Social Media Lab
@socialmedialab.ca
SocialMediaLab.ca Posts by @PhilipMai.com re: politics of tech, socmed, migration, democracy, mis/disinfo, & propaganda. PoliDashboard.org, Communalytic.org, DeepfakesTracker.org, ConflictMisinfo.org, NoteTracker.socialmedialab.ca, & KM.socialmedialab.ca
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Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas 🎄. This year hasn’t been easy, but I hope the routine and timelessness of the season bring you a little peace, comfort, and light. #Flowers #AllanGardens #Toronto
When the facts aren't in your favor, just gaslight away: "Marco Rubio is using real censorship to fight fake censorship. In the name of protecting free speech, the U.S. government just banned five Europeans from entering the country — because it doesn’t like their speech." www.ms.now/opinion/marc...
Opinion | Marco Rubio is using real censorship to fight fake censorship
Mike Masnick: In the name of protecting free speech, the U.S. government just banned five Europeans from entering the country because it doesn’t like their speech.
www.ms.now
December 27, 2025 at 4:54 PM
When the facts aren't in your favor, just gaslight away: "Marco Rubio is using real censorship to fight fake censorship. In the name of protecting free speech, the U.S. government just banned five Europeans from entering the country — because it doesn’t like their speech." www.ms.now/opinion/marc...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Until Trump began conspiracies about mail voting, Republicans were fully on board with GRACE PERIODS for ballots to arrive as long as postmarked by Election Day. They passed it overwhelmingly in KS, OH, & elsewhere.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes - Bolts
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 27, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Until Trump began conspiracies about mail voting, Republicans were fully on board with GRACE PERIODS for ballots to arrive as long as postmarked by Election Day. They passed it overwhelmingly in KS, OH, & elsewhere.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
This time, barbarians are coming from inside the house: "In just the first three months of his second term, US President Donald Trump has destabilized eight decades of government support for science." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Will US science survive Trump 2.0?
President Donald Trump and his administration have gutted science agencies, terminated research programmes and cancelled billions of dollars in grants to universities. What are the long-term impacts f...
www.nature.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:25 PM
This time, barbarians are coming from inside the house: "In just the first three months of his second term, US President Donald Trump has destabilized eight decades of government support for science." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
"ICE Agents Arrest Man on Christmas Eve—and Then Steal His Groceries"
And yes, you read that right. newrepublic.com/post/204750/...
And yes, you read that right. newrepublic.com/post/204750/...
ICE Agents Arrest Man on Christmas Eve—and Then Steal His Groceries
Trump’s immigration agents are doing whatever they want.
newrepublic.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:19 PM
"ICE Agents Arrest Man on Christmas Eve—and Then Steal His Groceries"
And yes, you read that right. newrepublic.com/post/204750/...
And yes, you read that right. newrepublic.com/post/204750/...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
After WWII, the U.S. saw major changes, including the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which ended decades of racist immigration policies. When you peel back the hateful theatrics, Stephen Miller's aim is to undo this law to preserve a demographically white conception of the US. More here...
Stephen Miller is employing state terror in service of the open goal of shifting the ethnic mix of the country. In numerous ways he's doing this at the expense of public safety.
We spent weeks reporting on Miller's real aims. Here's the result. We hope you'll read:
newrepublic.com/article/2041...
We spent weeks reporting on Miller's real aims. Here's the result. We hope you'll read:
newrepublic.com/article/2041...
Inside Stephen Miller’s Dark Plot to Build a MAGA Terror State
He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash government persecution of those he deems alien and u...
newrepublic.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:53 PM
After WWII, the U.S. saw major changes, including the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which ended decades of racist immigration policies. When you peel back the hateful theatrics, Stephen Miller's aim is to undo this law to preserve a demographically white conception of the US. More here...
The weaponization of freedom of speech and expression. "‘It’s frightening’: How far right is infiltrating everyday culture.
Extremist messaging now woven into music and YouTube videos, with one expert saying: ‘You can be radicalised sitting on your couch’" www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Extremist messaging now woven into music and YouTube videos, with one expert saying: ‘You can be radicalised sitting on your couch’" www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘It’s frightening’: How far right is infiltrating everyday culture
Extremist messaging now woven into music and YouTube videos, with one expert saying: ‘You can be radicalised sitting on your couch’
www.theguardian.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The weaponization of freedom of speech and expression. "‘It’s frightening’: How far right is infiltrating everyday culture.
Extremist messaging now woven into music and YouTube videos, with one expert saying: ‘You can be radicalised sitting on your couch’" www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Extremist messaging now woven into music and YouTube videos, with one expert saying: ‘You can be radicalised sitting on your couch’" www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Sure, Russia wants peace. "Russia is likely preparing to station its new nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system at a disused airbase in eastern Belarus, according to two US researchers who analysed recent commercial satellite imagery." defencematters.eu/new-russian-...
Satellite images suggest new Russian nuclear-capable missile site near Krichev in Belarus - Defence Matters
Russia is likely preparing to station its new nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system at a disused airbase in eastern Belarus, according to two US researchers who analysed recent ...
defencematters.eu
December 27, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Sure, Russia wants peace. "Russia is likely preparing to station its new nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system at a disused airbase in eastern Belarus, according to two US researchers who analysed recent commercial satellite imagery." defencematters.eu/new-russian-...
After WWII, the U.S. saw major changes, including the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which ended decades of racist immigration policies. When you peel back the hateful theatrics, Stephen Miller's aim is to undo this law to preserve a demographically white conception of the US. More here...
Stephen Miller is employing state terror in service of the open goal of shifting the ethnic mix of the country. In numerous ways he's doing this at the expense of public safety.
We spent weeks reporting on Miller's real aims. Here's the result. We hope you'll read:
newrepublic.com/article/2041...
We spent weeks reporting on Miller's real aims. Here's the result. We hope you'll read:
newrepublic.com/article/2041...
Inside Stephen Miller’s Dark Plot to Build a MAGA Terror State
He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash government persecution of those he deems alien and u...
newrepublic.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:53 PM
After WWII, the U.S. saw major changes, including the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which ended decades of racist immigration policies. When you peel back the hateful theatrics, Stephen Miller's aim is to undo this law to preserve a demographically white conception of the US. More here...
"Secret Service: Meet the Posters Behind Instagram’s Federal Agency Alt Accounts.
How to defend the work of government, one meme at a time." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
How to defend the work of government, one meme at a time." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Meet the posters behind Instagram’s federal agency alt accounts
How to defend the work of government, one meme at a time
www.motherjones.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:11 PM
"Secret Service: Meet the Posters Behind Instagram’s Federal Agency Alt Accounts.
How to defend the work of government, one meme at a time." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
How to defend the work of government, one meme at a time." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
A world in flux needs a press that's free. Please stand up for an independent press by supporting us as we head into 2026. theguardian.com/support/eoy-sc
December 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
A world in flux needs a press that's free. Please stand up for an independent press by supporting us as we head into 2026. theguardian.com/support/eoy-sc
Reposted by Social Media Lab
The theme of this year's charity appeal is hope, and we are partnering with five charities that deliver practical projects designed to foster empathy, build trust and promote positive change on the issues that matter for local communities.
Donate at theguardian.com/charityappeal25bsk
Donate at theguardian.com/charityappeal25bsk
December 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The theme of this year's charity appeal is hope, and we are partnering with five charities that deliver practical projects designed to foster empathy, build trust and promote positive change on the issues that matter for local communities.
Donate at theguardian.com/charityappeal25bsk
Donate at theguardian.com/charityappeal25bsk
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Interesting fact: Ukraine only began celebrating Christmas on December 25 two years ago, after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law moving the official Christmas holiday from January 7, which is traditionally observed by the Russian Orthodox Church, to December 25. www.cbc.ca/news/world/z...
Ukraine is moving its Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 in defiance of Russia | CBC News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, the day it's observed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
www.cbc.ca
December 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Interesting fact: Ukraine only began celebrating Christmas on December 25 two years ago, after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law moving the official Christmas holiday from January 7, which is traditionally observed by the Russian Orthodox Church, to December 25. www.cbc.ca/news/world/z...
With so much stress in the world, even the people who make paint are taking note. Meet the 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer - "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection." www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
You read that white: Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year is 'Cloud Dancer'
This is the first time Pantone has chosen a shade of white. The company says it's "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection."
www.npr.org
December 27, 2025 at 1:03 PM
With so much stress in the world, even the people who make paint are taking note. Meet the 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer - "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection." www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Christmas attack on civilians in Kyiv. Sure, the Russians want peace
‼️ Movement of missiles and drones during the massive Russian attack on Ukraine
December 27, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Christmas attack on civilians in Kyiv. Sure, the Russians want peace
"Trump claims he's the 'president of peace' — so why is he bombing so many overseas hotspots? U.S. has carried out well over 500 bombings across the globe this year, conflict monitors say."
www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
ANALYSIS | Trump claims he's the 'president of peace' — so why is he bombing so many overseas hotspots? | CBC News
U.S. President Donald Trump's recent foray into bombing hotspots on other continents has conflict monitors and even some supporters questioning whether the president — who has called himself the presi...
www.cbc.ca
December 27, 2025 at 12:54 PM
"Trump claims he's the 'president of peace' — so why is he bombing so many overseas hotspots? U.S. has carried out well over 500 bombings across the globe this year, conflict monitors say."
www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
"The commander of the Royal Canadian Navy is floating the idea of an ice-capable amphibious landing ship to move troops and equipment around the country’s Arctic — and perhaps elsewhere." www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
December 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"The commander of the Royal Canadian Navy is floating the idea of an ice-capable amphibious landing ship to move troops and equipment around the country’s Arctic — and perhaps elsewhere." www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
"Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax today during a stopover before Ukraine’s president heads to the U.S." www.cbc.ca/news/carney-...
December 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
"Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax today during a stopover before Ukraine’s president heads to the U.S." www.cbc.ca/news/carney-...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
A typical social media experience: Engage thoughtfully. Get insulted. Reflect on your life choices.
December 27, 2025 at 4:03 AM
A typical social media experience: Engage thoughtfully. Get insulted. Reflect on your life choices.
Reposted by Social Media Lab
This is complete insanity, made worse by how dangerous it is. "Vice-President JD Vance warned on Friday that France and the United Kingdom could pose a future security risk to the US if what he called “Islamist-adjacent” ideas were to gain political influence." www.euractiv.com/news/europes...
www.euractiv.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:13 AM
This is complete insanity, made worse by how dangerous it is. "Vice-President JD Vance warned on Friday that France and the United Kingdom could pose a future security risk to the US if what he called “Islamist-adjacent” ideas were to gain political influence." www.euractiv.com/news/europes...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
"US strategy is leading to a Europe squeezed from the east and the west." www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/u...
Maybe one day we will know the significance of that hastily arranged Alaska Summit.
Maybe one day we will know the significance of that hastily arranged Alaska Summit.
US strategy is leading to a Europe squeezed from the east and the west
The European Union is caught between a revisionist Russia and a United States that seems ready to divide the world into spheres of influence.
www.atlanticcouncil.org
December 27, 2025 at 12:25 AM
"US strategy is leading to a Europe squeezed from the east and the west." www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/u...
Maybe one day we will know the significance of that hastily arranged Alaska Summit.
Maybe one day we will know the significance of that hastily arranged Alaska Summit.
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Catholics, evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Orthodox, Pentecostals, & others don’t just differ; many don’t even recognize each other as entirely legitimate Christians. So, next time you hear someone say the US should be a “Christian nation,” ask them which denomination? #CanOfWorms
December 26, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Catholics, evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Orthodox, Pentecostals, & others don’t just differ; many don’t even recognize each other as entirely legitimate Christians. So, next time you hear someone say the US should be a “Christian nation,” ask them which denomination? #CanOfWorms
Reposted by Social Media Lab
As the U.S. leans harder into calling itself a “Christian nation,” it raises a question no one wants to answer: which denominations? That’s where the rhetoric collapses into a political and theological landmine.
December 26, 2025 at 4:05 AM
As the U.S. leans harder into calling itself a “Christian nation,” it raises a question no one wants to answer: which denominations? That’s where the rhetoric collapses into a political and theological landmine.
Reposted by Social Media Lab
The influencers involved have denied knowing about the source of their funding and I don’t get to say otherwise without proof 🙂 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Federal prosecutors charge a conservative media company took millions in Kremlin cash
Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, Lauren Southern, and Benny Johnson have all worked with Tenet Media.
www.motherjones.com
December 25, 2025 at 9:23 PM
The influencers involved have denied knowing about the source of their funding and I don’t get to say otherwise without proof 🙂 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Bradley did not perceive their waving to be a “two-arm surrender.
After 45 minutes, a second missile screamed down from the sky on Bradley’s order. Two more missiles followed in rapid succession, sinking the remnants of the boat.
Nothing remained of the men.
theintercept.com/2025/12/23/b...
After 45 minutes, a second missile screamed down from the sky on Bradley’s order. Two more missiles followed in rapid succession, sinking the remnants of the boat.
Nothing remained of the men.
theintercept.com/2025/12/23/b...
U.S. Military Killed Boat Strike Survivors for Not Surrendering Correctly
Before ordering a second strike on their boat, Adm. Frank Bradley sought legal advice from JSOC’s top lawyer, Col. Cara Hamaguchi.
theintercept.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Bradley did not perceive their waving to be a “two-arm surrender.
After 45 minutes, a second missile screamed down from the sky on Bradley’s order. Two more missiles followed in rapid succession, sinking the remnants of the boat.
Nothing remained of the men.
theintercept.com/2025/12/23/b...
After 45 minutes, a second missile screamed down from the sky on Bradley’s order. Two more missiles followed in rapid succession, sinking the remnants of the boat.
Nothing remained of the men.
theintercept.com/2025/12/23/b...
Reposted by Social Media Lab
Here is a list of 3 stories I am very jealous I did not write this year. ✍🏻
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
Trump is manipulating national security to stop energy projects he doesn’t like
On Monday, December 22, the Trump Administration announced it was pausing five major offshore wind energy projects, citing “national security risks.”
thebulletin.org
December 27, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Here is a list of 3 stories I am very jealous I did not write this year. ✍🏻
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”