#smartphone activism

[1randomweirdo]

Forgot to share this yesterday!

Hey my fellow Americans, remember Net Neutrality? (Remember the douche with the comically oversized 'reese's pieces' coffee mug, Ajit Pai?) Quick rehash: Pai repealed it, and lacking Net Neutrality means Big Tech/Phone companies can hinder, slow, or block access to any sites they want for any reason (perhaps some of you recall Verizon throttling service of firefighters out west *while they were battling wildfires* - or how ads now just say internet speeds may decrease during peak hours? Net Neutrality makes it so that can't happen)

Well now that the aforementioned douche is not there, the FCC is considering restoring it! This is *huge*, and there's an easy way to submit comments to both the FCC *and* your members of Congress, below.

It's a pre-made form letter; all you have to do is enter your info (though I recommend adding something to the letter, just to prove to the recipients that they're not getting bot comments. Even just adding your name and saying "I agree with the comments below" or something is fine)

An action we can all take, that just takes a few moments (just be sure to uncheck the boxes at the bottom if you don't want to be added to email lists)

Link to send comments to FCC:

[shitpostingfromthebarricade]

Aw, cute.

[objecthusbandry]

Have you thought that Nugget may simply be processing your words audibly when he mimics "No"? Their mind is different from ours and I've noted parrots that seem to do this AS they do actions they shouldn't. Almost like it's a thought in their head they just have trouble not saying?

.

[nordic-language-love]

Can someone please tell me the benefits of giving kids smartphones

[dragonowlie]

honesty accidentally saying off tumblr (and social media in general) for a week has been so chill. it feels like my mental health has improved (even tho i know it has not, actually), so i've decided to under no circumstances at all update my app and force me to experience tumblr in a much healthier way - through designated Computer Time (tm) on my laptop, which in contrast to my pone i do not bring with me at every occasion, lol

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

The Second Golden Age of Audio: The Rise of Podcasts

Podcasts might bring to mind the nostalgia of yesteryear’s radio, but they have undeniably ushered in what many are calling the second golden age of audio. Since their inception, podcasts have evolved from niche hobbyist projects to mainstream media platforms, capturing the imaginations of millions. This surge in popularity, particularly noticeable after 2014, can be attributed to the rapid advancements in technology and the pervasive reach of the Internet. Today, people of all ages and from all corners of the globe are hooked on podcasts, finding them a convenient and engaging way to seek information, entertainment, and education.

The Evolution of Podcasts

The term "podcast" was coined in 2004, blending "iPod" and "broadcast." However, it wasn't until the technological advancements of the mid-2010s that podcasts truly began to flourish. The proliferation of smartphones, improvements in mobile internet speeds, and the development of user-friendly podcast apps contributed significantly to this boom.

Laptops and Mobile Phones: These devices have become the primary means through which people consume podcasts. With the advent of more powerful and affordable smartphones, access to podcasts became more widespread. Users can now listen to their favorite shows on the go, whether during a commute, workout, or while doing household chores.

Apps and Streaming Services: The rise of platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other dedicated podcast apps has made discovering and subscribing to podcasts easier than ever. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with other media services.

Other Technologies: Smart speakers and voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, have further expanded the accessibility of podcasts. These devices allow users to play episodes with simple voice commands, integrating podcasts into their daily routines effortlessly.

The Growing Popularity of Podcasts

As technology made podcasts more accessible, people's habits and preferences began to shift. The Internet's ubiquitous presence has fundamentally changed how we seek and consume information. Here are some factors contributing to the exponential rise in podcast popularity:

Convenience and Flexibility: Podcasts offer unparalleled convenience. Unlike traditional radio or TV, podcasts can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Listeners can choose from a vast array of topics and genres, fitting their consumption around their own schedules. This flexibility has made podcasts a favorite medium for multitaskers.

Diverse Content: The podcasting world is incredibly diverse. There are shows covering virtually every topic imaginable, from true crime and history to science fiction and self-improvement. This diversity caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Engagement and Connection: Podcasts create a unique sense of intimacy and connection between hosts and listeners. The audio format allows for personal storytelling and in-depth discussions, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust. This engagement is often more profound than what other media formats can offer.

Educational Value: Many podcasts provide educational content, making learning accessible and enjoyable. From language learning podcasts to deep dives into academic subjects, podcasts have become a valuable tool for lifelong learning.

Community Building: Podcasts often build dedicated communities of listeners who share common interests. This sense of community is reinforced through social media interactions, live events, and listener participation segments, further enhancing the podcast experience.

The Impact of Podcasts on Information Seeking Habits

The rise of podcasts has significantly influenced how people seek information and entertainment. Here are some key ways in which podcasts have reshaped these habits:

On-Demand Information: The on-demand nature of podcasts aligns with modern information-seeking habits. People are no longer bound by broadcast schedules; they can access the information they want, when they want it. This immediacy has changed expectations for content consumption.

Multitasking: Podcasts have become the go-to medium for multitaskers. Whether driving, exercising, or cooking, people can absorb content while engaged in other activities. This ability to multitask has expanded the time available for learning and entertainment.

Personalization: Podcast platforms use algorithms to recommend shows based on listening history, making it easier for users to discover new content tailored to their preferences. This personalization enhances the user experience and encourages continued engagement.

Depth and Detail: Unlike traditional media, podcasts often delve deep into subjects, providing detailed analysis and long-form discussions. This depth of content appeals to those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.

The Future of Podcasts

The future of podcasts looks incredibly promising. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which we create and consume audio content. Here are some trends and developments to watch for in the coming years:

Continued Technological Advancements: Advances in AI and machine learning will likely improve podcast recommendations and discoverability. Enhanced voice recognition technology will make interacting with podcasts even more seamless.

Monetization and Professionalization: As the industry grows, more opportunities for monetization will emerge. This could lead to higher production values and more professionally produced content, attracting even larger audiences.

Interactive Podcasts: The future might see the rise of interactive podcasts, where listeners can influence the direction of the content in real-time, creating a more engaging and participatory experience.

Global Reach: Podcasts are already popular worldwide, but as internet access improves in developing regions, their reach will expand even further. This global audience will bring new voices and perspectives to the medium.

Integration with Other Media: Podcasts are increasingly being integrated with other forms of media, such as video and social media platforms. This cross-media integration will create new ways for audiences to engage with content.

Conclusion

Podcasts have undeniably ushered in a second golden age of audio, transforming how we seek information, entertainment, and education. The combination of technological advancements and shifting consumer habits has propelled podcasts to unprecedented popularity. With their convenience, diverse content, and unique ability to engage listeners, podcasts are here to stay. As we look to the future, the podcasting landscape will continue to evolve, offering even more innovative and immersive experiences for audiences around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just discovering the medium, there has never been a better time to dive into the world of podcasts.

[ineeners]

In overall good, functioning condition. The back is scuffed up and the battery drains a little fast and there's two "smudges" on two corners of the screen. Not sure what they are but they've been there since I got the phone and never caused any issues or affected how the screen works. It has been reset and is ready for someone else to set up and use. Does not come with a charger, but will be charged before shipping. See listing for all images!

[vorbisx]

Replacing physical buttons and controls with touchscreens also means removing accessibility features. Physical buttons can be textured or have Braille and can be located by touch and don't need to be pressed with a bare finger. Touchscreens usually require precise taps and hand-eye coordination for the same task.

Many point-of-sale machines now are essentially just a smartphone with a card reader attached and the interface. The control layout can change at a moment's notice and there are no physical boundaries between buttons. With a keypad-style machine, the buttons are always in the same place and can be located by touch, especially since the middle button has a raised ridge on it.

Buttons can also be located by touch without activating them, which enables a "locate then press" style of interaction which is not possible on touchscreens, where even light touches will register as presses and the buttons must be located visually rather than by touch.

When elevator or door controls are replaced by touch screens, will existing accessibility features be preserved, or will some people no longer be able to use those controls?

Who is allowed to control the physical world, and who is making that decision?

[onemonitarsoftware]

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[healthy-minds30]

Answer of Question 1:

In 2022, the modern telecommunication revolution started because of the advanced mobile technology (Srivastava, 2005). This handy portable device goes beyond the means of communication (call, text message) in daily life. People use mobile for banking, reading news/books, playing games, education, entertainment, e-tickets (traveling, cinema, sports stadium, hotel), voting, online shopping, healthcare services, taking pictures/videos, or writing documents. Despite the above beneficial usage of cell phones, people connect with millions of other people around the world just by one click on social media sites or apps like Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, etc.

Smartphone technology and internet connection provide freedom of speech to everybody, which also successfully leads to social injustice activism movements. People start listening and reacting to what they like to hear or what they don’t like to hear that is instantaneously available through any social media platform. (Khan, 2024). News feeds, group communications (networking sites/WhatsApp), thousands of profiles (percentage of account creating growing annually), and circulations of messages or videos in a few seconds are some of the advanced characteristics of cell phones that old-fashioned means of communication like television, radio, and newspaper failed to introduce for audience attraction (Maryville University,2019).  

Additionally, smartphones dramatically contribute to raising voices for social injustice (human rights) because they offer different languages for typing, recording options are best for uneducated audiences, and the sign-up procedure of social media sites or apps is so simple.  E.g: largest political  #ThisWasNotOnTV.movement in Pakistan operate magnificently because of the above-mentioned features of social media (Jahangir, 2023).

Globally, numerous examples have been documenting that cell phones played an important role in social activism activities e.g. in 2001, Philippines president Joseph Estrada resigned as a result of an SMS campaign run by the citizens because he utilizing their tax-payer income into gambling (Srivastava, 2005) and (Global Nonviolent Action Database, 2001), Indian Trade Association in 2003 used SMS service to protest against VAT imposed rule (Srivastava, 2005), Shanghai Police used mobile service as a tool to warn citizen not to be a part of Anti-Japan protest in 2005 (The Digital and Development Network, 2007). The violence recorded in the case of Eric Garner through cell phones caused issues for New York Police Department Officers in 2014 (Sanburn,2014).

It concluded that human voice power is overruled at social media sites or apps for leading social injustice movements effectively. The culprit person’s capital, society, and job power cannot save him from losing renown status.

References

Srivastava, L. (2005). Mobile phones and the evolution of social behavior. Behavior & Information Technology. Vol. 24, No. 2, pg111-129. https://doi.org/10.1080/01449290512331321910

Sanburn, J. (2014). Behind the video of Eric Garner’s Deadly Confrontation with New York Police. Time. https://time.com/3016326/eric-garner-video-police-chokehold-death/

Global Nonviolent Action Database (2001). Philippine citizens overthrow President Joseph Estrada (People Power II). Global Nonviolent Action Database. https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/philippine-citizens-overthrow-president-joseph-estrada-people-power-ii-2001

Maryville University (November 25, 2019). A Guide to Activism in the Digital Age. Maryville University. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/a-guide-to-social-media-activism/

Khan, M. (March 24, 2024). How the internet changed modern activism. Medium. https://medium.com/@khan0689/how-the-internet-changed-modern-activism-a878fe5fcc9c

The Digital and Development Network (June 22, 2007). Mobile Phone and Social Activism. The Digital and Development Network. https://www.comminit.com/ict-4-development/content/mobile-phones-and-social-activism#:~:text=Other%20activist%20uses%20of%20mobiles,demonstrations%20and%20other%20news%20events.

Jahangir, R. (May 25, 2023). Imran Khan is fighting Pakistan’s army with Twitter. .coda. https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/pakistan-imran-khan-social-media/

[gothhabiba]

🍉🇵🇸 eSims for Gaza masterpost 🇵🇸🍉

Which eSims are currently being called for?

Connecting Humanity is calling for:

Nomad (“regional Middle East” plan): code NOMADCNG (they are completely out)

Simly (“Palestine” and “Middle East” plans)

Airalo (“Discover” plan)

Gaza Online is calling for:

Holafly (“Israel” and “Egypt” plans): code HOLACNG

Nomad (“regional Middle East” plan): code NOMADCNG (can now be used multiple times from the same email)

Airalo (“Middle East and North Africa” plan)

Sparks (“Israel” plan)

Numero (“Egypt” plan)

For Connecting Humanity: if you sent an eSim more than two weeks ago and it is still valid and not yet activated, reply to the email in which you originally sent the eSim. To determine whether the eSim is still valid, scan the QR code with a smartphone; tap the yellow button that reads “Cellular plan”; when a screen comes up reading “Activate eSIM,” click the button that says “Continue.” If a message comes up reading “eSIM Cannot Be Added: This code is no longer valid. Contact your carrier for more information,” the eSim is activated, expired, or had an error in installation, and should not be sent. It is very important not to re-send invalid eSims, since people may walk several kilometers to access wifi to connect their eSims only to find out that they cannot be activated.

If a screen appears reading “Activate eSIM: An eSIM is ready to be activated” with a button asking you to “Continue,” do not click “Continue” to activate the eSim on your phone; exit out of the screen and reply to the email containing that QR code.

Be sure you're looking at the original post, as this will be continually updated. Any new instructions about replying to emails for specific types of unactivated plans will also appear here.

Check the notes of blackpearlblasts's eSim post, as well as fairuzfan's 'esim' tag, for referral and discount codes.

How do I purchase an eSim?

If you cannot download an app or manage an eSim yourself, send funds to Crips for eSims for Gaza (Visa; Mastercard; Paypal; AmEx; Canadian e-transfer), or to me (venmo @gothhabiba; paypal.me/Najia; cash app $NajiaK, with note “esims” or similar; check the notes of this post for updates on what I've purchased.)

You can purchase an eSim yourself using a mobile phone app, or on a desktop computer (with the exception of Simly, which does not have a desktop site). See this screenreader-accessible guide to purchasing an eSim through each of the five services that the Connecting Humanity team is calling for (Simly, Nomad, Mogo, Holafly, and Airalo).

Send a screenshot of the plan's QR code to gazaesims@gmail.com. Be sure to include the app used, the word "esim," the type of plan (when an app has more than one, aka "regional Middle East" versus "Palestine"), and the amount of data or time on the plan, in the subject line or body of your email.

Message me if you have any questions or if you need help purchasing an eSim through one of these apps.

If you’re going to be purchasing many eSims at once, see Jane Shi’s list of tips.

Which app should I use?

Try to buy an eSim from one of the apps that the team is currently calling for (see above).

If the team is calling for multiple apps:

Nomad is best in terms of data price, app navigability, and ability to top up when they are near expiry; but eSims must be stayed on top of, as you cannot top them up once the data has completely run out. Go into the app settings and make sure your "data usage" notifcations are turned on.

Simly Middle East plans cannot be topped up; Simly Palestine ones can. Unlike with Nomad, data can be topped up once it has completely run out.

Holafly has the most expensive data, and top-ups don't seem to work.

Mogo has the worst user interface in my opinion. It is difficult or impossible to see plan activation and usage.

How much data should I purchase?

Mirna el-Helbawi has been told that large families may all rely on the same plan for data (by setting up a hotspot). Some recipients of eSim plans may also be using them to upload video.

For those reasons I would recommend getting the largest plan you can afford for plans which cannot be topped up: namely, Simly "Middle East" plans, and Holafly plans (they say you can top them up, but I haven't heard of anyone who has gotten it to work yet).

For all other plans, get a relatively small amount of data (1-3 GB, a 3-day plan, etc.), and top up the plan with more data once it is activated. Go into the app’s settings and make sure low-data notifications are on, because a 1-GB eSIM can expire very quickly.

Is there anything else I need to do?

Check back regularly to see if the plan has been activated. Once it's been activated, check once a day to see if data is still being used, and how close the eSim is to running out of data or to expiring; make sure your notifications are on.

If the eSim hasn't been activated after three weeks or so, reply to the original email that you sent to Gaza eSims containing the QR code for that plan.

If you purchased the eSim through an app which has a policy of starting the countdown to auto-expiry a certain amount of time after the purchase of the eSim, rather than only upon activation (Nomad does this), then also reply to your original e-mail once you're within a few days of this date. If you're within 12 hours of that date, contact customer service and ask for a credit (not a refund) and use it to purchase and send another eSim.

How can I tell if my plan has been activated? How do I top up a plan?

The Connecting Humanity team recommends keeping your eSims topped up once they have been activated.

See this guide on how to tell if your plan has been activated, how to top up plans, and (for Nomad) how to tell when the auto-expiry will start. Keep topping up the eSim for as long as the data usage keeps ticking up. This keeps a person or family connected for longer, without the Connecting Humanity team having to go through another process of installing a new eSim.

If the data usage hasn't changed in a week or so, allow the plan to expire and purchase another one.

What if I can't afford a larger plan, or don't have time or money to keep topping up an eSim?

I have set up a pool of funds out of which to buy and top up eSims, which you can contribute to by sending funds to my venmo (@gothhabiba), PayPal (paypal.me/Najia), or cash app ($NajiaK) (with note “esims” or similar). Check the notes of this post for updates on what I've purchased, which plans are active, and how much data they've used.

Crips for eSims for Gaza also has a donation pool to purchase eSims and top them up.

Gaza Online (run by alumni of Gaza Sky Geeks) accepts monetary donations to purchase eSims as needed.

What if my eSim has not been activated, even after I replied to my email?

Make sure that the QR code you sent was a clear screenshot, and not a photo of a screen; and that you didn’t install the eSim on your own phone by scanning the QR code or clicking “install automatically."

Possible reasons for an eSim not having been activated include: it was given to a journalist as a back-up in case the plan they had activated expired or ran out of data; there was an error during installation or activation and the eSim could no longer be used; the eSim was installed, but not activated, and then Israeli bombings destroyed the phone, or forced someone to leave it behind.

An eSim that was sent but couldn’t be used is still part of an important effort and learning curve. Errors in installation, for example, are happening less often than they were in the beginning of the project.

Why should I purchase an eSim? Is there any proof that they work?

Israel is imposing near-constant communications blackouts on Gaza. The majority of the news that you are seeing come from Gaza is coming from people who are connected via eSim.

eSims also connect people to news. People are able to videochat with their family for the first time in months, to learn that their family members are still alive, to see their newborn children for the first time, and more, thanks to eSims.

Some of this sharing of news saves lives, as people have been able to flee or avoid areas under bombardment, or learn that they are on evacuation lists.

Why are different plans called for at different times?

Different eSims work in different areas of the Gaza Strip (and Egypt, where many refugees currently are). The team tries to keep a stockpile of each type of sim on hand.

Is there anything else I can do to help?

There is an urgent need for more eSims. Print out these posters and place them on bulletin boards, in local businesses, on telephone poles, or wherever people are likely to see them. Print out these foldable brochures to inform people about the initiative and distribute them at protests, cafes and restaurants, &c. Also feel free to make your own brochures using the wording from this post.

The Connecting Humanity team is very busy connecting people to eSims and don't often have time to answer questions. Check a few of Mirna El Helbawi's most recent tweets and see if anyone has commented with any questions that you can answer with the information in this post.

[grecianfilipina]

Mmm. That sure turned into a thought process.

[akulride]

Sedan Petrol 7 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Knee, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) Obsidian black, Polar white, Graphite grey, High-tech silver, Selenite grey, Sodalite blue, Spectral blue, MANUFAKTUR Opalite white bright, MANUFAKTUR Patagonia red bright, MANUFAKTUR Graphite grey magno 5 Star (Euro NCAP)

[sandandjello]

Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD ANC Wireless Headphones Offer up to 14 Hours of Battery Life and All-Day Comfort

My first high-end headphones were from Beyerdynamic and Ioved them. I was amazed by the nuances in my favorite tunes that I missed when using headphones of lesser quality. That’s why I was excited to learn about their new Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD ANC wireless headphones. They’re the company’s second-generation in-ear head ones, and they look impressive. Continue reading Untitled

[crazydiscostu]

Chubby Buttons

Are you tired of fumbling with your phone or touch-sensitive earbuds while engaging in your favourite activities? Introducing Chubby Buttons: The Ultimate Smartphone Remote for Active Lifestyles. Chubby Buttons is an innovative Bluetooth remote designed with big buttons to effortlessly control your smartphone. Whether you’re wearing gloves or mittens, Chubby Buttons ensures that you can stay…