IRL: Online Life is Real Life

This podcast explores how our reading habits have changed in the digital age. It discusses the prevalence of skimming, headline-only reading, and the fear of missing out on reading. It also explores the value of printed books, introduces the Pocket app for managing content overload, and emphasizes the significance of reading and sharing stories for personal growth.

Explore the flaws of passwords and the future of authentication. Learn about the impact of individual experiences and the concept of herd immunity in online security. Discuss the frustration with passwords and potential alternatives for authentication. Discover the importance of password hygiene and the use of password managers to enhance online security.

When you shop, your data may be the most valuable thing for sale. The podcast explores the hidden costs of online and offline shopping. Meta Brown, a data scientist, reveals the information Amazon captures about you. Joseph Turow discusses how retailers strip us of privacy. Alana Semuels talks about becoming a hoarder with online shopping. The podcast also explores a college coffee shop where you can buy a drink with your data.

Can ‘ethical tech’ be a thing? We think so. Season 4 of Mozilla’s IRL podcast will explore all the ways tech can have a more positive influence on people, communities, and societies at large. And, we’re delighted to welcome our new host Manoush Zomorodi, who will keep the season nerdy, human, and — importantly — fun, for all of us as we listen in. IRL is an original podcast from Mozilla. For more on the series go to irlpodcast.org. Here's more about IRL Season 4, Manoush, and the Mozillians who make the IRL podcast.

The 2016 U.S. presidential election blew up our ideas about influence campaigns in the age of screens. Two years later, Veronica Belmont and Baratunde Thurston examine how the internet is changing our minds, our votes, and our democracies – all over the world. Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Scott Shane details the United States' long history with election meddling. Paris correspondent for the Washington Post, James McAuley, shines a light on how other countries are managing the changing dynamics of online political campaigns. And speculative fiction authors Malka Older and Genevieve Valentine describe what elections may look like in the future, with advances in technology. IRL is an original podcast from Mozilla. For more on the series go to irlpodcast.org. Baratunde Thurston has worked for The Onion and produced for The Daily Show. He’s the host of the iHeartMedia podcast Spit, and wrote the New York Times bestseller How To Be Black. Scott Shane is a reporter in the Washington bureau of The New York Times. Have a look at his recent reporting, The Plot to Subvert an Election. Malka Older is a writer and humanitarian aid worker. Her latest fiction book State Tectonics is about how the future of democracy can be purchased. Go here to check out Candidate Y, her speculative fiction that premiered on this episode of IRL. Genevieve Valentine is a novelist. Her most recent book is a near-future political thriller called ICON. Go here to read her short story “Hello, I’m Your Election” featured in this IRL podcast episode. For more on telling fact from falsehood leading up to election cycles, watch Mozilla’s original short film, Misinfo Nation: Misinformation, Democracy, and the Internet. This article discusses how fair elections require responsible tech. Mozilla Foundation Advocacy Lead Ashley Boyd suggests that for democracy to thrive in the internet era, we need technology that respects privacy. And, really: it shouldn't be hard to participate in politics. Mozilla is out to make it a little easier. Go to mozilla.org/vote to get Firefox features to help you counter misinformation as you browse the Web and lessen the ability for those behind political ads to microtarget you on Facebook. Leave a rating or review in Apple Podcasts so we know what you think.

"Kids These Days" features Cameron Kasky, a Parkland, Florida activist, discussing how he uses social media for activism. The podcast explores the challenges young people face online, including cyberbullying. Tech journalist Alexandra Samuel talks about Lil Tay and the role of parents in helping kids navigate the internet. Common Sense Media's Sierra Filucci provides insights from a study on technology's impact on youth. The podcast emphasizes the need for parental guidance and healthy online behavior modeling.

Jhamel Robinson organized a massive BBQ in Oakland after a racial altercation went viral. Dr. Meredith Clark highlights the need for social media platforms to hire members of vulnerable communities. Jon Ronson discusses snap judgements. Professor Kip Williams shares insights on tribalism.

This podcast explores how the Internet affects our relationships. Topics include the use of emoticons, online dating, connecting with biological parents online, the benefits and drawbacks of virtual connections, and the importance of authentic human connection in the online world.

Veronica Belmont and special guest Jane Lytvynenko discuss the emerging attention economy and how your attention has become valuable on social media. They explore the stories of Hamlet the Piggy, Lisette Calveiro, and media theorist Douglas Rushkoff. Topics include the price of attention, the shift from content to advertising, the relationship between racism, sexism, and fake news, and the competition for online attention.

Veronica Belmont and Ashley Carman explore the rise of gamification in our everyday lives, discussing the addictive nature of gaming, the US military's use of games as a recruitment tool, and the power of gamification in motivating people. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the games embedded in apps and platforms and creating better online experiences.