Tom Mullaney
@tommullaney.bsky.social
Tom Mullaney (he/him) helps teachers design creative, inclusive lessons and think critically about generative AI, EdTech, and pedagogy.
🌐 tommullaney.com
📰 criticalinkling.com
No MAGA, Bitcoin, Crypto, or AI hype.
🌐 tommullaney.com
📰 criticalinkling.com
No MAGA, Bitcoin, Crypto, or AI hype.
Pinned
Tom Mullaney
@tommullaney.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Hello, #EduSky, I'm Tom Mullaney. I taught Special Education and Social Studies. Now I present to schools about educational technology. I write critically about AI in EDU.
www.criticalinkling.com
And I'm a face painter. Gotta support the team.
www.criticalinkling.com
And I'm a face painter. Gotta support the team.
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
This site brilliantly demonstrates the perils of relying on LLM generated content. It creates code to show a clock from nine popular models every minute. Changes within each model are alarming. Keep it on screen for 10 minutes, and tell me how you feel about relying on LLMs! clocks.brianmoore.com
AI World Clocks
The current time as rendered by 9 different AI models. By Brian Moore.
clocks.brianmoore.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 PM
This site brilliantly demonstrates the perils of relying on LLM generated content. It creates code to show a clock from nine popular models every minute. Changes within each model are alarming. Keep it on screen for 10 minutes, and tell me how you feel about relying on LLMs! clocks.brianmoore.com
I have seen "Gen AI is as good as those using it" so often on social media.
Heck no.
If a tool is so finicky that it has to be used just so to prevent generating harmful content, maybe the tool isn't very useful.
Put the onus on the company behind the tool, not the user.
#EduSky
Heck no.
If a tool is so finicky that it has to be used just so to prevent generating harmful content, maybe the tool isn't very useful.
Put the onus on the company behind the tool, not the user.
#EduSky
i receive so many emails from fellow researchers working in the AI accountability space looking to collaborate, join my lab, etc… while i appreciate each effort in this space, i am not interested in any effort focused on:
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
November 12, 2025 at 11:25 PM
I have seen "Gen AI is as good as those using it" so often on social media.
Heck no.
If a tool is so finicky that it has to be used just so to prevent generating harmful content, maybe the tool isn't very useful.
Put the onus on the company behind the tool, not the user.
#EduSky
Heck no.
If a tool is so finicky that it has to be used just so to prevent generating harmful content, maybe the tool isn't very useful.
Put the onus on the company behind the tool, not the user.
#EduSky
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
i'm interested in basic research that:
1. shines light on how existing platforms, models, & the industry at large operates
2.uncovers intentionally obscured info/data
3. is adversary to industry but informative to public. verifiable & independent body of knowledge to equip people to demand better
1. shines light on how existing platforms, models, & the industry at large operates
2.uncovers intentionally obscured info/data
3. is adversary to industry but informative to public. verifiable & independent body of knowledge to equip people to demand better
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM
i'm interested in basic research that:
1. shines light on how existing platforms, models, & the industry at large operates
2.uncovers intentionally obscured info/data
3. is adversary to industry but informative to public. verifiable & independent body of knowledge to equip people to demand better
1. shines light on how existing platforms, models, & the industry at large operates
2.uncovers intentionally obscured info/data
3. is adversary to industry but informative to public. verifiable & independent body of knowledge to equip people to demand better
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
i receive so many emails from fellow researchers working in the AI accountability space looking to collaborate, join my lab, etc… while i appreciate each effort in this space, i am not interested in any effort focused on:
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
November 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM
i receive so many emails from fellow researchers working in the AI accountability space looking to collaborate, join my lab, etc… while i appreciate each effort in this space, i am not interested in any effort focused on:
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
1. helping users (this puts the onus on users) navigate existing systems
1/
I'm seeing a lot of Gemini Certified Educators in my social media feeds. This is a good time to think critically about Gemini, how it is developed, and how it could impact (possibly harm) K-12 education. Be careful what you attach your name to.
www.criticalinkling.com/p/gemini-cer...
www.criticalinkling.com/p/gemini-cer...
Before You Become a Gemini Certified Educator
Be careful what you tie your name to.
www.criticalinkling.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:39 PM
I'm seeing a lot of Gemini Certified Educators in my social media feeds. This is a good time to think critically about Gemini, how it is developed, and how it could impact (possibly harm) K-12 education. Be careful what you attach your name to.
www.criticalinkling.com/p/gemini-cer...
www.criticalinkling.com/p/gemini-cer...
Career Update: I am excited to share that for the next four months, I will be teaching AP US History and US Government & Politics at an excellent high school in my area.
🖼️ by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
🖼️ by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Career Update: I am excited to share that for the next four months, I will be teaching AP US History and US Government & Politics at an excellent high school in my area.
🖼️ by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
🖼️ by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
I have a post up today about generative AI and the NBA 🏀
Sure enough, AI slop is one of the concerns - the Mavericks created a hype video that is textbook AI slop.
What happens if students think that AI slop is creativity?
www.criticalinkling.com/i/175954521/...
Sure enough, AI slop is one of the concerns - the Mavericks created a hype video that is textbook AI slop.
What happens if students think that AI slop is creativity?
www.criticalinkling.com/i/175954521/...
October 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM
I have a post up today about generative AI and the NBA 🏀
Sure enough, AI slop is one of the concerns - the Mavericks created a hype video that is textbook AI slop.
What happens if students think that AI slop is creativity?
www.criticalinkling.com/i/175954521/...
Sure enough, AI slop is one of the concerns - the Mavericks created a hype video that is textbook AI slop.
What happens if students think that AI slop is creativity?
www.criticalinkling.com/i/175954521/...
Happy NBA Opening Night! I have some concerns for education after seeing how generative AI has affected the NBA. #GenerativeAI #K12 #EduSky www.criticalinkling.com/p/generative...
What if Generative AI does to schools what it's doing to the NBA?
Generative AI's impact on the league is worrisome.
www.criticalinkling.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Happy NBA Opening Night! I have some concerns for education after seeing how generative AI has affected the NBA. #GenerativeAI #K12 #EduSky www.criticalinkling.com/p/generative...
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
Today is Grover's birthday and he is my favorite from Sesame Street.
Love his genuine humor and heart. 💙
Love his genuine humor and heart. 💙
October 14, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Today is Grover's birthday and he is my favorite from Sesame Street.
Love his genuine humor and heart. 💙
Love his genuine humor and heart. 💙
It is concerning that Governor Newsom vetoed this bill. It is even more concerning that tech companies lobbied so hard against protections for children. #GenerativeAI #EduSky www.sfgate.com/politics/art...
'Under tremendous pressure': Newsom vetoes long-awaited AI chatbot bill
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have barred youth use of AI chatbots.
www.sfgate.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:04 AM
It is concerning that Governor Newsom vetoed this bill. It is even more concerning that tech companies lobbied so hard against protections for children. #GenerativeAI #EduSky www.sfgate.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
The only one benefitting from tech in schools is the AI industy. More tech means higher rates of anxiety & depression and less learning. Stop companies from sucking the life out of kids. Books, paper, pens, a board, a quiet airy classroom...these work and are much cheaper.
I just watched this video about #EdTech from @moreperfectunion.bsky.social. As someone who has promoted technology in K12 classrooms for years, I have a lot to think about.
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
How Big Tech Uses YOUR Kids’ Classrooms To Sell THEIR Products
YouTube video by More Perfect Union
youtu.be
October 4, 2025 at 1:42 PM
The only one benefitting from tech in schools is the AI industy. More tech means higher rates of anxiety & depression and less learning. Stop companies from sucking the life out of kids. Books, paper, pens, a board, a quiet airy classroom...these work and are much cheaper.
I can't believe the Yankees defeated the Red Sox in a postseason series.
Helps me deal with some 2004 trauma just a little bit.
Helps me deal with some 2004 trauma just a little bit.
Hello, #EduSky, I'm Tom Mullaney. I taught Special Education and Social Studies. Now I present to schools about educational technology. I write critically about AI in EDU.
www.criticalinkling.com
And I'm a face painter. Gotta support the team.
www.criticalinkling.com
And I'm a face painter. Gotta support the team.
October 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I can't believe the Yankees defeated the Red Sox in a postseason series.
Helps me deal with some 2004 trauma just a little bit.
Helps me deal with some 2004 trauma just a little bit.
I just watched this video about #EdTech from @moreperfectunion.bsky.social. As someone who has promoted technology in K12 classrooms for years, I have a lot to think about.
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
How Big Tech Uses YOUR Kids’ Classrooms To Sell THEIR Products
YouTube video by More Perfect Union
youtu.be
October 4, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I just watched this video about #EdTech from @moreperfectunion.bsky.social. As someone who has promoted technology in K12 classrooms for years, I have a lot to think about.
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
Teachers: Watch this! #EduSky
youtu.be/aByWLQ7h2n0?...
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
In other news, sky is blue, sea is wet, and anyone who has worked with machine learning has known this all along
"In a landmark study, OpenAI researchers reveal that large language models will always produce plausible but false outputs, even with perfect data, due to fundamental statistical and computational limits."
www.computerworld.com/article/4059...
www.computerworld.com/article/4059...
OpenAI admits AI hallucinations are mathematically inevitable, not just engineering flaws
In a landmark study, OpenAI researchers reveal that large language models will always produce plausible but false outputs, even with perfect data, due to fundamental statistical and computational limi...
www.computerworld.com
September 21, 2025 at 7:51 PM
In other news, sky is blue, sea is wet, and anyone who has worked with machine learning has known this all along
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
this exists it is called thinking
September 20, 2025 at 12:15 PM
this exists it is called thinking
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 170: Words matter. Words are the conduit for ideas. Words can affect the way your readers see the world; how they behave; how they relate to others. Every political movement, every religion, philosophy, war, began with ideas, translated into words. Use them wisely.
September 18, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 170: Words matter. Words are the conduit for ideas. Words can affect the way your readers see the world; how they behave; how they relate to others. Every political movement, every religion, philosophy, war, began with ideas, translated into words. Use them wisely.
I often see "I'm a newly minted Gemini Certified Educator" on social media.
Please think long and hard about what you attach your name to. #EduSky
Please think long and hard about what you attach your name to. #EduSky
ChatGPT, Grok, Meta AI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek. Most refused to scam seniors — until we cajoled them or said we were a researcher or novelist. Read the full investigation here: reut.rs/3K400yU
September 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I often see "I'm a newly minted Gemini Certified Educator" on social media.
Please think long and hard about what you attach your name to. #EduSky
Please think long and hard about what you attach your name to. #EduSky
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
but let's focus on the *potential* benefits...
ChatGPT, Grok, Meta AI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek. Most refused to scam seniors — until we cajoled them or said we were a researcher or novelist. Read the full investigation here: reut.rs/3K400yU
September 15, 2025 at 9:11 PM
but let's focus on the *potential* benefits...
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000 fans! We're moving our livestream to Friday. In the meantime, @emilymbender.bsky.social and I are soooo close to a major download milestone! Share and subscribe to the pod and your AI skeptical friends.
www.buzzsprout.com/2126417
www.buzzsprout.com/2126417
Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000
Artificial Intelligence has too much hype. In this podcast, linguist Emily M. Bender and sociologist Alex Hanna break down the AI hype, separate fact from fiction, and science from bloviation. They're...
www.buzzsprout.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000 fans! We're moving our livestream to Friday. In the meantime, @emilymbender.bsky.social and I are soooo close to a major download milestone! Share and subscribe to the pod and your AI skeptical friends.
www.buzzsprout.com/2126417
www.buzzsprout.com/2126417
Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?
Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
N.L.'s 10-year education action plan cites sources that don't exist | CBC News
A major report on modernizing the education system in Newfoundland and Labrador is peppered with fake sources some educators say were likely fabricated by generative artificial intelligence.
www.cbc.ca
September 13, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?
Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Tom Mullaney
🧵 The summer of 2025 has been AI's "cruel summer"—wrongful deaths, dangerous therapy chatbots, medical misinformation, facial recognition failures. These aren't isolated glitches but predictable harms from systems deployed without adequate oversight. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
An ELSI for AI: Learning from genetics to govern algorithms
In the United States, the summer of 2025 will be remembered as artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) cruel summer—a season when the unheeded risks and dangers of AI became undeniably clear. Recent months h...
www.science.org
September 11, 2025 at 8:48 PM
🧵 The summer of 2025 has been AI's "cruel summer"—wrongful deaths, dangerous therapy chatbots, medical misinformation, facial recognition failures. These aren't isolated glitches but predictable harms from systems deployed without adequate oversight. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
I saw someone share that they are a Gemini-certified educator on social media yesterday. What are we doing here? What happened to solidarity? #EduSky #EdTech #genAI
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
September 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
I saw someone share that they are a Gemini-certified educator on social media yesterday. What are we doing here? What happened to solidarity? #EduSky #EdTech #genAI
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
I have heard people promoting #genAI in P-12 education say that it generates "human-like output with little to no human input."
It does not. It needs many exploited humans to function. Acknowledge them. #EduSky
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
It does not. It needs many exploited humans to function. Acknowledge them. #EduSky
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
How thousands of ‘overworked, underpaid’ humans train Google’s AI to seem smart
Contracted AI raters describe grueling deadlines, poor pay and opacity around work to make chatbots intelligent
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:53 PM
I have heard people promoting #genAI in P-12 education say that it generates "human-like output with little to no human input."
It does not. It needs many exploited humans to function. Acknowledge them. #EduSky
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
It does not. It needs many exploited humans to function. Acknowledge them. #EduSky
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
In my email from an #AIinEducation proponent this morning. Usually, the fear-based appeals are subtle. He just went for it today. #EduSky
September 7, 2025 at 2:11 PM
In my email from an #AIinEducation proponent this morning. Usually, the fear-based appeals are subtle. He just went for it today. #EduSky