Inside the Democrats’ new media strategy to reach voters and take on Trump
What's happening: Democrats are doubling down on social media, working with influencers and embracing new media formats to counter Republican messaging. Lawmakers are now acting as content creators, posting viral videos and collaborating with digital influencers to engage younger voters.
Who is involved:
Senators Cory Booker (NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (MA) led a coordinated "Sh*t that ain't true" video campaign to fact-check Trump’s claims.
The Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) is supporting lawmakers with social media training, equipment, and content strategies.
Influencers like Sulhee Jessica Woo ("bento box queen") and Brian Tyler Cohen are being brought in to amplify Democratic messaging.
Zoom in: Democrats are trying to replicate the right-wing media ecosystem but face challenges in authenticity and resonance. Viral content often gets mocked, and some Democrats worry about an overreliance on a small group of influencers. There are also discussions about credentialing content creators to cover Capitol Hill like traditional journalists.
Why it caught my attention: This shift underscores the growing role of social media in politics, but it also raises concerns about breaking through algorithm-driven echo chambers. Platforms prioritize engagement over balance, making it difficult for political messaging to reach beyond already-sympathetic audiences. It’s unclear if these efforts will truly expand Democrats' reach or just reinforce existing bubbles.
Source: The Washington Post
The A.I. Data Center Boom: A New Era in Computing
What’s happening: Tech giants are radically transforming computing infrastructure to support A.I. The shift requires massive investments in data centers, specialized chips, and power solutions, reshaping technology, finance, and energy.
Who is involved
Big Tech: OpenAI, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are pouring billions into A.I.-focused data centers.
Investors & Industries: Private equity firms, electricians, and power companies are capitalizing on the boom.
Local Communities: Some are benefiting from economic growth, while others resist due to environmental concerns.
Zoom in:
OpenAI and partners plan to spend $500 billion on new data centers.
Data center electricity use in the U.S. could triple by 2028, surpassing crypto mining.
Companies are turning to nuclear energy and alternative cooling methods to sustain A.I. demands.
Why it caught my attention: A.I. isn’t just a tool—it’s reshaping infrastructure, labor markets, and energy consumption. The way we design our socio-technical systems is shifting faster than ever, marking a new chapter in human-technology interaction.
Source: The New York Times
People are using Google’s new AI model to remove watermarks from images
What's happening: Users have discovered that Google's new Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model can effectively remove watermarks from images, including those from stock photo sites like Getty Images.
Who is involved:
Google: Developer of the Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model.
Content Creators & Stock Photo Agencies: Potentially affected by unauthorized use of their watermarked images.
Users: Utilizing the AI model to edit images, raising ethical and legal questions.
Zoom in:
Gemini 2.0 Flash not only removes watermarks but also fills in the gaps left behind, making the edits less detectable.
Other AI models, like Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI’s GPT-4o, refuse to remove watermarks, labeling such actions as unethical and potentially illegal.
Why it caught my attention: The emergence of AI tools capable of removing watermarks underscores the pressing need to balance technological advancement with the protection of artists' and creators' rights. While generative AI offers new creative avenues, it's crucial to establish boundaries that respect intellectual property and ensure fair use.
Source: TechCrunch