Nick Proferes
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profprof.bsky.social
Nick Proferes
@profprof.bsky.social
910 followers 640 following 96 posts
Studies tech, discourse, and how sometimes things mean other things. Opinions are my own. Grading while listening to death metal enthusiast.
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profprof.bsky.social
Nick Proferes @profprof.bsky.social · Jul 24
New OA pub day! Given the dwindling of local newspapers, folks are turning to social media. Platforms are discursively constructing local community groups as a new kind of hub. But local volunteer mods are the ones who are charged to realize these visions. journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10....
Local platformized utopias? corporate discourse, community groups, and volunteer moderation on Facebook, Reddit, and NextDoor
journals.sagepub.com
Reposted by Nick Proferes
scottygb.bsky.social
I love the Olympics
February 6, 2026 at 7:12 PM
profprof.bsky.social
I totally missed this, but it seems like First Monday is closing down as of May after 30 years of publication. firstmonday.org/ojs/index.ph...
First Monday @ 30 | First Monday
firstmonday.org
February 6, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
katjathieme.bsky.social
"The reason these aspects of our jobs have been so challenging to automate is that they rely on something even more precious than our time: namely, our capacity for scientific decision-making. It is worth considering what we lose when we cede that—and our agency—to machines."
January 27, 2026 at 4:22 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
elnorterecuerda.bsky.social
Found the coolest website that takes random found cassette tapes people submit and digitizes them. I’m listening to an NYC hip hop station from 1994: intertapes.net
Intertapes — Main
Obscure tape finds and their stories
intertapes.net
December 13, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
kwelle.bsky.social
Join us in Frankfurt or online: "Social Media Access Days" - Social media data between research and infrastructure – sustainable archiving, cataloguing and access. March 17-19. Featuring a keynote by @snurb.info. Full program and registration details at: www.dnb.de/EN/Kulturell...
Social Media Access Days
Social media data between research and infrastructure – sustainable archiving, cataloguing and access.
www.dnb.de
January 14, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
keanbirch.bsky.social
I'm co-chairing the Society for Social Studies of Science @4sweb.bsky.social Conference in Toronto, Oct 2026. #STS #scipol #innovation

Theme: "TechnoPower • Technoscientific Futures".

Open panel submissions portal is open! ls!

Deadline: 2nd February 2026

www.4sonline.org/about_the_co...
About the Conference
www.4sonline.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
bloomsburyphilo.bsky.social
From claims about implementing consciousness to arguments about cognitive architecture & ChatGPT, 'Great Philosophical Objections to Artificial Intelligence' introduces the philosophy of AI.

Order: https://bit.ly/4poIMLh
Preview: https://bit.ly/3YXvieO

Exam/Inspection copies available
Great Philosophical Objections to Artificial Intelligence
An entertaining introduction to the clashes between philosophy and AI over the last 70 years, from claims and counter-claims about the ability to implement cons…
www.bloomsbury.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
fbajak.bsky.social
In the midst of massive anti-regime protests, Iran’s govt has completely disconnected the country from the global Internet. www.kentik.com/analysis/ira...
Iran Goes Dark as Government Cuts Itself Off from Internet
Move comes as protest movement grows more widespread In response to a growing anti-government protest movement, the government of Iran has…
www.kentik.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
michaelzimmer.bsky.social
The CFP for #AoIR2025 in Mexico City is now posted. The theme is "Regeneration(s)". Submissions are due March 1.
aoir.org/aoir2026/aoi...
January 8, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
conradhackett.bsky.social
Please share - @pewresearch.org wants to hire a data archivist who will be an advocate for data users, helping to ensure that our datasets are easy to discover and reuse by researchers, journalists, and the public.
pewtrusts.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CenterExtern...
Pew Research Center is seeking a Data Archivist to support our commitment to open science and data transparency. This newly created role will play a key part in enhancing the accessibility, usability, and reproducibility of our research data while continuing to protect the privacy and identity of our survey participants. As Data Archivist, you will lead efforts to create and implement best practices for preparing, documenting, and disseminating datasets. These best practices should maximize FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles while minimizing disclosure risk. You will work across teams to ensure our data is well-organized and thoroughly documented. You will serve as an internal advocate for data users, helping to ensure that our datasets are not only accurate and comprehensive but also easy to discover and reuse by researchers, journalists, and the public. This is a full-time, Pew Research Center position. The position is funded by an external grant and limited to a two-year term. Primary Responsibilities Develop optimization procedures to improve discoverability of our datasets on internal and external platforms Develop and maintain standards to improve accessibility of our microdata and tab plans by changing/adding formats and/or adding documentation Identify metadata documentation best practices and a process to implement those best practices at the Center Work with Legal to evaluate most appropriate license to publicly share the Center's survey data, including Creative Common options Identify and correct processing inefficiencies in our data publication process Sit on the internal Disclosure Risk Taskforce Document analytical decisions and code to support transparency and replicability, including the development of a RACI chart for publishing code to recreate derived variables that are used in reports but are not included in the microdata Manage/create merged time series datasets for select Center datasets Identify a process for internally archiving data and projects that are no longer in active use Identify and implement a process to assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) to microdata Prepare and upload public-facing datasets and restricted-use datasets for external sharing. Train staff on FAIR principles and best practices in data archiving. Education/Training/Experience Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in library sciences, organizational management, or a related field. 5-7 years of experience with data archiving, database management, or survey research. This may include graduate training at the MA/PhD level or equivalent experience in an applied setting. At least 3-5 years of experience applying FAIR and open science principles. Background in social science research or data curation. Experience in data management, archiving, or research support. Familiarity with FAIR principles, Creative Common licensing, data privacy principles, and exposure risk. Proficiency in metadata standards and documentation tools. Experience managing research projects, including working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Python, Stata) and reproducible research workflows. Knowledge, Skill and Workplace Requirements Strong organizational and communication skills. Detail oriented with exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products. Ability to work independently to carry out special projects from start to finish. Ability to balance numerous tasks simultaneously. Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other team members, as well as with staff from other Pew Research Center teams. Ability to balance competing priorities and identify optimal solutions FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation: Starting salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $100,000 - $120,000. Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.
January 6, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
cfiesler.bsky.social
The ACM Digital Library, where a LOT of computing-related research is published (I'd say at least 75% of my own publications), is now not only providing (without consent of the authors and without opt-in by readers) AI-generated summaries of papers, but they appear as the *default* over abstracts.
Screenshot of a paper entry: Fictional Failures and Real-World Lessons: Ethical Speculation Through Design Fiction on Emotional Support Conversational AI Authors: Faye Kollig, Jessica Pater, Fayika Farhat Nova, Casey Fiesler (There are tabs with "abstract" and "summary" and "summary" is selected.)
December 16, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
michaelzimmer.bsky.social
Our third @acm-sigchi.bsky.social Research Ethics Committee column is live! With @cfiesler.bsky.social and @vitak.bsky.social, we examine how ethics intersects with SIGCHI peer review, and how to better embed it into community practice.
doi.org/10.1145/3778...
Ethics in Review: When Researcher Responsibility Meets Peer Review | Voices of SIGCHI
Research ethics ideally begins long before we open Overleaf and start preparing a manuscript for submission. Ethical decisions should guide study design, data collection, and the analysis of results, ...
doi.org
December 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
astrokatie.com
Once again.
astrokatie.com Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · Dec 6
It still matters if things are real
kevinmkruse.bsky.social Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · Dec 6
In the comments, people note that it’s AI and the poster responds that he just doesn’t care.

That’s an easy block.
December 14, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
zoeconomy.bsky.social
"Friedberg visited Rhode Island Hospital on Saturday night, where she said she spoke with her teaching assistant, who had traveled there to support several of their injured students." Wow, the TA was present at the shooting and then went with students in the class to hospital to support.
December 14, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
kathleencreel.bsky.social
Northeastern is hiring in Ethics and Health! The job is tenure track with great colleagues in a great city.

Philosophers of science, bioethicists, research ethicists, and STS scholars, please apply! Soft deadline is December 15th.
philjobs.org/job/show/30469
Assistant Professor/ Associate Professor/ Full Professor, Northeastern University - PhilJobs:JFP Assistant Professor/ Associate Professor/ Full Professor, Northeastern University
An international database of jobs for philosophers
philjobs.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
idiotwitchamelia.bsky.social
did it in four words hemmingway
microphone, pop filter, and interface Never Used Podcast Equipment
December 9, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
cfiesler.bsky.social
Let me tell you a story. Perhaps you can guess where this is going... though it does have a bit of a twist.

I was poking around Google Scholar for publications about the relationship between chatbots and wellness. Oh how useful: a systematic literature review! Let's dig into the findings. 🧵
The Psychological Impact of Digital Isolation: How AI-Driven Social Interactions Shape Human Behavior and Mental Well-Being Felix Eling 3697-3705 Apr 30, 2025 Education The Psychological Impact of Digital Isolation: How AI-Driven Social Interactions Shape Human Behavior and Mental Well-Being Felix Eling Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Gulu College of Health Sciences, Gulu City, Northern Uganda DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400265 Received: 13 March 2025; Revised: 22 March 2025; Accepted: 25 March 2025; Published: 30 April 2025 ABSTRACT The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in social interactions has transformed how humans experience companionship, communication, and mental well-being. This review examines the psychological impact of AI-driven social interactions, focusing on virtual assistants, AI chatbots, and digital companions. It explores the benefits, risks, and ethical concerns associated with AI companionship. A systematic review methodology was employed, detailing inclusion criteria, databases searched, and analysis techniques. Findings suggest that while AI can offer emotional relief and support, over-reliance may disrupt real-world social bonding. Ethical concerns such as data privacy, emotional manipulation, and regulatory gaps are highlighted. The study underscores the need for balanced AI integration in human socialization. The study also addresses gaps in previous literature by examining AI’s influence on different demographic groups and cultural contexts.
December 5, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
cfiesler.bsky.social
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

Please please please please stop giving me news articles about blog posts about AI that include images of blue data and robot hands. betterimagesofai.org
Better Images of AI
We are a non-profit creating more realistic and inclusive images of artificial intelligence. Visit our growing repository available for anyone to use for free under CC licences, or just to use as insp...
betterimagesofai.org
December 4, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
ali-alkhatib.com
i keep reading "it's giving tuesday" and reading it the wrong way.
December 3, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
platformsnsociety.bsky.social
And another gem from the summer: Nicholas Proferes @kelleyhas2es.bsky.social @kthorson.bsky.social @ankolika.bsky.social Chia-Fang Chang and Ava Francesca Battocchio write about the rhetoric of localism in platform content moderation. Read more here journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
September 12, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
404media.co
We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people.”
A Researcher Made an AI That Completely Breaks the Online Surveys Scientists Rely On
We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people.”
www.404media.co
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
carlbergstrom.com
Way back in 1947, Alan Turing had thoughts on how AI would influence the demand for skilled labor.

(via Matteo Pasquinelli 2023 _The Eye of the Master_)
Roughly speaking those who work in connection with the [automatic computing engine] will be divided into its masters and its servants. Its masters will plan out instruction tables for it, thinking up deeper and deeper ways of using it...The masters are liable to get replaced because as soon as any technique becomes at all stereotyped it becomes possible to devise a system of instruction tables which will enable the electronic computer to do it for itself. It may happen however that the masters will refuse to do this. They may be unwilling to let their jobs be stolen from them in this way. In that case they would surround the whole of their work with mystery and make excuses, couched in well chosen gibberish, whenever any dangerous suggestions were made. — Alan Turing (1947) Lecture on the Automatic Computing Engine
November 18, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
marshall0i.bsky.social
We're hiring tenure-track Asst Prof Philosophy. Good people, great research and teaching. AOS applied ethics broadly construed. AOCs open. Teach bioethics, ethics of AI, undergrad, graduate certificate in Ethical Dimensions of AI, planned Masters Bioethics. philjobs.org/job/show/30245 #philsky
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham - PhilJobs:JFP Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
An international database of jobs for philosophers
philjobs.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
tamaleaver.bsky.social
Worth reading:

"The Age of Anti-Social Media Is Here" by Damon Beres

www.theatlantic.com/...

#GenerativeAI
That Zuckerberg would be selling generative AI makes perfect sense. It is an isolating technology for an isolated time. His first products drove people apart, even as they promised to connect us. Now chatbots promise a solution. They seem to listen. They respond. The mind wants desperately to connect with a person—and fools itself into seeing one in a machine.
November 18, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Reposted by Nick Proferes
luckytran.com
NEW: An analysis finds that NIH funding cuts have disrupted at least 383 clinical trials, affecting over 74,000 participants that were enrolled in studies that were testing treatments for conditions including cancer, heart disease and brain disease.
November 17, 2025 at 7:55 PM