Esther de Weger
@estherdeweger.bsky.social
Senior researcher studying how we handle complex crises and why genuine public participation & dialogue matter more than ever. PhD: https://research.tilburguniversity.edu/en/publications/a-work-in-progress-successfully-engaging-communities-for-health-a
Pinned
www.verwey-jonker.nl
Onze literatuurstudie over #onlinegeweld #cybergeweld tussen Nederlandse burgers staat klaaar. Aard, omvang, onderliggende maatschappelijke redenen, impact op het individu en maatschappij en mogelijke interventies en beleidsmaatregelen. Het staat er allemaal in: www.verwey-jonker.nl/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Time to dump ChatGPT!
The latest model of ChatGPT has begun to cite Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as a source on a wide range of queries, including on Iranian conglomerates and Holocaust deniers, raising concerns about misinformation on the platform.
The latest model of ChatGPT has begun to cite Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as a source on a wide range of queries, including on Iranian conglomerates and Holocaust deniers, raising concerns about misinformation on the platform.
Latest ChatGPT model uses Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as source, tests reveal
Guardian found OpenAI’s platform cited Grokipedia on topics including Iran and Holocaust deniers
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:25 AM
Time to dump ChatGPT!
The latest model of ChatGPT has begun to cite Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as a source on a wide range of queries, including on Iranian conglomerates and Holocaust deniers, raising concerns about misinformation on the platform.
The latest model of ChatGPT has begun to cite Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as a source on a wide range of queries, including on Iranian conglomerates and Holocaust deniers, raising concerns about misinformation on the platform.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Binnenkort stemt de Eerste Kamer over de asielwetten van Marjolein Faber. Het zijn de ingrijpendste veranderingen sinds dertig jaar. Alle deskundigen benadrukken dat de wetten geen oplossing voor de problemen bieden. Sterker nog, dat ze die eerder zullen vergroten.
👉 buff.ly/R4RvumN
👉 buff.ly/R4RvumN
January 25, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Binnenkort stemt de Eerste Kamer over de asielwetten van Marjolein Faber. Het zijn de ingrijpendste veranderingen sinds dertig jaar. Alle deskundigen benadrukken dat de wetten geen oplossing voor de problemen bieden. Sterker nog, dat ze die eerder zullen vergroten.
👉 buff.ly/R4RvumN
👉 buff.ly/R4RvumN
Voor het eerst #kladiladi gebruikt. Zal het waarschijnlijk nooit meer doen. Maar wel leuk om te weten dat mijn #inburgering nu helemaal afgerond is
January 22, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Voor het eerst #kladiladi gebruikt. Zal het waarschijnlijk nooit meer doen. Maar wel leuk om te weten dat mijn #inburgering nu helemaal afgerond is
Reposted by Esther de Weger
RFK Jr’s new diet guidelines pose risks for health and the environment, experts say
RFK Jr’s new diet guidelines pose risks for health and the environment, experts say
US health department’s new food pyramid places red meat and cheese high in saturated fats over plant-based proteins
The new food pyramid rolled out in US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) places animal-based proteins, including cheese and red meats high in saturated fats, above plant-based proteins, which has raised alarm bells among health and environmental experts.
This rejiggered food pyramid is in line with Kennedy’s previous signals that he will recommend increasing saturated fat in US diets as part of the “Make America healthy again” movement. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:48 PM
RFK Jr’s new diet guidelines pose risks for health and the environment, experts say
Reposted by Esther de Weger
A real “tell your parents” paper (since everyone on Bsky is canonically 38).
Review of 21 studies of ppl over 50:
• Shingles vax associated w/47% lower risk of Alzheimer’s, 24% lower risk of any dementia
• Pneumonia vax had 36% lower risk of Alzheimer's
• Tdap had 33% lower risk of any dementia
Review of 21 studies of ppl over 50:
• Shingles vax associated w/47% lower risk of Alzheimer’s, 24% lower risk of any dementia
• Pneumonia vax had 36% lower risk of Alzheimer's
• Tdap had 33% lower risk of any dementia
Association between vaccinations and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AbstractImportance. Dementia is a highly prevalent issue in older people. Whilst the prevention of dementia is a public health priority, the role of vaccin
academic.oup.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:48 AM
A real “tell your parents” paper (since everyone on Bsky is canonically 38).
Review of 21 studies of ppl over 50:
• Shingles vax associated w/47% lower risk of Alzheimer’s, 24% lower risk of any dementia
• Pneumonia vax had 36% lower risk of Alzheimer's
• Tdap had 33% lower risk of any dementia
Review of 21 studies of ppl over 50:
• Shingles vax associated w/47% lower risk of Alzheimer’s, 24% lower risk of any dementia
• Pneumonia vax had 36% lower risk of Alzheimer's
• Tdap had 33% lower risk of any dementia
Reposted by Esther de Weger
600-year-old #Viking #shipwreck is the largest of its kind. The medieval ‘cog’ was nearly 92 feet long and featured castles on its bow and stern.
Link for more information and photos: www.popsci.com/science/larg...
Link for more information and photos: www.popsci.com/science/larg...
January 16, 2026 at 11:21 PM
600-year-old #Viking #shipwreck is the largest of its kind. The medieval ‘cog’ was nearly 92 feet long and featured castles on its bow and stern.
Link for more information and photos: www.popsci.com/science/larg...
Link for more information and photos: www.popsci.com/science/larg...
Bezig met onderzoek naar hoe participatievormen voor burgers & maatschappelijke orgs verbeterd kunnen worden, rekening houdend met mogelijke maatschappelijke, technologische en institutionele trends. Voorlopige inzichten gaan we toetsen via dialoogsessies. #participatie #burgerparticipatie #overheid
January 16, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Bezig met onderzoek naar hoe participatievormen voor burgers & maatschappelijke orgs verbeterd kunnen worden, rekening houdend met mogelijke maatschappelijke, technologische en institutionele trends. Voorlopige inzichten gaan we toetsen via dialoogsessies. #participatie #burgerparticipatie #overheid
Reposted by Esther de Weger
“The data shows a planet warming faster than policy response, storms intensifying alongside rising seas, and economic losses concentrating where resilience is weakest. Climate risk is now a planning variable, rather than a forecast uncertainty.” www.forbes.com/sites/dianne...
In 2026, Climate Change Is No Longer A Theoretical Risk
In 2026, climate change threatens human safety, natural systems & economic stability, as data shows accelerating warming, stronger storms, rising seas and growing losses.
www.forbes.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:12 PM
“The data shows a planet warming faster than policy response, storms intensifying alongside rising seas, and economic losses concentrating where resilience is weakest. Climate risk is now a planning variable, rather than a forecast uncertainty.” www.forbes.com/sites/dianne...
Reposted by Esther de Weger
My Stop the Presses newsletter calls for more aggressive action by the media to be "radically truthful" and defeat the liars:
/ Correct *every* lie uttered on your platform.
/ Put Trump's remarks on tape delay for proper fact checks.
/ Cut off liars in mid-interview and ban them from your airwaves.
/ Correct *every* lie uttered on your platform.
/ Put Trump's remarks on tape delay for proper fact checks.
/ Cut off liars in mid-interview and ban them from your airwaves.
How to build a radically truthful news outlet
The old ways don’t work. Time to declare war on the liars.
www.stopthepresses.news
January 12, 2026 at 5:21 PM
My Stop the Presses newsletter calls for more aggressive action by the media to be "radically truthful" and defeat the liars:
/ Correct *every* lie uttered on your platform.
/ Put Trump's remarks on tape delay for proper fact checks.
/ Cut off liars in mid-interview and ban them from your airwaves.
/ Correct *every* lie uttered on your platform.
/ Put Trump's remarks on tape delay for proper fact checks.
/ Cut off liars in mid-interview and ban them from your airwaves.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Watch this clip for a concise explanation of a "pro democracy" press: the arguments for it, examples of how it works in practice, my warnings if it never happens— all from five years ago.
Watch to the end and you will see my attempt at a mic drop.
www.cnn.com/videos/busin...
Watch to the end and you will see my attempt at a mic drop.
www.cnn.com/videos/busin...
Professor Jay Rosen on ‘pro-democracy’ agenda for media | CNN Business
The GOP is trying to erase “a world of common facts,” and this is an enormous challenge for journalists, Jay Rosen says. He says news organizations should take up a “pro-democracy” agenda while helpin...
www.cnn.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Watch this clip for a concise explanation of a "pro democracy" press: the arguments for it, examples of how it works in practice, my warnings if it never happens— all from five years ago.
Watch to the end and you will see my attempt at a mic drop.
www.cnn.com/videos/busin...
Watch to the end and you will see my attempt at a mic drop.
www.cnn.com/videos/busin...
#Onlinegeweld raakt niet alleen individuen, maar ook het #publiekedebat. Ons eindrapport laat zien:
- De verschillende vormen;
- Onderliggende mechanismen & oorzaken;
- Gevolgen voor individu, dialoog, democratie;
- Handelingsperspectief voor beleid & praktijk.
www.verwey-jonker.nl/wp-content/u...
- De verschillende vormen;
- Onderliggende mechanismen & oorzaken;
- Gevolgen voor individu, dialoog, democratie;
- Handelingsperspectief voor beleid & praktijk.
www.verwey-jonker.nl/wp-content/u...
January 9, 2026 at 1:27 PM
#Onlinegeweld raakt niet alleen individuen, maar ook het #publiekedebat. Ons eindrapport laat zien:
- De verschillende vormen;
- Onderliggende mechanismen & oorzaken;
- Gevolgen voor individu, dialoog, democratie;
- Handelingsperspectief voor beleid & praktijk.
www.verwey-jonker.nl/wp-content/u...
- De verschillende vormen;
- Onderliggende mechanismen & oorzaken;
- Gevolgen voor individu, dialoog, democratie;
- Handelingsperspectief voor beleid & praktijk.
www.verwey-jonker.nl/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Esther de Weger
The Trump administration has overhauled the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule, and among those clipped is the rotavirus vaccine. @katherinejwu.com interviewed one of the scientists who developed it:
America’s U-Turn on Childhood Vaccinations
A leading vaccine expert on what the country’s newly overhauled immunization schedule means for children
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 1:59 AM
The Trump administration has overhauled the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule, and among those clipped is the rotavirus vaccine. @katherinejwu.com interviewed one of the scientists who developed it:
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Improving access to safe abortion care reduces maternal mortality and morbidity, supports gender equality, and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.
Understanding Abortion Care: WHO Guidelines, Global Health Impact, and Access Challenges
Comprehensive overview of abortion care based on WHO health guidelines. Learn about safe abortion procedures, global statistics, healthcare access barriers, and the impact on maternal health worldwide...
observervoice.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Improving access to safe abortion care reduces maternal mortality and morbidity, supports gender equality, and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.
Goed dat dit zo is opgepakt, maar nu ook minder focus op de individuen en meer op het sociale media ecosysteem
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Paris court finds 10 people guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron – Europe live
Eight men and two women convicted after making malicious comments about French first lady’s gender and sexuality online
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Goed dat dit zo is opgepakt, maar nu ook minder focus op de individuen en meer op het sociale media ecosysteem
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social articles in the December and January issues:
Here are people doing cool science that will cure disease or help us understand the natural world. It is being defunded by the Trump administration.
Here are people doing cool science that will cure disease or help us understand the natural world. It is being defunded by the Trump administration.
December 27, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social articles in the December and January issues:
Here are people doing cool science that will cure disease or help us understand the natural world. It is being defunded by the Trump administration.
Here are people doing cool science that will cure disease or help us understand the natural world. It is being defunded by the Trump administration.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Nederlanders kleden zich slecht. Heel slecht. We zijn het enige volk ter wereld dat op een bruiloft verschijnt met een Eastpak-rugzak van 40 liter en op een begrafenis met een slobbertrui www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
Hallo werkend Nederland. Ga je eens wat netter kleden!
Bergschoenen, fleece truien, rugzakken – Nederlanders kleden zich op hun werk alsof ze gaan bergwandelen. „Het is lamlendigheid”, schrijft Japke-d. Bouma. „We hebben het opgegeven.”
www.nrc.nl
October 27, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Nederlanders kleden zich slecht. Heel slecht. We zijn het enige volk ter wereld dat op een bruiloft verschijnt met een Eastpak-rugzak van 40 liter en op een begrafenis met een slobbertrui www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
Reposted by Esther de Weger
We condemn the scandalous US visa ban on former EU Commisioner Breton and digital activists. Protecting democracy isn’t censorship. ✋🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
December 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We condemn the scandalous US visa ban on former EU Commisioner Breton and digital activists. Protecting democracy isn’t censorship. ✋🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Wetenschappers in de VS zetten CO2 met succes om in appelzuur, smaakstof voor snoep en wijn
Wetenschappers in de VS zetten CO2 met succes om in appelzuur, smaakstof voor snoep en wijn
www.volkskrant.nl
December 25, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Wetenschappers in de VS zetten CO2 met succes om in appelzuur, smaakstof voor snoep en wijn
Reposted by Esther de Weger
What we have now is a two-tiered society with a wealthy few at the top and the vast majority of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
It’s corrosive to our economy and democracy.
It’s corrosive to our economy and democracy.
December 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
What we have now is a two-tiered society with a wealthy few at the top and the vast majority of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
It’s corrosive to our economy and democracy.
It’s corrosive to our economy and democracy.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
This is an excellent read. The more you know. #Science 🧪
“… we were advancing toward elimination of hepatitis B in the United States,” says Ward “I am deeply concerned that if the ACIP rescinds this policy, they’re going to contribute to the spread of hepatitis B rather than its elimination.”
“… we were advancing toward elimination of hepatitis B in the United States,” says Ward “I am deeply concerned that if the ACIP rescinds this policy, they’re going to contribute to the spread of hepatitis B rather than its elimination.”
Hepatitis B vaccine guidance set to be rolled back for US babies: what the science says
A panel of US vaccine advisers voted to rescind a recommendation that all newborns should receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
www.nature.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:29 PM
This is an excellent read. The more you know. #Science 🧪
“… we were advancing toward elimination of hepatitis B in the United States,” says Ward “I am deeply concerned that if the ACIP rescinds this policy, they’re going to contribute to the spread of hepatitis B rather than its elimination.”
“… we were advancing toward elimination of hepatitis B in the United States,” says Ward “I am deeply concerned that if the ACIP rescinds this policy, they’re going to contribute to the spread of hepatitis B rather than its elimination.”
Reposted by Esther de Weger
73% of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions, according to govt data.
Don’t fall for Trump’s lies about targeting the “worst of the worst.”
As ICE terrorizes cities to fill up detention centers, remember that some of Trump's major donors are private prison corporations.
Don’t fall for Trump’s lies about targeting the “worst of the worst.”
As ICE terrorizes cities to fill up detention centers, remember that some of Trump's major donors are private prison corporations.
December 6, 2025 at 11:01 PM
73% of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions, according to govt data.
Don’t fall for Trump’s lies about targeting the “worst of the worst.”
As ICE terrorizes cities to fill up detention centers, remember that some of Trump's major donors are private prison corporations.
Don’t fall for Trump’s lies about targeting the “worst of the worst.”
As ICE terrorizes cities to fill up detention centers, remember that some of Trump's major donors are private prison corporations.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
The 20 best songs of 2025
The 20 best songs of 2025
This year’s outstanding tracks – from post-punk rap to indie-disco and operatic pop – as voted for by 30 Guardian music writers
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:36 AM
The 20 best songs of 2025
Reposted by Esther de Weger
De PVV, die altijd de mond vol heeft over doen wat de kiezer wil, vindt dat we naar déze kiezers⤵️ juist niet moeten luisteren #burgerberaad. Dat hoor ik een PVV’er zeggen in NOS Journaal. Naar kiezers luisteren geldt kennelijk alleen wanneer ze zeggen wat PVV goed uitkomt.
Enkele zojuist verschenen adviezen uit het Burgerberaad Klimaat:
-Minder voedselverspilling
-Stimuleren duurzame landbouw
-Een verplichte garantie van 6 jaar voor apparaten
-Hogere belasting op kerosine
-Stimuleren fietsgebruik
Lees het gehele advies hier: burgerberaadklimaat.nl/advies/defau...
-Minder voedselverspilling
-Stimuleren duurzame landbouw
-Een verplichte garantie van 6 jaar voor apparaten
-Hogere belasting op kerosine
-Stimuleren fietsgebruik
Lees het gehele advies hier: burgerberaadklimaat.nl/advies/defau...
Advies - Burgerberaad klimaat
Advies
burgerberaadklimaat.nl
December 1, 2025 at 7:27 PM
De PVV, die altijd de mond vol heeft over doen wat de kiezer wil, vindt dat we naar déze kiezers⤵️ juist niet moeten luisteren #burgerberaad. Dat hoor ik een PVV’er zeggen in NOS Journaal. Naar kiezers luisteren geldt kennelijk alleen wanneer ze zeggen wat PVV goed uitkomt.
Reposted by Esther de Weger
Energy transitions can happen faster than we think:
In 2000 almost 90% of Denmark's electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2024 less than 10% of Danish electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2000 almost 90% of Denmark's electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2024 less than 10% of Danish electricity was from fossil fuels.
December 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Energy transitions can happen faster than we think:
In 2000 almost 90% of Denmark's electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2024 less than 10% of Danish electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2000 almost 90% of Denmark's electricity was from fossil fuels.
In 2024 less than 10% of Danish electricity was from fossil fuels.