Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts

Monday, December 4, 2023

Clues to "Finding the Light" begin to appear on Wednesday (12/6/23) via social media

via Amy Adams, also known as Painting Venus 

"Greetings art lovers!  
Art gifts beginning on December 10th-31st, on deck! 
For the next 4 weeks, I will leave a piece of art at an undisclosed location for the Franklin community members to find.

This collection is called "Finding the Light" and it is the third annual gift away for Franklin inspired by the loss of my father. Imagining how many others are coping through pain and loss around the holiday season, sparked my need to share a little "light". 
In that same spirit, I mean for it to be uplifting, bring hope, joy and giving around the holidays.

I share clues each week by Wednesday, simple enough for all to join in. I then drop off a gift wrapped piece of art at the location the following Sunday morning. 
All I ask, is that the finder share a photo of the painting they’ve found.

Stay tuned for clues posted on Wednesday!"

example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found
example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Franklin Food Pantry can use your help if you shop at Target

via Franklin Food Pantry 
Support The Pantry with Target Circle
You can vote for us and help direct Target's giving to benefit The Pantry. 
Here's how:
Step 1: Choose "My Target" in the Target app
Step 2: Tap on "Target Circle™"
Step 3: Select "Vote for nonprofits"
Step 4: Find us and vote! https://t.co/dkb2ZS9Vpc

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1708919330732183862

Franklin Food Pantry can use your help if you shop at Target
Franklin Food Pantry can use your help if you shop at Target

Thursday, May 25, 2023

"social media can have 'a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents'”

"Scrolling, posting, hoping to go viral — many children are absorbed by it nowadays. But is all that social media use harmful?

The US surgeon general’s office said Tuesday it might be — and it’s time to take action to protect those young minds glued to their flickering screens.

Here are five things to know about the surgeon general’s announcement:

The surgeon general says there is growing evidence that social media is harmful for young people"
Continue reading the article online -> (subscription maybe required)  

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Revealed: the hacking and disinformation team meddling in elections | Technology | The Guardian

"A team of Israeli contractors who claim to have manipulated more than 30 elections around the world using hacking, sabotage and automated disinformation on social media has been exposed in a new investigation.

The unit is run by Tal Hanan, a 50-year-old former Israeli special forces operative who now works privately using the pseudonym “Jorge”, and appears to have been working under the radar in elections in various countries for more than two decades.

He is being unmasked by an international consortium of journalists. Hanan and his unit, which uses the codename “Team Jorge”, have been exposed by undercover footage and documents leaked to the Guardian."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/15/revealed-disinformation-team-jorge-claim-meddling-elections-tal-hanan

Tal Hanan and his colleagues met reporters at an office in Modi’in, about 20 miles outside Tel Aviv. Photograph: Haaretz/TheMarker/Radio France
Tal Hanan and his colleagues met reporters at an office in Modi’in, about 20 miles outside Tel Aviv. Photograph: Haaretz/TheMarker/Radio France

Monday, January 2, 2023

Why did the US just ban TikTok from government-issued cellphones? | TikTok | The Guardian

"The US government has approved an unprecedented ban on the use of TikTok on federal government devices. The restrictions – tucked into a spending bill just days before it was passed by Congress, and signed by Joe Biden on Thursday – add to growing uncertainty about the app’s future in the US amid a crackdown from state and federal lawmakers.

Officials say the ban is necessary due to national security concerns about the China-based owner of the app, ByteDance. But it also leaves many questions unanswered. Here’s what you need to know.

Why did the ban happen?
The US government has banned TikTok on federal government-issued devices due to national security concerns over its China-based parent company, ByteDance. The US fears that the Chinese government may leverage TikTok to access those devices and US user data."
Continue reading the article online at The Guardian ->
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/30/explainer-us-congress-tiktok-ban

This is the most recent step to prevent US data being exposed to China. A recap of the security and privacy issues involved can be found online

   
The US Congress banned the use of the TikTok app on government-issued devices. Photograph: Florence Lo/Reuters
The US Congress banned the use of the TikTok app on government-issued devices. Photograph: Florence Lo/Reuters

Saturday, December 10, 2022

What did you consent to do? Use of social media tools getting riskier - links to 3 articles

Lensa is not a good thing, but if you submitted photos, it's too late now
"This week, millions came face to face with AI-generated versions of themselves thanks to the app Lensa, which uses machine learning to spit out illustrations based on photos you provide. People took to social media to reflect on how the portraits made them feel — and who stands to lose when AI art goes mainstream.

“I think I have a fairly decent self-image, but I looked at the images and I was like, ‘Why do I look so good?’” said James, a Twitch streamer who declined to give his last name to keep his social media presence separate from his day job. “I think it shaved off a lot of my rough edges.”
Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)


Lensa - article 2
"Sure, that drunk selfie you posted on Instagram might be personally embarrassing. Now imagine that selfie is also training fuel for an artificial intelligence system that helps put an innocent person in jail.

Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence. What you do with your face, your home security videos, your words and the photos from your friend’s art show are not just about you. Almost entirely without your true consent, information that you post online or that is posted about you is being used to coach AI software. These technologies could let a stranger identify you on sight or generate custom art at your command."
Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

If you didn't know how you were being tracked, this lends some insight to the systems involved:
"Tens of thousands of websites belonging to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and other organizations host Twitter computer code that sends visitor information to the social media giant, according to research first reported by The Cybersecurity 202. 

And virtually none of them have used a Twitter feature to put restrictions on what the company can do with that data, said digital ad analysis firm Adalytics, which conducted the study.

The presence of Twitter’s code — known as the Twitter advertising pixel — has grown more troublesome since Elon Musk purchased the platform."
Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

So how can you protect your privacy in this new social media world? Two quick easy steps:
  • Don't fall to any one of the meme's (What Game of Thrones character are you?) or tools like Lensa
  • Install DuckDuckGo (https://duckduckgo.com) on your browser to prevent the tracking cookies from doing their thing
Lensa interpretations of reporter Tatum Hunter. These images were created by AI. They were not taken by a camera.
Lensa interpretations of reporter Tatum Hunter. These images were
created by AI. They were not taken by a camera.
   

Monday, October 17, 2022

Scam alert: parents be aware of kidnapping scam

"Boston Police issued a community alert Saturday warning parents of a kidnapping scam after at least three parents of students enrolled in Boston public schools received phone calls from someone who tried to trick them into paying ransom by falsely claiming their children were in danger or had been kidnapped.

“The scammers had information about the parent’s child, including their name, and demanded the parent send money through Western Union,” Boston police said in a statement. Police did not identify the parents or say whether any of them had paid money to the scammers.

Police said the scammers generally target parents and grandparents. Parents are being advised to be careful about posting information publicly on social media and to talk with their children about protecting their privacy online, police said.

“Scammers often look through social media for any information that would give them the ability to persuade you” police said."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/15/metro/boston-police-warn-parents-kidnapping-scam/

The key takeaway, be careful what you do share on social media.


Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Stop and think about it Before you share it

"A Facebook post on the Franklin MA Virtual Yard Sale group has been brought to our attention alleging a potential child abduction yesterday. The Facebook post states the child ran away from the attempted abduction and the incident was reported to the police. This post had over 75 shares. After looking into the matter we can confidently say this post is a SCAM. No incident similar to this was reported to the FPD. The poster, Nobuhle Magutshwa, posted the same post on various Facebook groups all around the country. Other activity on her Facebook page is consistent with other social media scams. In the future, any urgent public safety matters like will be shared immediately by the FPD social media accounts."
Shared from Town of Franklin Police Dept Facebook page

Coincidentally, this type of post was covered in the recent session on "How to Spot Misinformation"

Misinformation & Fact checking resources

If you missed the session, you can take the MediaWise course on your own

 

How to Spot Misinformation Online
How to Spot Misinformation Online

Monday, July 18, 2022

Reminder: first session of "How to Spot Misinformation Online" Monday, Jul 18 at 1 PM

Join Steve Sherlock to walk through an online course from the Poynter Institute and MediaWise on how to spot misinformation online. 

Sign up at the Senior Center to participate for these session whether in person or via Zoom. 

When: 
Monday, July 18 - 1 PM (part 1)
Monday, July 25 - 1 PM (part 2)

“This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources. 
Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more.”

The online course is listed as taking 1-2 hours. We have scheduled 2 one hour sessions to allow for discussion and following links to research current examples along the way.  

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center
How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center

You can register with Poynter Institute and take the course on your own 

If you want to attend via Zoom please use the form here ->   https://forms.gle/QzD4b9qwZayM42cv9

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center - Jul 18 & 25

Join Steve Sherlock to walk through an online course from the Poynter Institute and MediaWise on how to spot misinformation online. 

Sign up at the Senior Center to participate for these session whether in person or via Zoom. 

When: 
Monday, July 18 - 1 PM (part 1)
Monday, July 25 - 1 PM (part 2)

“This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources. 
Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more.”

The online course is listed as taking 1-2 hours. We have scheduled 2 one hour sessions to allow for discussion and following links to research current examples along the way.  

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center
How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center

You can register with Poynter Institute and take the course on your own 

Monday, April 25, 2022

Register for the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium - May 14

Via Representative Jeff Roy:

"There is still time to register for the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium in Franklin. Lunch is provided with the $15 ticket from our local Birchwood Bakery. So sign up soon by clicking the link before it fills up! Hope to see you there."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1518336877388087296 

Yes, I am delighted to be leading a session for this event - "Sharing your Arts Identity through Social Media." I plan for it to be a collaborative session. I'll share the lessons I have learned and use regularly and solicit examples from participants.

Register for the Symposium via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metrowest-arts-culture-symposium-tickets-270070025717

Register for the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium - May 14
Register for the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium - May 14

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (video & slides & resources)

Missed our last Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media event?  

It's now available on our YouTube channel along with the presentation slides and resources pamphlet which are linked in the bio.

buff.ly/3jjHZf6


"On March 24, 2022, the Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force held the second installment of the Critical Conversations series. The night focused on the impact of social media on the social-emotional wellbeing of youth. Keynote speaker, Georgia Wells, tech journalist for the Wall Street Journal, kick off the event speaking on how the tech companies behind social media and the effects on young people. The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Karyn Polito provided additional remarks addressing state-level initiatives regarding social media usage. A panel was curated to offer various perspectives on the topic of social media and was followed by an audience question and answer session. You can access the slideshow here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/critical_conversations_social_media_3_24_2022.pdf

Resource list for parents can be found here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/cc_sm_trifold_v2.pdf


Monday, April 4, 2022

Register O'Donnell Encourages Use of the Registry’s Social Media

Moving forward into what appears to be another busy year at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, Register William P. O’Donnell today restated the importance he places on the Registry’s use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County.


“Communication with our users,” noted O’Donnell, “is a priority at this Registry of Deeds. Our doors may close at the end of the business day but that doesn’t mean the Registry stops working. Our website www.norfolkdeeds.org  allows users to look up and view scanned images of over 8 million land documents dating back to the Registry’s beginnings in 1793. Users can also access our website to learn about our latest consumer protection programs and news relating to registry business. Our information is accessible not only from workstations and laptops, but also from smartphones and tablets.”


Register O’Donnell further remarked that a declaration form of the popular Homestead Act can be downloaded, filled-in and printed. A Homestead declaration provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000 or $1,000,000 for two owners if both owners are over the age of 62.

The Registry also provides a free Consumer Notification Service. This program alerts a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County.

Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be accessed, researched and tracked. Anyone interested in the number of residential and commercial properties sold or the average prices of property sold can find that information.  


Besides the Registry website, the other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook - facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds and Twitter - twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds,” noted the Register, “has utilized Facebook and Twitter to provide information to the general public. By utilizing these platforms, Norfolk County residents can learn more about home ownership and other important consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs.”


The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA’s) which are available on the Registry’s website and YouTube. These PSA’s have touched on a variety of relevant issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender.


Register O’Donnell concluded, “At the Registry of Deeds, we recognize the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents. If you have questions related to real property, I recommend you take a look at our social media offerings. As important as these social media offerings are, the Registry of Deeds has a Customer Service Center at 1-781-461-6101 where members of the public can seek assistance and speak directly with a member of our staff during business hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.”


To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.


The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register O'Donnell Encourages Use of the Registry’s Social Media
www.norfolkdeeds.org


Saturday, April 2, 2022

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

FM #762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 762 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media event held at Franklin High School on March 24, 2022. 


The recording runs just under 2 hours, so let’s listen to the Critical Conversations event.

Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-762-critical-conversations-the-impact-of-social-media-03-24-22


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Event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546 


Critical Conversations Social Media resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/news/critical-conversations-impact-social-media-viewing 


Substance Abuse Task Force -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education


SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)
Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media - March 24

The Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force (SAFT) will host their second installment of their Critical Conversations series on Thursday, March 24, from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Franklin High School auditorium, via Zoom and on Franklin.TV. The night will focus on the impact of social media on the social emotional wellbeing of youth. 
As the keynote speaker, Georgia Wells, tech journalist for the Wall Street Journal, will kick off the event speaking on how the tech companies behind social media and the effects on young people. The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Karyn Polito will provide additional remarks addressing state level initiatives regarding social media usage. 
The event will be supplemented by a panel of local school guidance counselors, Representative Jeff Roy, SAFE Coalition Director Jen Knight-Levine, an FHS student and the Franklin marketing and communications specialist. The panel was curated to offer various perspectives on the topic of social media and will be followed by an audience question and answer session.
The context from this event will pair well with film-based education program LIKE, which is being viewed this week in wellness 9 and 10 classes, as well as in the high school health and physical education electives. With the fiscal support from the SAFE Coalition, Franklin Public Schools is able to offer free district-wide access to the film for families to view in the comfort of their homes. The film was made available to stream on Monday, March 20 at 5 PM and is open until Sunday, March 27 at 11:45 PM.
The goal of these cumulative efforts is to empower families to feel confident utilizing the knowledge and resources provided from the LIKE screening and Critical Conversations event to work towards establishing a healthy relationship with social media.
FPS sent out communications internally to its constituents regarding how to access the film LIKE. All viewers will need to enter their email address and create a password to access the film. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email, access to the film, resources and post-viewing survey.
Interested in our Critical Conversations panel?
Check out our Facebook event page or our district event page.
You can learn more about LIKE here:  https://www.thelikemovie.com/
About the Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force
The SATF is proudly represented by students, parents, administration, faculty, counselors, athletics, SAFE Coalition, medical professionals, SROs, school committee members, and elected officials. The mission of the SAFT is to promote community awareness and education surrounding the issue of substance abuse in Franklin as well as develop substance abuse prevention and intervention strategies in supporting working with students & families, as well as school based and community based prevention strategies.
Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/news/critical-conversations-impact-social-media-viewing
Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media - March 24
Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media - March 24 

For Zoom info check out the event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546


Tuesday, March 22, 2022

2 Critical Conversations: School Budget Hearing Tuesday; Social Media Thursday

There are two critical conversations scheduled for this week. 
  • Tuesday night at 7 PM the School Committee holds a public hearing on the FY 2023 school budget.
  • Thursday night at 6 PM at the high school auditorium Critical Conversation on The Impact of Social Media.

2 Critical Conversations: School Budget Hearing Tuesday; Social Media Thursday
2 Critical Conversations: School Budget Hearing Tuesday; Social Media Thursday



1 - Tuesday School Budget Hearing
Details on the proposed budget can be found here

Details on how to participate either in person, via cable or live stream or Zoom


2 - Thursday The Impact of Social Media
Details on the keynote speaker and panelists

Download the flyer as a reminder


FY 2023 School Budget One page overview:

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

We are excited to host our next installment of our Critical Conversations series. 

Join us March 24, 2022 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the FHS Auditorium or via Zoom as we discuss the impact of social media on social emotional wellbeing. 

Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.

We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal as she quarterbacks a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.

The evening will include: 

  • Welcome and Opening remarks
  • Keynote Facilitated Conversation
  • Panelist Discussion 
  • Audience Q&A
  • So Now What? Session will provide strategies for parents of elementary, middle and high school students to foster mindful social media habits.
  • Breakout sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight facilitated by our Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) Student Representatives

Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3qpFWub

Shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1503411142819033090

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XkC0eEKZGj80rpKf2i_qajE12CCOISx4/view?usp=sharing

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022
Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

Monday, March 14, 2022

The Guardian provides another view to US news

A couple of good articles on topics we don't always find in the US new media

"How COVID shook the US: eight charts that capture the last two years"
Death is a topic not well discussed and perhaps even more so when associated with COVID-19. The counting process can be problematic. Everyone needs to be using the same definitions and even in MA, the definition of a COVID death is changing. One thing is clear, the disease is deadly.

one of the 8 charts in the article
one of the 8 charts in the article

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)


"Sandy Hook review: anatomy of an American tragedy – and the obscenity of social media"

"Even in a country now completely inured to the horrors of mass shootings, the massacre at Sandy Hook remains lodged in the minds of everyone old enough to remember it. Ten years ago, 20-year-old Adam Lanza fired 154 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle in less than five minutes. Twenty extremely young children and six adults were killed.

It was the worst elementary school shooting in American history.

Elizabeth Williamson’s new book is about that “American Tragedy”, but more importantly it is about “the Battle for Truth” that followed. In excruciating detail, Williamson describes the unimaginable double tragedy every Sandy Hook parent has had to endure: the murder of their child, followed by years and years of an army of online monsters accusing them of inventing this unimaginable horror."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Note: my wife taught kindergarten for 20+ years here in Franklin so the Sandy Hook tragedy hits close to home.