Unlike our other personas, the Algorithm isn’t human – yet it might be the most influential force shaping online behavior. Think of it as an invisible broker, constantly watching, learning, a…

Among the dangerous personas we’ve explored, the Stalker represents a uniquely invasive threat. While Trolls seek reaction and Scammers pursue quick profits, Stalkers fixate on specific targe…

Where Scammers seek money and Grifters pursue power, Trolls chase something more abstract: reaction. They deliberately provoke emotional responses from others, finding entertainment in the disrupti…

Where Scammers strike quickly and move on, Grifters play a longer, more sophisticated game. They build communities, cultivate authority, and create ecosystems of trust – all to enable sustained exp…

Just as pickpockets and con artists operate in physical spaces, Scammers prowl the digital world looking for victims. Unlike Grifters who build elaborate long-term schemes, Scammers focus on quick …

Where Creators focus on producing specific content and Builders craft tools, Influencers craft themselves into products. They transform their personalities, lifestyles, and daily experiences into c…

In the digital world, true identity can be as fluid as water. While many users maintain consistent personas across platforms, Anonymous actively cultivates uncertainty about who they are. This isn&…

In a digital landscape rife with threats and exploitation, Guardians stand as defenders of individual privacy, security, and digital rights. These cybersecurity researchers, privacy advocates, and …

While Creators shape content and Digital Citizens inhabit online spaces, Builders construct the very foundations of our digital world. They are the engineers, developers, and technical architects w…

In the vast landscape of digital content, Creators stand out as the architects of value. Unlike Digital Citizens who primarily consume content, or Influencers who focus on personal brand, Creators …

Digital Natives thrive online, seeking genuine connections due to personal circumstances. They navigate digital spaces thoughtfully, fostering communities and advocating for digital safety.

At the heart of the internet’s vibrant ecosystem is its most numerous yet often overlooked participant: the Digital Citizen. These are the everyday people who make up the vast majority of onl…

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 …

Follow-back schemes are an organizing tactic of trolling and disinformation networks and you should not participate in them.

China's military uses social media and AI for psychological warfare and influence operations.

Scammers exploit emotional responses by staging fake animal rescues on social media, misdirecting funds and harming animals in the process.

Where Scammers seek money and Grifters pursue power, Trolls chase something more abstract: reaction. They deliberately provoke emotional responses from others, finding entertainment in the disrupti…

Follow-back schemes are an organizing tactic of trolling and disinformation networks and you should not participate in them.

For some strange reason, people across America began to notice that thousands of automobile windshields were dotted with teeny-tiny pockmarks.

The drone hoax and why YOU MUST NOT SHINE LASERS INTO THE SKY.

Sophisticated scams targeting YouTube creators compromise channels through fake partnerships.

Rules lawyering exploits community guidelines, undermining shared values. Protect communities by recognizing bad faith and prioritizing healthy interactions over rigid enforcement.

Rules lawyering exploits community guidelines, undermining shared values. Protect communities by recognizing bad faith and prioritizing healthy interactions over rigid enforcement.

Real values endure despite inconvenience, shaping your character and guiding you through life’s challenges.

Substack is just a posting platform like any other; readers must critically assess expertise, claims, and emotional manipulation.

The dynamics of social media can unintentionally lead to severe harassment; influencers must wield their power responsibly.

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 ...

YouTube video by boburnham

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…