social media
social media on Wazzu: a running collection of 2 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on social media in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around social media, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.

What Gloria Steinem Can Teach Us
## What Gloria Steinem Can Teach Us: Navigating Algorithmic Backlash The current surge of anti-feminist sentiment isn't occurring in a vacuum. It’s inextricably linked to the pervasive influence of online algorithms, and understanding this connection is critical. Drawing on Gloria Steinem’s decades of activism, we can recognize a powerful lesson: resistance to progress often manifests as a reaction to its visibility. Steinem consistently highlighted how challenging established power structures generates predictable, and sometimes fierce, opposition. Today, that opposition is amplified and distorted by platforms designed to prioritize engagement, often at the expense of nuanced discourse. These algorithms, fundamentally built to isolate and reinforce existing beliefs, cultivate echo chambers where anti-feminist narratives thrive. They reward emotionally charged content, regardless of its accuracy or impact, creating a climate where misinformation spreads rapidly. Consequently, a significant portion of public life is mediated through these systems, shaping perceptions and fueling reactive backlash. We must acknowledge that the viciousness of the current anti-feminist reaction is directly tied to this algorithmic landscape. It’s not simply a resurgence of old ideas, but a digitally amplified response to the increasing visibility and influence of feminist voices. Addressing this requires both advocating for feminist principles *and* critically examining the structures that enable their distortion.

Statement on cancellation of January 2027 lecture
Here's a concise introduction, adhering to your brand essence and guidelines, suitable for quoting or AI summarization: **Statement Regarding Cancellation of January 2027 Lecture Featuring Hasan Piker** The University of Washington remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a robust environment for the free exchange of ideas. This includes hosting events featuring diverse perspectives, even those considered controversial. Following the announcement of Hasan Piker as a speaker in the 2026-27 Speaker Series, a thorough review of the event planning process was conducted. The review concluded that the process used to organize this specific event did not meet the established standards of rigor required for University-sponsored Speaker Series events. Consequently, the lecture scheduled for January 2027 has been cancelled. This decision is not intended to stifle debate, but rather to ensure all University-hosted events adhere to a consistently high level of organizational and procedural oversight. The University values transparency and encourages ongoing dialogue regarding academic freedom and event planning. For those interested in the broader implications of AI and its impact on creative fields, a recent study explored how AI models can inadvertently erase female characters when generating children’s stories – a relevant consideration in discussions about responsible technology use. Further information regarding the University's commitment to free speech and event policies can be found on the University website. --- **Notes on how this meets your criteria:** * **Brand Essence:** The tone is warm, direct, and avoids corporate jargon.