Ross Weistroffer
@libraryofbabble.bsky.social
🗳️ #DemocracyScience nerd for an incrementally better world, reporting from the intersection of info & action.
💾 #HCI + #CSCW researcher @ discourselabs.org
🌇 Angeleno urbanist & governance reform advocate @ fairrepla.bsky.social
Pro-🏳️🌈,🏳️⚧️, 🇺🇸, and 🇺🇳 🌎🌏🌍
💾 #HCI + #CSCW researcher @ discourselabs.org
🌇 Angeleno urbanist & governance reform advocate @ fairrepla.bsky.social
Pro-🏳️🌈,🏳️⚧️, 🇺🇸, and 🇺🇳 🌎🌏🌍
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Three days until our Mentoring Session (happening Thursday)!! Register here: tinyurl.com/HMC1125
November 10, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Three days until our Mentoring Session (happening Thursday)!! Register here: tinyurl.com/HMC1125
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
As a software architect, psychology is one of my super powers for this reason. We live in a world where the people building some of the most influential tools of thought are the very same people who refuse to acknowledge the difficulty of the problem or hold the human mind in sufficient reverence
As a psychologist, it's a really, really, really interesting and maddening set of problems here. Software development really exposes for me how we think about people's minds, even though it's an industry that likes to pretend it isn't thinking about people's minds at all.
But it really is.
But it really is.
November 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
As a software architect, psychology is one of my super powers for this reason. We live in a world where the people building some of the most influential tools of thought are the very same people who refuse to acknowledge the difficulty of the problem or hold the human mind in sufficient reverence
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Write code to make being human easier. Rip code out if it makes being human harder. Write code to make caring for each other easier. Rip it out if it makes caring for each other harder.
Empathy driven development has literally never failed me. It’s done me better than everything else combined
Empathy driven development has literally never failed me. It’s done me better than everything else combined
October 21, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Write code to make being human easier. Rip code out if it makes being human harder. Write code to make caring for each other easier. Rip it out if it makes caring for each other harder.
Empathy driven development has literally never failed me. It’s done me better than everything else combined
Empathy driven development has literally never failed me. It’s done me better than everything else combined
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
A big fight is brewing over SB 79 implementation in LA, where the law allows the city to delay up to 2/3 of the eligible areas for the first 5 years. Low-income areas, historic districts, fire zones, and even some wealthy single family neighborhoods. The city only has about 4 months to decide!
The first SB 79 battle
LA has to pick which neighborhoods to let the law take effect in July. Advocates are already drawing lines.
futureis.la
November 6, 2025 at 8:05 PM
A big fight is brewing over SB 79 implementation in LA, where the law allows the city to delay up to 2/3 of the eligible areas for the first 5 years. Low-income areas, historic districts, fire zones, and even some wealthy single family neighborhoods. The city only has about 4 months to decide!
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
We’ve got one of the most in-depth surveys on how Americans connect with neighbors online — what works, what doesn't, what they want instead.
These are essential insights for anyone thinking about local communities.
Join us 11/20 when @taliastroud.bsky.social & @eli.bsky.social share the data
These are essential insights for anyone thinking about local communities.
Join us 11/20 when @taliastroud.bsky.social & @eli.bsky.social share the data
The Local Connection Crisis: New Data on What Communities Need · Zoom · Luma
Now we know what we've long suspected: People really use and rely on their local Facebook groups, Nextdoor neighborhoods, and WhatsApp group chats, but they…
luma.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
We’ve got one of the most in-depth surveys on how Americans connect with neighbors online — what works, what doesn't, what they want instead.
These are essential insights for anyone thinking about local communities.
Join us 11/20 when @taliastroud.bsky.social & @eli.bsky.social share the data
These are essential insights for anyone thinking about local communities.
Join us 11/20 when @taliastroud.bsky.social & @eli.bsky.social share the data
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
November 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Since moving to civil society, I've noticed a huge dearth of support for researchers working in the space - although there are tons of us! Come join this D&SxACLUxCDT event where we talk about the opportunities and challenges of research to support tech policy & advocacy!
Advocating with Evidence: Lessons for Tech Researchers in Civil Society.
Join us on November 13 for an online discussion featuring @alicetiara.bsky.social @mkgerchick.bsky.social @jordanaut.bsky.social and me.
Organized by @cdt.org @datasociety.bsky.social @aclu.org
cdt.org/event/advoca...
Join us on November 13 for an online discussion featuring @alicetiara.bsky.social @mkgerchick.bsky.social @jordanaut.bsky.social and me.
Organized by @cdt.org @datasociety.bsky.social @aclu.org
cdt.org/event/advoca...
October 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Since moving to civil society, I've noticed a huge dearth of support for researchers working in the space - although there are tons of us! Come join this D&SxACLUxCDT event where we talk about the opportunities and challenges of research to support tech policy & advocacy!
When public participation infrastructure degrades into vetocracy, in its purest form. 🙃
The Pacific Surfliner is the 2nd busiest passenger rail line in the country. In recent years, it has suffered frequent closures due to erosion.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
In August, @thecacoast.bsky.social delayed repairs because just 1 (!!) person complained. Now that permit isn't being considered again until November.
October 29, 2025 at 7:44 PM
When public participation infrastructure degrades into vetocracy, in its purest form. 🙃
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning
Abstract. The effects of using large language models (LLMs) versus traditional web search on depth of learning are explored. A theory is proposed that when
academic.oup.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
I was recently laid off by ARTnews, a few days before the theft at the Louvre. The terms of my TN work visa means I can't freelance unless I donate the funds to charity. I'm open to new FT roles in business reporting and communications, and am willing to relocate to other cities, including Toronto.
October 28, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I was recently laid off by ARTnews, a few days before the theft at the Louvre. The terms of my TN work visa means I can't freelance unless I donate the funds to charity. I'm open to new FT roles in business reporting and communications, and am willing to relocate to other cities, including Toronto.
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
the public is currently deactivated.
October 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
the public is currently deactivated.
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
A call to all the creative communicators and data visualization wizards who want to make epidemic visualizations effective, better communicate science & help support decision-makers!
This is your chance!! ⚡ submissions for lightning talks are open until October. 31 for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 🎨🦠
This is your chance!! ⚡ submissions for lightning talks are open until October. 31 for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 🎨🦠
We're organizing a special session called "The Art of Epidemics" at #Epidemics10! The session focuses on how thoughtfully designed visualizations and communication tools can make complex epidemiological data more impactful. artofepidemics.wixsite.com/epidemics10
Home | The Art of Epidemics
artofepidemics.wixsite.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:42 PM
A call to all the creative communicators and data visualization wizards who want to make epidemic visualizations effective, better communicate science & help support decision-makers!
This is your chance!! ⚡ submissions for lightning talks are open until October. 31 for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 🎨🦠
This is your chance!! ⚡ submissions for lightning talks are open until October. 31 for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 🎨🦠
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
On WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd at 4 PM: LA’s rethinking service delivery, land use decisions, and major infrastructure project planning.
🚨ROOM CHANGE🚨
Join us in ROOM 1010 or tune in via Zoom!
🚨 Public comment will be accepted until NOON on 10/22! 🚨
More info: bit.ly/FRLA26
🚨ROOM CHANGE🚨
Join us in ROOM 1010 or tune in via Zoom!
🚨 Public comment will be accepted until NOON on 10/22! 🚨
More info: bit.ly/FRLA26
October 22, 2025 at 12:05 AM
On WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd at 4 PM: LA’s rethinking service delivery, land use decisions, and major infrastructure project planning.
🚨ROOM CHANGE🚨
Join us in ROOM 1010 or tune in via Zoom!
🚨 Public comment will be accepted until NOON on 10/22! 🚨
More info: bit.ly/FRLA26
🚨ROOM CHANGE🚨
Join us in ROOM 1010 or tune in via Zoom!
🚨 Public comment will be accepted until NOON on 10/22! 🚨
More info: bit.ly/FRLA26
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
New research finds that Twitter’s efforts to remove COVID-19 vaccine misinformation were largely ineffective and sometimes backfired. Skeptical communities grew more active and viral, and content quality declined over time. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Explaining Twitter’s inability to effectively moderate content during the COVID-19 pandemic - Scientific Reports
Social media platforms routinely face pressure to restrict harmful content while protecting free speech; however, prior theory suggests that platform design might undermine the efficacy of content mod...
link.springer.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:32 PM
New research finds that Twitter’s efforts to remove COVID-19 vaccine misinformation were largely ineffective and sometimes backfired. Skeptical communities grew more active and viral, and content quality declined over time. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
🚨New Publication!
Public opinion happens on digital media, but it's very different from what we see in surveys. Here's how:
doi.org/10.1093/ijpo...
10 members of the pan-European OPINION network put together to discuss how we can understand public opinion processes in a digital media ecosystem.
Public opinion happens on digital media, but it's very different from what we see in surveys. Here's how:
doi.org/10.1093/ijpo...
10 members of the pan-European OPINION network put together to discuss how we can understand public opinion processes in a digital media ecosystem.
Public Opinion Negotiations in a Digital Media Ecosystem: A Conceptual Framework
Abstract. Digital media constitute a key space for the negotiation of public opinion. Despite long-standing research on public opinion climates on digital
doi.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:59 AM
🚨New Publication!
Public opinion happens on digital media, but it's very different from what we see in surveys. Here's how:
doi.org/10.1093/ijpo...
10 members of the pan-European OPINION network put together to discuss how we can understand public opinion processes in a digital media ecosystem.
Public opinion happens on digital media, but it's very different from what we see in surveys. Here's how:
doi.org/10.1093/ijpo...
10 members of the pan-European OPINION network put together to discuss how we can understand public opinion processes in a digital media ecosystem.
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
We honor the legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a fierce protector of our collective freedom. Our hearts are with her loved ones and all who carry her vision forward.
"We will honor Miss Major forever." - @imarajones.bsky.social
"We will honor Miss Major forever." - @imarajones.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 12:14 AM
We honor the legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a fierce protector of our collective freedom. Our hearts are with her loved ones and all who carry her vision forward.
"We will honor Miss Major forever." - @imarajones.bsky.social
"We will honor Miss Major forever." - @imarajones.bsky.social
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Care about how LA runs? Join us THURSDAY (10/16) at 4 PM at LA City Hall, Room 1010!
The Charter Reform Commission’s Government Structure Committee is taking up major topics for discussion, including elections, voting, City Council size & who leads at City Hall.
More info at: bit.ly/FRLA26
The Charter Reform Commission’s Government Structure Committee is taking up major topics for discussion, including elections, voting, City Council size & who leads at City Hall.
More info at: bit.ly/FRLA26
October 13, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Care about how LA runs? Join us THURSDAY (10/16) at 4 PM at LA City Hall, Room 1010!
The Charter Reform Commission’s Government Structure Committee is taking up major topics for discussion, including elections, voting, City Council size & who leads at City Hall.
More info at: bit.ly/FRLA26
The Charter Reform Commission’s Government Structure Committee is taking up major topics for discussion, including elections, voting, City Council size & who leads at City Hall.
More info at: bit.ly/FRLA26
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
People are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver social progress. But are democracies better than autocracies at promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and creating healthier, more educated, and more peaceful societies? On all counts, the answer is yes.
muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/a...
muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/a...
October 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM
People are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver social progress. But are democracies better than autocracies at promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and creating healthier, more educated, and more peaceful societies? On all counts, the answer is yes.
muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/a...
muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/a...
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
Seriously impressed with the two high school students who built an ML-driven app to short-circuit teens' smartphone dopamine loop.
www.primeopenaccess.com/scholarly-ar...
www.primeopenaccess.com/scholarly-ar...
October 11, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Seriously impressed with the two high school students who built an ML-driven app to short-circuit teens' smartphone dopamine loop.
www.primeopenaccess.com/scholarly-ar...
www.primeopenaccess.com/scholarly-ar...
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
"...there is a deadlock of imagination in the global north, and a deadlock in the possibility of action in the global south.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
‘I deserve to heal’: freed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah on his prison ordeal and next steps
The campaigner, who spent more than a decade in an Egyptian ‘vortex of incarceration’, wants to join his son in the UK while he reflects on the fight for freedom
www.theguardian.com
October 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
"...there is a deadlock of imagination in the global north, and a deadlock in the possibility of action in the global south.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
New paper out with @dasalgon.bsky.social: “Far-Right Agenda Setting: How the Far Right influences the Political Mainstream” doi.org/10.1017/S1475676525100066 #openaccess in @ejprjournal.bsky.social🧵
October 7, 2025 at 7:14 AM
New paper out with @dasalgon.bsky.social: “Far-Right Agenda Setting: How the Far Right influences the Political Mainstream” doi.org/10.1017/S1475676525100066 #openaccess in @ejprjournal.bsky.social🧵
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
I am hoping to recruit a Ph.D. student to join the SPARC (Social Psychology of Activism, Resistance, & Change) Lab at @UVAPsyc in Fall 2026! You can find more info about my research on my website (ericshuman.com), and the program here (psychology.as.virginia.edu/social-psych...).
Home
ericshuman.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I am hoping to recruit a Ph.D. student to join the SPARC (Social Psychology of Activism, Resistance, & Change) Lab at @UVAPsyc in Fall 2026! You can find more info about my research on my website (ericshuman.com), and the program here (psychology.as.virginia.edu/social-psych...).
Reposted by Ross Weistroffer
A straightforwardly good use of machine-learning would be a model that consistently identifies screenshots of on-platform posts as they're uploaded & treats them as quote-posts for the purposes of interaction-permissions
October 6, 2025 at 7:15 AM
A straightforwardly good use of machine-learning would be a model that consistently identifies screenshots of on-platform posts as they're uploaded & treats them as quote-posts for the purposes of interaction-permissions