April 4, 2025

Issue 102 - Why are You Hiding from the News?

Welcome to 500 Words.

I admit it. I've been hiding from reading or watching the news. The words “log off” keep appearing in my mind's eye, like the outer space alien messages that appeared in scientists' minds in The Three-Body Problem. ¹

In an international survey last year, 39% of respondents said they selectively avoid news to some degree. Over the last decade, the number of people getting news online, whether through a website or social media, has dropped across every age group. Even people in the news business, whose jobs require them to stay up on current events, are backing away.

How about a different approach to bad news? The “constructive journalism” movement, which tells stories about progress and problem-solving, is growing in Europe. The Guardian has run a feature called the Upside, covering progress. The Progress Playbook is a newsletter that focuses on climate action.

Taking action in the real world can generate hope and solutions. Cory Booker's 25-hour speech is an example. Contrast his action with the “work” of our senator here, Adam Schiff, who spends too much time crafting social media posts. We didn't vote for him so he could polish his social media skills. (Senator, get a life.)

If you ask me, posting outrage on social media is a non-action. Showing up outside a politician's office works. The GOP has advised its members to stop holding in-person town halls and public events with constituents.

Voting with your wallet also works. After Target and Walmart cut DEI programs, they were boycotted by Black consumers and civil rights activists. Some have sued Target. Target store traffic dropped, sales decreased, and its stock took a hit. Because of Jeff Bezos’ project of dismantling the Washington Post, I'm not ordering from Amazon anymore. There's this thing called the internet that lets you look up the manufacturer of just about anything, and get it shipped to you. I'm doing that, when I'm not able to patronize a local merchant.

Do you like complaining? Ok, fine. There are benefits. Stress relief and improved bonding with other complainers, just to start. Complaining can lead to a different perspective and even solutions. But too much complaining can block you from seeking productive solutions. You'll know you're complaining too much when you enter a room and everyone else leaves. (Free advice! You're welcome.)

DUMB AIs AND DUMB USES FOR THEM

This week, the usual INTERROGATING AI section has been replaced with a new header. We won't have time to talk about dumb AIs for much longer, because they’re getting smarter. Just to emphasize our humanity, let's go with it for now.

You can ask an AI to write your profile on a dating app, practically guaranteeing that you won't know what to say once you're on a real date. This week I learned that when AIs can't win at chess they cheat, by remapping the game so it turns in their favor.

Search engines like Google and Amazon's AI search have been polluted by bad AI results. When asked for reviews of Hitler's book Mein Kampf, Google provided a summary calling it “a true work of art.”

When asked "how much glue should I put in my pizza dough?” Google's AI helpfully suggested adding 1/8 of a cup, as long as it was Elmer's Glue and non-toxic. Other chatbots did not recommend adding glue to pizza, so I guess they're getting smarter.

Thanks for reading 500 Words this week.

Take care of each other,

Lee

SOURCES

‘I can’t cope with it any more’: newsrooms scramble to retain audiences amid the big switch-off
The Constructive Institute
The Progress Playbook
You Can't Post Your Way Out of Fascism

As retailers drop DEI, some Black customers drop them - NBC News 
Quarter of US shoppers have dumped favorite stores over political stances
Target's DEI Rollback Update (Feb 2025) - Diversity.com 
Target drops DEI initiatives and learns there are harsh consequences

Is Complaining Good For You? Therapists Explain - Verywell Mind 
Go Ahead and Complain. It Might Be Good for You. 

Wingman AI bots write profiles and flirt
AI Tries To Cheat at Chess When It's Losing
Google and Amazon AI Say Hitler’s Mein Kampf Is ‘a True Work of Art’
Google still recommends glue for your pizza

This is a weekly letter about indie publishing from Lee Schneider. Author of the novels SURRENDER, RESIST and the forthcoming LIBERATION. Creator of the audio dramas MISSION OF THE LUNAR SPARROW, YOUR PERFORMANCE REVIEW, and PRIVACY POD. Working on many things. Nice to see you here. 500 Words is a publication of FutureX Studio.