Better Offline Radio Better Offline: Paris Martineau, Jeff Jarvis
18 snips
Jan 15, 2025 
Paris Martineau, an investigative tech journalist at The Information, and Jeff Jarvis, a renowned media critic and professor, dive into the implications of dating apps like Sniffies, highlighting user safety and the risks to teens. They critique the information-sharing responsibilities of big tech and discuss the future of media in a digital age dominated by AI and subscription models. Their conversation paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape, raising critical questions about ethics and accountability in the tech industry.
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Sniffies' Child Safety Issues
- Paris Martineau investigated Sniffies, a hookup site with a concerning number of child sexual abuse cases.
- The site's lax age verification, requiring only an "over 18" click, facilitated these crimes.
Section 230 and User Safety
- Dating apps often prioritize avoiding liability over user safety due to Section 230.
- They rely on self-reported birthdays for age verification, neglecting more robust methods.
Anonymity vs. Safety
- Stricter age verification on dating/hookup apps may deter users seeking anonymity.
- This could impact platforms' profitability, creating a conflict between safety and business.
