samuel
@smlso.bsky.social
[taking a break from] phd student in hcde at university of washington
he/him
samuelso.net
he/him
samuelso.net
Reposted by samuel
This is fucking brilliant, and you should read it: lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:24 PM
This is fucking brilliant, and you should read it: lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Reposted by samuel
🚨NEW🚨 from DAIR:
Today we are releasing "Driven Down", a new report on how workplace technology enables Amazon to steal wages, hide labor,
intensify poor working conditions, and evade responsibility.
Read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1yBxy...
Today we are releasing "Driven Down", a new report on how workplace technology enables Amazon to steal wages, hide labor,
intensify poor working conditions, and evade responsibility.
Read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1yBxy...
October 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM
🚨NEW🚨 from DAIR:
Today we are releasing "Driven Down", a new report on how workplace technology enables Amazon to steal wages, hide labor,
intensify poor working conditions, and evade responsibility.
Read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1yBxy...
Today we are releasing "Driven Down", a new report on how workplace technology enables Amazon to steal wages, hide labor,
intensify poor working conditions, and evade responsibility.
Read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1yBxy...
Reposted by samuel
““They dragged little Greta [Thunberg] by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” the Turkish activist ErsinÇelik, a participant in the Sumud flotilla, told Anadolu news agency.”+
Israel accused of detaining Greta Thunberg in infested cell and making her hold flags
Activist tells Swedish officials she has been subjected to harsh treatment, including insufficient food and water
www.theguardian.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
““They dragged little Greta [Thunberg] by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” the Turkish activist ErsinÇelik, a participant in the Sumud flotilla, told Anadolu news agency.”+
Reposted by samuel
BREAKING: Our client Mario Guevara, an Emmy-winning journalist detained by ICE in retaliation for livestreaming law enforcement activity, will be deported tomorrow to El Salvador.
Mario and his family are being punished for his reporting. This cruelty is meant to stifle our free press.
Mario and his family are being punished for his reporting. This cruelty is meant to stifle our free press.
October 2, 2025 at 10:42 PM
BREAKING: Our client Mario Guevara, an Emmy-winning journalist detained by ICE in retaliation for livestreaming law enforcement activity, will be deported tomorrow to El Salvador.
Mario and his family are being punished for his reporting. This cruelty is meant to stifle our free press.
Mario and his family are being punished for his reporting. This cruelty is meant to stifle our free press.
"...it becomes hard to ignore how this fantasy of frictionless governance—the dream of a politics that provides a seamless user experience only for actors powerful enough to afford a premium membership— unites Trumpian platform authoritarianism and Democratic techno-solutionist centrism."
Tech elites want to use large language models to help generate consensus and repair democracy. But as Leo Kim writes, this is little more than ideological cover for authoritarianism.
thebaffler.com/latest/e-plu...
thebaffler.com/latest/e-plu...
E Pluribus Uh Oh | Leo Kim
“Pro-democracy” initiatives coming out of Silicon Valley are a sleight of hand. Platform authoritarianism is the end goal.
thebaffler.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
"...it becomes hard to ignore how this fantasy of frictionless governance—the dream of a politics that provides a seamless user experience only for actors powerful enough to afford a premium membership— unites Trumpian platform authoritarianism and Democratic techno-solutionist centrism."
Reposted by samuel
1/ It’s time to get real about Amazon and AI. Amazon coworkers: sign our open letter below to tell Amazon leadership that we need a more responsible rollout of AI. Everyone else: Send our letter to anyone who works at Amazon or even in the tech industry.
www.amazonclimatejustice.org/open-letter?...
www.amazonclimatejustice.org/open-letter?...
Open Letter — AECJ
www.amazonclimatejustice.org
September 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
1/ It’s time to get real about Amazon and AI. Amazon coworkers: sign our open letter below to tell Amazon leadership that we need a more responsible rollout of AI. Everyone else: Send our letter to anyone who works at Amazon or even in the tech industry.
www.amazonclimatejustice.org/open-letter?...
www.amazonclimatejustice.org/open-letter?...
Reposted by samuel
In this new piece, I explain why focusing only on red tape and proceduralism (as the Abundance thesis does) misses the bigger story about the American Political Economy and fails to explain the staggering build out of data centers across the country.
www.valueadded.tech/p/america-ca...
www.valueadded.tech/p/america-ca...
America can still build (data centers)
The Abundance thesis is that America can't build anymore, so how do we explain the surge of data center construction across the country?
www.valueadded.tech
September 17, 2025 at 3:49 PM
In this new piece, I explain why focusing only on red tape and proceduralism (as the Abundance thesis does) misses the bigger story about the American Political Economy and fails to explain the staggering build out of data centers across the country.
www.valueadded.tech/p/america-ca...
www.valueadded.tech/p/america-ca...
Reposted by samuel
What can #CSCW learn from tech workers who have been involved in collective action and unionization about how to make transformative change within our field?
My new #CSCW2025 paper with Mona Wang, Anna Konvicka, and Sarah Fox seeks to answer this question.
Pre-print: arxiv.org/pdf/2508.12579
My new #CSCW2025 paper with Mona Wang, Anna Konvicka, and Sarah Fox seeks to answer this question.
Pre-print: arxiv.org/pdf/2508.12579
August 28, 2025 at 2:14 PM
What can #CSCW learn from tech workers who have been involved in collective action and unionization about how to make transformative change within our field?
My new #CSCW2025 paper with Mona Wang, Anna Konvicka, and Sarah Fox seeks to answer this question.
Pre-print: arxiv.org/pdf/2508.12579
My new #CSCW2025 paper with Mona Wang, Anna Konvicka, and Sarah Fox seeks to answer this question.
Pre-print: arxiv.org/pdf/2508.12579
Reposted by samuel
For those at #chi2025, PhD student @smlso.bsky.social will present on “The Cruel Optimism of Tech Work: Tech Workers' Affective Attachments in the Aftermath of 2022-23 Tech Layoffs” in G302 at 5:08pm today.
It’s in a session where you may not look for this topic, so please come check it out!
It’s in a session where you may not look for this topic, so please come check it out!
April 30, 2025 at 3:16 AM
For those at #chi2025, PhD student @smlso.bsky.social will present on “The Cruel Optimism of Tech Work: Tech Workers' Affective Attachments in the Aftermath of 2022-23 Tech Layoffs” in G302 at 5:08pm today.
It’s in a session where you may not look for this topic, so please come check it out!
It’s in a session where you may not look for this topic, so please come check it out!
Reposted by samuel
BREAKING: An immigration court determined our client Mahmoud Khalil to be removable from the U.S. based solely on his political speech.
The fight isn't over — we'll keep fighting for Mahmoud's freedom and all of our First Amendment rights in federal court.
The fight isn't over — we'll keep fighting for Mahmoud's freedom and all of our First Amendment rights in federal court.
April 11, 2025 at 7:59 PM
BREAKING: An immigration court determined our client Mahmoud Khalil to be removable from the U.S. based solely on his political speech.
The fight isn't over — we'll keep fighting for Mahmoud's freedom and all of our First Amendment rights in federal court.
The fight isn't over — we'll keep fighting for Mahmoud's freedom and all of our First Amendment rights in federal court.
Reposted by samuel
For almost 2 weeks, Badar Khan Suri was kept in a room without a bed & with TV blaring 21 hrs/day.
He was given used underwear & red uniform "usually reserved" for "high security" detainees.
Not allowed to spend more than 2 hrs/week outside dorm.
His little son has stopped talking in his absence.
He was given used underwear & red uniform "usually reserved" for "high security" detainees.
Not allowed to spend more than 2 hrs/week outside dorm.
His little son has stopped talking in his absence.
April 8, 2025 at 9:10 PM
For almost 2 weeks, Badar Khan Suri was kept in a room without a bed & with TV blaring 21 hrs/day.
He was given used underwear & red uniform "usually reserved" for "high security" detainees.
Not allowed to spend more than 2 hrs/week outside dorm.
His little son has stopped talking in his absence.
He was given used underwear & red uniform "usually reserved" for "high security" detainees.
Not allowed to spend more than 2 hrs/week outside dorm.
His little son has stopped talking in his absence.
Reposted by samuel
This week, my Somerville constituent Rümeysa Öztürk was abducted in broad daylight by DHS officials and sent to Louisiana to be locked in a detention center. She has not been charged with any crime.
March 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM
This week, my Somerville constituent Rümeysa Öztürk was abducted in broad daylight by DHS officials and sent to Louisiana to be locked in a detention center. She has not been charged with any crime.
Reposted by samuel
#BREAKING: POMONA COLLEGE SAYS IT WILL TURN OVER STUDENT DISCIPLINARY RECORDS TO CONGRESS:
Pomona College said it would comply with a congressional request to hand over all disciplinary records related to pro-Palestine activity on campus.
These schools are fascist collaborators
Pomona College said it would comply with a congressional request to hand over all disciplinary records related to pro-Palestine activity on campus.
These schools are fascist collaborators
Pomona College will give protest disciplinary records to Congress
Rep. Tim Walberg sent a letter asking for records related to two divestment protests and other incidents. Pomona said they will "fully cooperate."
www.claremontundercurrents.com
March 29, 2025 at 3:32 AM
#BREAKING: POMONA COLLEGE SAYS IT WILL TURN OVER STUDENT DISCIPLINARY RECORDS TO CONGRESS:
Pomona College said it would comply with a congressional request to hand over all disciplinary records related to pro-Palestine activity on campus.
These schools are fascist collaborators
Pomona College said it would comply with a congressional request to hand over all disciplinary records related to pro-Palestine activity on campus.
These schools are fascist collaborators
Reposted by samuel
WA Farmworker activist Alfredo Juarez detained by ICE:
Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez is an outspoken advocate for farm worker rights. His supporters believe he was targeted for those beliefs.
www.king5.com/article/news...
Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez is an outspoken advocate for farm worker rights. His supporters believe he was targeted for those beliefs.
www.king5.com/article/news...
Farmworker activist Alfredo Juarez detained by ICE
Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez is an outspoken advocate for farm worker rights. His supporters believe he was targeted for those beliefs.
www.king5.com
March 27, 2025 at 8:55 PM
WA Farmworker activist Alfredo Juarez detained by ICE:
Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez is an outspoken advocate for farm worker rights. His supporters believe he was targeted for those beliefs.
www.king5.com/article/news...
Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez is an outspoken advocate for farm worker rights. His supporters believe he was targeted for those beliefs.
www.king5.com/article/news...
Reposted by samuel
"Everyone is fair game."
More than 300 students have apparently had their visas revoked in the 'Catch and Revoke' program for their solidarity with the right of Palestinians to exist.
www.axios.com/2025/03/27/t...
More than 300 students have apparently had their visas revoked in the 'Catch and Revoke' program for their solidarity with the right of Palestinians to exist.
www.axios.com/2025/03/27/t...
March 27, 2025 at 1:54 PM
"Everyone is fair game."
More than 300 students have apparently had their visas revoked in the 'Catch and Revoke' program for their solidarity with the right of Palestinians to exist.
www.axios.com/2025/03/27/t...
More than 300 students have apparently had their visas revoked in the 'Catch and Revoke' program for their solidarity with the right of Palestinians to exist.
www.axios.com/2025/03/27/t...
Reposted by samuel
Video of the international student at Tufts being arrested by "federal authorities" in Massachusetts has been released and it's terrifying.
They're not even uniformed officers. Just secret police thugs in hoodies and masks.
From WCVB: youtu.be/PuFIs7OkzYY
They're not even uniformed officers. Just secret police thugs in hoodies and masks.
From WCVB: youtu.be/PuFIs7OkzYY
March 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Video of the international student at Tufts being arrested by "federal authorities" in Massachusetts has been released and it's terrifying.
They're not even uniformed officers. Just secret police thugs in hoodies and masks.
From WCVB: youtu.be/PuFIs7OkzYY
They're not even uniformed officers. Just secret police thugs in hoodies and masks.
From WCVB: youtu.be/PuFIs7OkzYY
Reposted by samuel
A 21-year-old Columbia University student who has lived in the United States since she was a child sued President Trump and other high-ranking administration officials on Monday after immigration officials tried to arrest and deport her.
Yunseo Chung participated in a Barnard sit-in this month.
Yunseo Chung participated in a Barnard sit-in this month.
Columbia Student Hunted by ICE Sues to Prevent Deportation (Gift Article)
Yunseo Chung, a legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. since she was 7, participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Immigration agents visited residences looking for her.
www.nytimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
A 21-year-old Columbia University student who has lived in the United States since she was a child sued President Trump and other high-ranking administration officials on Monday after immigration officials tried to arrest and deport her.
Yunseo Chung participated in a Barnard sit-in this month.
Yunseo Chung participated in a Barnard sit-in this month.
Reposted by samuel
BREAKING: Yuval Abraham, co-director of Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," says Israeli settlers beat his co-director Hamdan Ballal, injuring his head and stomach — and then Israeli soldiers invaded the ambulance he was in and seized him.
Ballal's whereabouts are now unknown.
Ballal's whereabouts are now unknown.
March 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
BREAKING: Yuval Abraham, co-director of Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," says Israeli settlers beat his co-director Hamdan Ballal, injuring his head and stomach — and then Israeli soldiers invaded the ambulance he was in and seized him.
Ballal's whereabouts are now unknown.
Ballal's whereabouts are now unknown.
Reposted by samuel
🧵 IN SHOCKING MOVE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FIRES UNION PRESIDENT ONE DAY BEFORE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN, IN FURTHER CRACKDOWN ON FREE SPEECH
March 14, 2025 at 12:17 AM
🧵 IN SHOCKING MOVE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FIRES UNION PRESIDENT ONE DAY BEFORE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN, IN FURTHER CRACKDOWN ON FREE SPEECH
Reposted by samuel
looks like the DHS is scrubbing its website of references to abuse at its ICE facilities.
March 11, 2025 at 9:59 PM
looks like the DHS is scrubbing its website of references to abuse at its ICE facilities.
Reposted by samuel
NEWS: Last night, the Department of Homeland Security detained a Palestinian who helped lead the Columbia encampment.
Agents told him his visa was revoked. He said he had a green card. They were confused—then said that was revoked too.
His attorney demanded a warrant. Agents hung up instead.
Agents told him his visa was revoked. He said he had a green card. They were confused—then said that was revoked too.
His attorney demanded a warrant. Agents hung up instead.
BREAKING: DHS Detains Palestinian Student from Columbia Encampment, Says Advocates
Agents told him his student visa was revoked. But he had a green card. Agents then said that was revoked too.
zeteo.com
March 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
NEWS: Last night, the Department of Homeland Security detained a Palestinian who helped lead the Columbia encampment.
Agents told him his visa was revoked. He said he had a green card. They were confused—then said that was revoked too.
His attorney demanded a warrant. Agents hung up instead.
Agents told him his visa was revoked. He said he had a green card. They were confused—then said that was revoked too.
His attorney demanded a warrant. Agents hung up instead.
Reposted by samuel
The attempt to preemptively shut down a search to hire academics to teach Palestinian Studies, for fear of potential antisemitism, is a deep threat to academic freedom. And I hope everyone criticizing the Trump admin's threats to academic freedom is just as critical when it comes from a Democrat.
February 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The attempt to preemptively shut down a search to hire academics to teach Palestinian Studies, for fear of potential antisemitism, is a deep threat to academic freedom. And I hope everyone criticizing the Trump admin's threats to academic freedom is just as critical when it comes from a Democrat.
Reposted by samuel
in his statement "cancelling" congestion pricing, sean duffy calls people who ride the subway "an elite few" and i just feel as a communication professional that they gotta decide if they're going with that or crime-ridden drug den homeless shelter
February 19, 2025 at 5:59 PM
in his statement "cancelling" congestion pricing, sean duffy calls people who ride the subway "an elite few" and i just feel as a communication professional that they gotta decide if they're going with that or crime-ridden drug den homeless shelter
Reposted by samuel
hill i been dying on is that externalization/outscourcing of migration detention is template for global policing, new bilateral trade agreements, and pillar of global & regional imperialism of this era.
what was normalized for migrants is boomeranging for "citizens" already also disenfranchised.
what was normalized for migrants is boomeranging for "citizens" already also disenfranchised.
El Salvador to accept US deportees of any nationality, including imprisoned Americans, in unprecedented deal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says
El Salvador to accept US deportees of any nationality, as well as imprisoned Americans, in unprecedented deal | CNN
El Salvador has agreed to receive deportees from the United States of any nationality, including violent criminals who are US citizens currently imprisoned, in an unprecedented deal that has alarmed c...
www.cnn.com
February 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM
hill i been dying on is that externalization/outscourcing of migration detention is template for global policing, new bilateral trade agreements, and pillar of global & regional imperialism of this era.
what was normalized for migrants is boomeranging for "citizens" already also disenfranchised.
what was normalized for migrants is boomeranging for "citizens" already also disenfranchised.