Samantha Cole

In this discussion, Samantha Cole, cofounder of 404 Media and author, teams up with Joanne Chew, an artist and deepfake victim. They delve into the alarming world of deepfake technology, particularly its effects on privacy and identity. Chew shares her harrowing experience with non-consensual deepfake pornography, illustrating the emotional toll on victims. The conversation also critiques legislative efforts like the Take It Down Act, debating their implications for free speech and the broader fight against online abuse.

Samantha Cole, co-founder of 404 Media and former editor at Motherboard, shares her insights on transforming online journalism. She discusses the birth of 404 Media, sparked by the rise of worker-owned outlets. Their commitment to independent and impactful stories sets them apart from mainstream media. Cole dives into pressing issues like digital security vulnerabilities and the ethical concerns around deepfakes. She also highlights the challenges of running a small media outlet in today's landscape, emphasizing the importance of subscriber support in ensuring journalistic integrity.

Samantha Cole, a culture critic and co-founder of 404 Media, and CT Jones, a pop culture writer for Rolling Stone, dive into the quirky world of 2024 internet trends. They discuss the tragicomic rise of a social media personality who expertly turned an interview into fame overnight. They explore the clash of modern celebrity culture with traditional feminine ideals through the 'tradwife' movement. The conversation also highlights concerns over disinformation and declining internet authenticity, pondering how these shifts impact human connections.

Samantha Cole, a journalist from 404 Media, discusses the growing role of AI in journalism as The Washington Post shifts its focus to technology amidst budget woes. She highlights the risks of sacrificing journalistic integrity for automation and critiques the unrealistic expectations of AI's reliability. The conversation navigates the absurdities of AI tools and their impact on reporting quality. Cole emphasizes the importance of skepticism in an era where technology threatens the foundation of good journalism, while sharing humorous takes on the industry's absurdities.

Samantha Cole, a journalist with 404 Media, dives into the UK's new Online Safety Act aimed at shielding children from harmful content. She discusses the tricky balance between child safety and civil liberties, highlighting concerns over privacy and censorship. Cole shares insights from her coverage of similar U.S. measures and the challenges of age verification online. Moreover, she emphasizes the need for better education and tools for parents and children, rather than relying solely on automated systems to keep kids safe from the internet's darker corners.