J. Nathan Matias
@natematias.bsky.social
I work with communities on citizen science for safer, fairer, more understanding Internet. Founder: Citizens & Technology Lab. Assistant Prof in Communication at Cornell · Guatemalan-American. @natematias@social.coop
natematias.com
citizensandtech.org
natematias.com
citizensandtech.org
In 2023, scientists estimate that 5.4k acute deaths and over 64k chronic deaths in North America were caused by wildfire smoke. Millions now face a question I ask every day: when is it safe to go outside?
AI forecasts might help, but is it safe to use them? Short answer: we need better tests first.
AI forecasts might help, but is it safe to use them? Short answer: we need better tests first.
November 25, 2025 at 1:21 AM
In 2023, scientists estimate that 5.4k acute deaths and over 64k chronic deaths in North America were caused by wildfire smoke. Millions now face a question I ask every day: when is it safe to go outside?
AI forecasts might help, but is it safe to use them? Short answer: we need better tests first.
AI forecasts might help, but is it safe to use them? Short answer: we need better tests first.
While I often critique ranking algorithms, I will admit to being pleased that Megan Price (of @hrdag.org) and my PNAS article on the science of AI is now the journal's third highest trending Perspective article, just after an article on successful grant applications.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
November 20, 2025 at 5:23 PM
While I often critique ranking algorithms, I will admit to being pleased that Megan Price (of @hrdag.org) and my PNAS article on the science of AI is now the journal's third highest trending Perspective article, just after an article on successful grant applications.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
This one is of personal interest since I grew up near TMI, since I have a respiratory disability, and since the alternative power to nuclear has been Brunner Island, just a few miles down the river (and upwind of my home), which is a hybrid coal/gas plant.
November 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
This one is of personal interest since I grew up near TMI, since I have a respiratory disability, and since the alternative power to nuclear has been Brunner Island, just a few miles down the river (and upwind of my home), which is a hybrid coal/gas plant.
One joy of growing as a scholar & doer has been the pleasure of being supported to pay attention to other people’s excellent work and amplify it.
Next week I am publishing an article summarizing over 170 articles on AI + science + policy and tomorrow I get to email their authors to say thanks <3
Next week I am publishing an article summarizing over 170 articles on AI + science + policy and tomorrow I get to email their authors to say thanks <3
November 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
One joy of growing as a scholar & doer has been the pleasure of being supported to pay attention to other people’s excellent work and amplify it.
Next week I am publishing an article summarizing over 170 articles on AI + science + policy and tomorrow I get to email their authors to say thanks <3
Next week I am publishing an article summarizing over 170 articles on AI + science + policy and tomorrow I get to email their authors to say thanks <3
Today as I proposed my first resolution to the Cornell Faculty Senate (with a colleague), I was reminded by how important formal processes are to inclusive accessibility.
November 13, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Today as I proposed my first resolution to the Cornell Faculty Senate (with a colleague), I was reminded by how important formal processes are to inclusive accessibility.
Strava, which launched in 2009, is now a main platform where the world's cyclists share rides & connect.
Before Strava, cyclists kept & compared paper notes with times. Then Davis Kitchel invented the "segment," using GPS to track times and maintain leaderboards.
patents.google.com/patent/US920...
Before Strava, cyclists kept & compared paper notes with times. Then Davis Kitchel invented the "segment," using GPS to track times and maintain leaderboards.
patents.google.com/patent/US920...
November 7, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Strava, which launched in 2009, is now a main platform where the world's cyclists share rides & connect.
Before Strava, cyclists kept & compared paper notes with times. Then Davis Kitchel invented the "segment," using GPS to track times and maintain leaderboards.
patents.google.com/patent/US920...
Before Strava, cyclists kept & compared paper notes with times. Then Davis Kitchel invented the "segment," using GPS to track times and maintain leaderboards.
patents.google.com/patent/US920...
Grateful for the chance to ponder safety questions from the formative security of an autumn evening in central New York countryside
October 19, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Grateful for the chance to ponder safety questions from the formative security of an autumn evening in central New York countryside
Crossing the Manhattan Bridge, I thought of the late Tom Winpenny, a historian of science who wrote about the bridge & its builders in 2004.
We in tech rush out grand claims while making things that last a year or two. Grateful for Tom for showing me the long view.
www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/n...
We in tech rush out grand claims while making things that last a year or two. Grateful for Tom for showing me the long view.
www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/n...
October 10, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Crossing the Manhattan Bridge, I thought of the late Tom Winpenny, a historian of science who wrote about the bridge & its builders in 2004.
We in tech rush out grand claims while making things that last a year or two. Grateful for Tom for showing me the long view.
www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/n...
We in tech rush out grand claims while making things that last a year or two. Grateful for Tom for showing me the long view.
www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/n...
Are you a scientist, journalist, or civil society researcher studying New York State's distraction-free school policy, the one that bans internet-enabled devices in schools from bell to bell?
If so, I want to hear from you, as I refine a project to archive & classify published school policies.
If so, I want to hear from you, as I refine a project to archive & classify published school policies.
October 4, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Are you a scientist, journalist, or civil society researcher studying New York State's distraction-free school policy, the one that bans internet-enabled devices in schools from bell to bell?
If so, I want to hear from you, as I refine a project to archive & classify published school policies.
If so, I want to hear from you, as I refine a project to archive & classify published school policies.
Making a list and deciding which urgent scientific questions I will set aside in my work to defend/support academic freedom & civil liberties over the next few years.
August 31, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Making a list and deciding which urgent scientific questions I will set aside in my work to defend/support academic freedom & civil liberties over the next few years.
I'm grateful to the hundreds of hobbyists & open hardware devs who worked together to save countless chargers from the landfill.
This summer, my neighbors & I replaced the boards of our 40 chargers with OpenEVSE hardware, and we're no longer at the same level of risk, phew!
This summer, my neighbors & I replaced the boards of our 40 chargers with OpenEVSE hardware, and we're no longer at the same level of risk, phew!
August 24, 2025 at 3:08 PM
I'm grateful to the hundreds of hobbyists & open hardware devs who worked together to save countless chargers from the landfill.
This summer, my neighbors & I replaced the boards of our 40 chargers with OpenEVSE hardware, and we're no longer at the same level of risk, phew!
This summer, my neighbors & I replaced the boards of our 40 chargers with OpenEVSE hardware, and we're no longer at the same level of risk, phew!
While "Power in Numbers" is a reality check, it's also a hopeful document— the story of what researchers worldwide are doing to support each other and organize to grow and preserve knowledge about tech & society at a time of extraordinary challenges
independenttechresearch.org/citr-report-...
independenttechresearch.org/citr-report-...
August 19, 2025 at 1:35 PM
While "Power in Numbers" is a reality check, it's also a hopeful document— the story of what researchers worldwide are doing to support each other and organize to grow and preserve knowledge about tech & society at a time of extraordinary challenges
independenttechresearch.org/citr-report-...
independenttechresearch.org/citr-report-...
August 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
In case you're wondering what our lab space looks like, the daughter of CAT Lab's scientific consultant Ed Platt, who asked to go by "Meowzers," sent us this amazing photo of what she imagines we're all doing when he's at team meetings. 😻😻
August 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
In case you're wondering what our lab space looks like, the daughter of CAT Lab's scientific consultant Ed Platt, who asked to go by "Meowzers," sent us this amazing photo of what she imagines we're all doing when he's at team meetings. 😻😻
I finished my Everesting Roam 11:17am this morning for a ride time of 33hrs 7m with 33,414 ft of elevation.
Why do it? Journalism & global connection matter & are worth effort. There's still time to donate to @globalvoices.org. I'll write more soon; now for a nap!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
Why do it? Journalism & global connection matter & are worth effort. There's still time to donate to @globalvoices.org. I'll write more soon; now for a nap!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
August 4, 2025 at 12:50 AM
I finished my Everesting Roam 11:17am this morning for a ride time of 33hrs 7m with 33,414 ft of elevation.
Why do it? Journalism & global connection matter & are worth effort. There's still time to donate to @globalvoices.org. I'll write more soon; now for a nap!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
Why do it? Journalism & global connection matter & are worth effort. There's still time to donate to @globalvoices.org. I'll write more soon; now for a nap!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
With 28000 ft climbed, I have 5 hours 30 minutes to climb 5000ft, as I complete my <36 hr Everest roam fundraising challenge indoors away from wildfire smoke. Grateful to the @globalvoices.org community for sending me a workout playlist for my final leg!
August 3, 2025 at 12:40 PM
With 28000 ft climbed, I have 5 hours 30 minutes to climb 5000ft, as I complete my <36 hr Everest roam fundraising challenge indoors away from wildfire smoke. Grateful to the @globalvoices.org community for sending me a workout playlist for my final leg!
Made it to the 2/3 point in my Everesting attempt by 7:30pm. Everything was going well! Unfortunately NY State issued an air pollution health advisory starting midnight.
With air pollution at levels that send me to the ER, I pushed home to get indoors in time. I plan to finish on a virtual ride.
With air pollution at levels that send me to the ER, I pushed home to get indoors in time. I plan to finish on a virtual ride.
August 3, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Made it to the 2/3 point in my Everesting attempt by 7:30pm. Everything was going well! Unfortunately NY State issued an air pollution health advisory starting midnight.
With air pollution at levels that send me to the ER, I pushed home to get indoors in time. I plan to finish on a virtual ride.
With air pollution at levels that send me to the ER, I pushed home to get indoors in time. I plan to finish on a virtual ride.
Nearly at the half way point of my Everesting roam attempt, as a fundraiser for @globalvoices.org. It has been an extraordinarily beautiful day!
If you care about journalism and cross border understanding, consider donating- thanks!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
If you care about journalism and cross border understanding, consider donating- thanks!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
August 2, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Nearly at the half way point of my Everesting roam attempt, as a fundraiser for @globalvoices.org. It has been an extraordinarily beautiful day!
If you care about journalism and cross border understanding, consider donating- thanks!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
If you care about journalism and cross border understanding, consider donating- thanks!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
Saturday morning at 2am, when I set out to climb 36 iconic climbs on my bike over 36 hours, I will also get to visit many of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Ithaca and Watkins Glen area.
I will also get to ride through the Finger Lakes National Forest & a fave spot for cider donuts!
I will also get to ride through the Finger Lakes National Forest & a fave spot for cider donuts!
July 31, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Saturday morning at 2am, when I set out to climb 36 iconic climbs on my bike over 36 hours, I will also get to visit many of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Ithaca and Watkins Glen area.
I will also get to ride through the Finger Lakes National Forest & a fave spot for cider donuts!
I will also get to ride through the Finger Lakes National Forest & a fave spot for cider donuts!
Equipment check for my Everesting Roam attempt. Temperatures will drop into the 50s, so I am thinking about wearing my wool jersey rather than the mesh I wear for summer climbs.
Since I am riding self supported, I have a lot to carry!
Since I am riding self supported, I have a lot to carry!
July 31, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Equipment check for my Everesting Roam attempt. Temperatures will drop into the 50s, so I am thinking about wearing my wool jersey rather than the mesh I wear for summer climbs.
Since I am riding self supported, I have a lot to carry!
Since I am riding self supported, I have a lot to carry!
Amidst Finger Lakes rainstorms, I now have a start time for my Everesting Roam Attempt.
If all goes well, I will ride 32k+ feet in elevation over 36 hours in support of journalism and understanding across borders at @globalvoices.org
Learn more & donate here:
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
If all goes well, I will ride 32k+ feet in elevation over 36 hours in support of journalism and understanding across borders at @globalvoices.org
Learn more & donate here:
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
July 31, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Amidst Finger Lakes rainstorms, I now have a start time for my Everesting Roam Attempt.
If all goes well, I will ride 32k+ feet in elevation over 36 hours in support of journalism and understanding across borders at @globalvoices.org
Learn more & donate here:
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
If all goes well, I will ride 32k+ feet in elevation over 36 hours in support of journalism and understanding across borders at @globalvoices.org
Learn more & donate here:
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
In case anyone is wondering, yes, I *will* be riding unisex bicycle tubes on my attempt this weekend to ride my bicycle up the equivalent of Everest.
Uh, thanks for clarifying, Amazon?
Uh, thanks for clarifying, Amazon?
July 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM
In case anyone is wondering, yes, I *will* be riding unisex bicycle tubes on my attempt this weekend to ride my bicycle up the equivalent of Everest.
Uh, thanks for clarifying, Amazon?
Uh, thanks for clarifying, Amazon?
Training success! ~16,000 feet in roughly 12 hours.
July 27, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Training success! ~16,000 feet in roughly 12 hours.
Today’s goal: ride at least 15000 feet in virtual elevation, hopefully more than 20k as I listen to @globalvoices.org Executive Director @older.bsky.social’s novella “the Mimicking of Known Successes.”
July 26, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Today’s goal: ride at least 15000 feet in virtual elevation, hopefully more than 20k as I listen to @globalvoices.org Executive Director @older.bsky.social’s novella “the Mimicking of Known Successes.”
“Come close to Nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose.” -Rilke
As wildfire smoke drifts into the US, it’s a day to stay away from nature as I train for next week’s Everest Roam attempt. Sorry Rilke!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
As wildfire smoke drifts into the US, it’s a day to stay away from nature as I train for next week’s Everest Roam attempt. Sorry Rilke!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
July 26, 2025 at 11:28 AM
“Come close to Nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose.” -Rilke
As wildfire smoke drifts into the US, it’s a day to stay away from nature as I train for next week’s Everest Roam attempt. Sorry Rilke!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...
As wildfire smoke drifts into the US, it’s a day to stay away from nature as I train for next week’s Everest Roam attempt. Sorry Rilke!
globalvoices.org/2025/07/24/f...