second round of scammer content: What happens after the scam? More scams! Read more about the recovery scams that target scam victims here.
internetisscary.org
When Scammers Strike Twice: Understanding Recovery Scams
Scammers exploit victims' vulnerabilities through recovery scams, offering false promises and fees for fund recovery. Understanding their tactics can help prevent further victimization.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 26/11/2024
Romance scams are insidious in their willingness to lead their victims on for months or even years. Learn how to identify the signs here.
internetisscary.org
Romance Scams: When Love Leads to Financial Ruin
Romance scams exploit emotional vulnerabilities, manipulating victims through trust-building tactics. Protect yourself by recognizing red flags, avoiding financial discussions, and seeking help if targeted.
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Max Kennerly @maxkennerly.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
lol China's state media is sad about Bluesky because it's not an easy propaganda distribution channel like X (and Facebook) www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
Chinese state media is reportedly troubled by the latest exodus of X users flocking to Bluesky. State outlets, which put considerable resources into amassing millions of followers on Elon Musk’s social media platform — including by buying ads, deploying bots, and hiring influencers — have recently seen their growth plateau.

The growing popularity of Bluesky, which has a largely liberal base and harder-to-manipulate algorithm, has sparked “worried chatter within Chinese state media circles,” a former Xinhua and China Daily employee wrote in his newsletter. He predicted the accounts will migrate to Bluesky, though it may take time. For now, the sector’s focus has shifted back to domestic, Mandarin-language channels and platforms like Bilibili, WeChat, and Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 26/11/2024
Great advice to address the Edwards Laws of Online Discourse. "Bypassing" acknowledges that you're probably not going to convince the person who's spreading misinformation. But you may help inform the dozens of silent bystanders who read your conversation later.
internetisscary.org
The Edwards Laws of Online Discourse
The internet’s ideal of open discourse has devolved into a battleground. Avoid debating core values, engaging with trolls, and demanding evidence for basic rights.
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Matthew Facciani @matthewfacciani.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
"Bypassing" is a new way to counter misinformation without direct confrontation. Instead of refuting a false claim, bypassing shares accurate info with a positive message that counters the falsehood’s implications.
psycnet.apa.org
APA PsycNet
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 23/11/2024
It's usually impossible to tell the difference between a genuine false flag troll and a zealous true believer. But watch out for: Purity tests 🚩 Dogpiling 🚩 Cynicism and defeatism 🚩 Screenshot-worthy bad behavior 🚩 CIrcular arguments about minor differences 🚩
internetisscary.org
False Flag Trolls and the Art of Friendly Fire
False flag trolls wear your team’s jersey while scoring own goals – here’s how to spot the players trying to sink your movement from within.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 21/11/2024
It is a good thing to debate ideas with collaborative people who share your constructive goals. But "debate" online can also be a tactic to undermine your values. Read about it here ⬇️
internetisscary.org
The Edwards Laws of Online Discourse
The internet’s ideal of open discourse has devolved into a battleground. Avoid debating core values, engaging with trolls, and demanding evidence for basic rights.
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 21/11/2024
Anyone can make a substack and write something that looks like a column. internetisscary.org/2024/11/21/subs…
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THE INTERNET IS SCARY @internetisscary.org · 19/11/2024
Regarding that post that's been going around...
internetisscary.org
Understanding Follow-Back Schemes: When Building “Community” Goes Wrong
Follow-back schemes are an organizing tactic of trolling and disinformation networks and you should not participate in them.
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