Stephen Poljansek
@spoljansek.bsky.social
Thinker. Analyst. Enabler. Practical. Objective. Hopeful. Tasmanian.
An enlightening thread explaining why misinformation (or disordered discourse) should not be dismissed.
“systems of belief that reinforce themselves, reject correction, and disconnect people from any shared standard of reality.”
Disordered discourse has become pervasive and is breaking society.
“systems of belief that reinforce themselves, reject correction, and disconnect people from any shared standard of reality.”
Disordered discourse has become pervasive and is breaking society.
🧵 THREAD: Why the Cato Institute’s new paper on “misinformation panic” is dangerously wrong, and why it completely misunderstands the real crisis we face.
www.cato.org/policy-analy...
www.cato.org/policy-analy...
The Misleading Panic over Misinformation
People can’t agree on how to define misinformation and its related terms, making regulation nearly impossible. Instead, free expression serves as a better tool for discovering truth.
www.cato.org
July 14, 2025 at 8:15 AM
An enlightening thread explaining why misinformation (or disordered discourse) should not be dismissed.
“systems of belief that reinforce themselves, reject correction, and disconnect people from any shared standard of reality.”
Disordered discourse has become pervasive and is breaking society.
“systems of belief that reinforce themselves, reject correction, and disconnect people from any shared standard of reality.”
Disordered discourse has become pervasive and is breaking society.
Another one of many thought provoking historical Carl Sagan quotes:
If we continue to accumulate only power and not wisdom, we will surely destroy ourselves... If we become even slightly more violent, shortsighted, ignorant, and selfish than we are now, almost certainly we will have no future.
- Carl Sagan
- Carl Sagan
June 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Another one of many thought provoking historical Carl Sagan quotes:
Supersized vehicles that are popular in Australia and the US are not only massive, but massively dangerous to pedestrians.
NEW: Car bonnets are becoming a half-centimetre higher every year, driving road safety fears.
This #carspreading trend where supersized SUVs crowd out space in towns and cities is also leading to cars that are more dangerous in a crash.
🧵
This #carspreading trend where supersized SUVs crowd out space in towns and cities is also leading to cars that are more dangerous in a crash.
🧵
June 12, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Supersized vehicles that are popular in Australia and the US are not only massive, but massively dangerous to pedestrians.
Random acts of kindness…
June 7, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Random acts of kindness…
Laura Tingle is leaving domestic politics reporting for reporting international affairs and reflects on new mandate for progress in Australia.
“people speak ad nauseum of golden days when governments, and/or the parliament got things done”
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
“people speak ad nauseum of golden days when governments, and/or the parliament got things done”
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
After 45 years watching politics, I’m signing off with a final wish
Putting aside the Coalition, let's focus on the new government: the one that has won an exceptionally large number of seats and which is probably already doing stuff that's affecting us voters.
www.abc.net.au
May 31, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Laura Tingle is leaving domestic politics reporting for reporting international affairs and reflects on new mandate for progress in Australia.
“people speak ad nauseum of golden days when governments, and/or the parliament got things done”
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
“people speak ad nauseum of golden days when governments, and/or the parliament got things done”
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
Renewable energy is not the future — it’s the present!
The main limiting factor is our willingness and commitment to quickly deploy.
It’s the cheapest energy too!
The main limiting factor is our willingness and commitment to quickly deploy.
It’s the cheapest energy too!
They say it can’t be done, but here we are, California is generated 106% of California’s entire state electricity demand from renewables.
California has a population bigger that 154 other countries around the world. It’s the 4th largest economy, in the world.
Let that sink in.
#energysky #greensky
California has a population bigger that 154 other countries around the world. It’s the 4th largest economy, in the world.
Let that sink in.
#energysky #greensky
May 25, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Renewable energy is not the future — it’s the present!
The main limiting factor is our willingness and commitment to quickly deploy.
It’s the cheapest energy too!
The main limiting factor is our willingness and commitment to quickly deploy.
It’s the cheapest energy too!
Tasmania’s arts scene is growing yet UTAS is reducing funding to arts…
“student Lucia Poljansek expressed concern that cuts to theatre would impact the local creative arts scene by sending students to the mainland…
there are so many opportunities for great art here and we need to keep that going.”
“student Lucia Poljansek expressed concern that cuts to theatre would impact the local creative arts scene by sending students to the mainland…
there are so many opportunities for great art here and we need to keep that going.”
www.themercury.com.au
May 25, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Tasmania’s arts scene is growing yet UTAS is reducing funding to arts…
“student Lucia Poljansek expressed concern that cuts to theatre would impact the local creative arts scene by sending students to the mainland…
there are so many opportunities for great art here and we need to keep that going.”
“student Lucia Poljansek expressed concern that cuts to theatre would impact the local creative arts scene by sending students to the mainland…
there are so many opportunities for great art here and we need to keep that going.”
Cycling in cities should be for everyone and can be made safer.
When people say that they hardly see any riders, perhaps they should be more supportive of safer cycle routes.
Riders shouldn’t battle it out against larger vehicles.
Why are helmets, Lycra and high viz needed?
Poor infrastructure.
When people say that they hardly see any riders, perhaps they should be more supportive of safer cycle routes.
Riders shouldn’t battle it out against larger vehicles.
Why are helmets, Lycra and high viz needed?
Poor infrastructure.
If your cycling infrastructure isn’t good enough for them, it isn’t good enough.
May 11, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Cycling in cities should be for everyone and can be made safer.
When people say that they hardly see any riders, perhaps they should be more supportive of safer cycle routes.
Riders shouldn’t battle it out against larger vehicles.
Why are helmets, Lycra and high viz needed?
Poor infrastructure.
When people say that they hardly see any riders, perhaps they should be more supportive of safer cycle routes.
Riders shouldn’t battle it out against larger vehicles.
Why are helmets, Lycra and high viz needed?
Poor infrastructure.
Reposted by Stephen Poljansek
Another day of reminding everyone of Carl Sagan’s eerily accurate warning about the dangers of not being able to ask skeptical scientific questions to those in power or authority.
May 8, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Another day of reminding everyone of Carl Sagan’s eerily accurate warning about the dangers of not being able to ask skeptical scientific questions to those in power or authority.
We are all human and we are all equal.
Despite hate and evil being propagated by the few, there are many including from the young that demonstrate compassionate truth.
Our future leaders will come from the young, and this one has confidence and determination beyond his years.
Despite hate and evil being propagated by the few, there are many including from the young that demonstrate compassionate truth.
Our future leaders will come from the young, and this one has confidence and determination beyond his years.
Oh yeah nice one kid hook that hope for humanity right into my veins
May 9, 2025 at 3:00 AM
We are all human and we are all equal.
Despite hate and evil being propagated by the few, there are many including from the young that demonstrate compassionate truth.
Our future leaders will come from the young, and this one has confidence and determination beyond his years.
Despite hate and evil being propagated by the few, there are many including from the young that demonstrate compassionate truth.
Our future leaders will come from the young, and this one has confidence and determination beyond his years.
The below linked page from
The Conversation, has a great interactive visualisation of the composition of the new Australian lower house.
Some Interesting stats:
38 members under 50 years old
89 members over 50
62 Female
77 Male
6 female independents
48 female Labor
7 female coalition
The Conversation, has a great interactive visualisation of the composition of the new Australian lower house.
Some Interesting stats:
38 members under 50 years old
89 members over 50
62 Female
77 Male
6 female independents
48 female Labor
7 female coalition
Want to see how many women vs men there are in the new House of Reps? How many MPs under 40 or 60+? And how your state or territory voted? Get the full picture here.
Explore the new House of Representatives
theconversation.com
May 8, 2025 at 6:31 AM
The below linked page from
The Conversation, has a great interactive visualisation of the composition of the new Australian lower house.
Some Interesting stats:
38 members under 50 years old
89 members over 50
62 Female
77 Male
6 female independents
48 female Labor
7 female coalition
The Conversation, has a great interactive visualisation of the composition of the new Australian lower house.
Some Interesting stats:
38 members under 50 years old
89 members over 50
62 Female
77 Male
6 female independents
48 female Labor
7 female coalition
Sesame Street, the children’s program that’s been around for over 50 years is diminishing due to Trump cuts.
Not sure if they’re selling Elmo off but he’s going.
I learned basic literacy, numeracy, some science & arts concepts from this show which set me up for continuing curiosity and learning.
Not sure if they’re selling Elmo off but he’s going.
I learned basic literacy, numeracy, some science & arts concepts from this show which set me up for continuing curiosity and learning.
May 8, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Sesame Street, the children’s program that’s been around for over 50 years is diminishing due to Trump cuts.
Not sure if they’re selling Elmo off but he’s going.
I learned basic literacy, numeracy, some science & arts concepts from this show which set me up for continuing curiosity and learning.
Not sure if they’re selling Elmo off but he’s going.
I learned basic literacy, numeracy, some science & arts concepts from this show which set me up for continuing curiosity and learning.
Why are so many people still using the oligarchs X platform routinely?
I use the word “platform” deliberately.
If I had a favourite bar or cafe & the owner went full Nazi nutcase, acted like a Bond villain & actively invited crazy, hateful dicks —
I’d find someplace better to go.
In fact, I did.
I use the word “platform” deliberately.
If I had a favourite bar or cafe & the owner went full Nazi nutcase, acted like a Bond villain & actively invited crazy, hateful dicks —
I’d find someplace better to go.
In fact, I did.
May 6, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Why are so many people still using the oligarchs X platform routinely?
I use the word “platform” deliberately.
If I had a favourite bar or cafe & the owner went full Nazi nutcase, acted like a Bond villain & actively invited crazy, hateful dicks —
I’d find someplace better to go.
In fact, I did.
I use the word “platform” deliberately.
If I had a favourite bar or cafe & the owner went full Nazi nutcase, acted like a Bond villain & actively invited crazy, hateful dicks —
I’d find someplace better to go.
In fact, I did.
A home should be everyone’s right.
In Tasmania, population only 576,000 — over 5000 people waiting for social housing — the highest number ever.
Wait time over 82 weeks.
571 homeless on waiting list entirely without housing (eg. sleeping in tent or car).
3300 people are couch surfing
In Tasmania, population only 576,000 — over 5000 people waiting for social housing — the highest number ever.
Wait time over 82 weeks.
571 homeless on waiting list entirely without housing (eg. sleeping in tent or car).
3300 people are couch surfing
May 6, 2025 at 9:26 AM
A home should be everyone’s right.
In Tasmania, population only 576,000 — over 5000 people waiting for social housing — the highest number ever.
Wait time over 82 weeks.
571 homeless on waiting list entirely without housing (eg. sleeping in tent or car).
3300 people are couch surfing
In Tasmania, population only 576,000 — over 5000 people waiting for social housing — the highest number ever.
Wait time over 82 weeks.
571 homeless on waiting list entirely without housing (eg. sleeping in tent or car).
3300 people are couch surfing
Many Australian’s now want our foreign policy to have greater independence.
Now that our election is over, it’s time to stand for our own values.
Trump has made it clear that he cannot be trusted.
We will retain friendship with American people but let’s stop pretending that we like the new admin.
Now that our election is over, it’s time to stand for our own values.
Trump has made it clear that he cannot be trusted.
We will retain friendship with American people but let’s stop pretending that we like the new admin.
The majority of Australians now support a more independent foreign policy, according to new Institute polling.
"Australians are really concerned about what's happening in the US."
"I think it's a direct response to Trump & what he is doing," says @emmashortis.bsky.social.
🎧 theaus.in/4m32r2U
"Australians are really concerned about what's happening in the US."
"I think it's a direct response to Trump & what he is doing," says @emmashortis.bsky.social.
🎧 theaus.in/4m32r2U
May 6, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Many Australian’s now want our foreign policy to have greater independence.
Now that our election is over, it’s time to stand for our own values.
Trump has made it clear that he cannot be trusted.
We will retain friendship with American people but let’s stop pretending that we like the new admin.
Now that our election is over, it’s time to stand for our own values.
Trump has made it clear that he cannot be trusted.
We will retain friendship with American people but let’s stop pretending that we like the new admin.
Can you interpret the motives behind the tsunami of information and posts you receive each day?
Misinformation: mistakenly false
Disinformation: created or shared to deliberately mislead
Malinformation: facts presented out of context to deliberately cause harm
See:
moadoph.gov.au/explore/demo...
Misinformation: mistakenly false
Disinformation: created or shared to deliberately mislead
Malinformation: facts presented out of context to deliberately cause harm
See:
moadoph.gov.au/explore/demo...
Misinformation explained
Your guide to misinformation and democracy.
moadoph.gov.au
May 6, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Can you interpret the motives behind the tsunami of information and posts you receive each day?
Misinformation: mistakenly false
Disinformation: created or shared to deliberately mislead
Malinformation: facts presented out of context to deliberately cause harm
See:
moadoph.gov.au/explore/demo...
Misinformation: mistakenly false
Disinformation: created or shared to deliberately mislead
Malinformation: facts presented out of context to deliberately cause harm
See:
moadoph.gov.au/explore/demo...
In USA, nurturing critical thinking amongst as many people as possible is paramount to restoring their democracy.
For other countries like Australia where many take our democracy for granted — critical thinking is essential to keeping it.
Democracy doesn’t persist by default.
See advice below:
For other countries like Australia where many take our democracy for granted — critical thinking is essential to keeping it.
Democracy doesn’t persist by default.
See advice below:
May 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM
In USA, nurturing critical thinking amongst as many people as possible is paramount to restoring their democracy.
For other countries like Australia where many take our democracy for granted — critical thinking is essential to keeping it.
Democracy doesn’t persist by default.
See advice below:
For other countries like Australia where many take our democracy for granted — critical thinking is essential to keeping it.
Democracy doesn’t persist by default.
See advice below:
Democracy requires the following information processes to function properly and serve us well:
1. Verification (of truth)
2. Deliberation (transparent discourse)
3. Accountability (of representatives)
Think about your world, your leaders, your media and decide whether your democracy is strong.
1. Verification (of truth)
2. Deliberation (transparent discourse)
3. Accountability (of representatives)
Think about your world, your leaders, your media and decide whether your democracy is strong.
May 5, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Democracy requires the following information processes to function properly and serve us well:
1. Verification (of truth)
2. Deliberation (transparent discourse)
3. Accountability (of representatives)
Think about your world, your leaders, your media and decide whether your democracy is strong.
1. Verification (of truth)
2. Deliberation (transparent discourse)
3. Accountability (of representatives)
Think about your world, your leaders, your media and decide whether your democracy is strong.
People may avoid parties and gatherings on election day, whilst others will embrace them.
1976 film “Don’s Party” based on play by David Williamson is still an excellent portrayal of politics on election night.
If you get tired of the vote counting tonight, watching it is an excellent alternative.
1976 film “Don’s Party” based on play by David Williamson is still an excellent portrayal of politics on election night.
If you get tired of the vote counting tonight, watching it is an excellent alternative.
May 3, 2025 at 1:34 AM
People may avoid parties and gatherings on election day, whilst others will embrace them.
1976 film “Don’s Party” based on play by David Williamson is still an excellent portrayal of politics on election night.
If you get tired of the vote counting tonight, watching it is an excellent alternative.
1976 film “Don’s Party” based on play by David Williamson is still an excellent portrayal of politics on election night.
If you get tired of the vote counting tonight, watching it is an excellent alternative.
Australia’s housing crisis has become so dire that only 3 houses in the entire country are affordable to rent for someone on Job Seeker allowance!
Worse still only 1 single house is affordable for someone on Youth Allowance and that includes share houses!
www.realestate.com.au/news/just-th...
Worse still only 1 single house is affordable for someone on Youth Allowance and that includes share houses!
www.realestate.com.au/news/just-th...
www.realestate.com.au
April 30, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Australia’s housing crisis has become so dire that only 3 houses in the entire country are affordable to rent for someone on Job Seeker allowance!
Worse still only 1 single house is affordable for someone on Youth Allowance and that includes share houses!
www.realestate.com.au/news/just-th...
Worse still only 1 single house is affordable for someone on Youth Allowance and that includes share houses!
www.realestate.com.au/news/just-th...
I found this photo I took some time ago of a “street library” in a leafy suburb of Melbourne.
In addition to providing free access to a nicely diverse collection of books for the public to borrow, they have kindly provided table and chairs to browse the books on site!
Note the stump step for kids.
In addition to providing free access to a nicely diverse collection of books for the public to borrow, they have kindly provided table and chairs to browse the books on site!
Note the stump step for kids.
April 27, 2025 at 10:04 AM
I found this photo I took some time ago of a “street library” in a leafy suburb of Melbourne.
In addition to providing free access to a nicely diverse collection of books for the public to borrow, they have kindly provided table and chairs to browse the books on site!
Note the stump step for kids.
In addition to providing free access to a nicely diverse collection of books for the public to borrow, they have kindly provided table and chairs to browse the books on site!
Note the stump step for kids.
Democracy is stronger when all citizens, including those that committed crimes, are provided an opportunity to vote.
In Australia, prisoners are eligible to vote if their sentence is under 3 years, yet only 274 prisoners were able to vote at the last election.
Why?
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
In Australia, prisoners are eligible to vote if their sentence is under 3 years, yet only 274 prisoners were able to vote at the last election.
Why?
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
Just 274 prisoners voted at the last election. Inmates say the process feels dehumanising
Just 274 prisoners voted at the last federal election. Former inmates say the barriers to voting can feel dehumanising.
www.sbs.com.au
April 26, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Democracy is stronger when all citizens, including those that committed crimes, are provided an opportunity to vote.
In Australia, prisoners are eligible to vote if their sentence is under 3 years, yet only 274 prisoners were able to vote at the last election.
Why?
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
In Australia, prisoners are eligible to vote if their sentence is under 3 years, yet only 274 prisoners were able to vote at the last election.
Why?
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
Musk long claimed that his X disinformation platform promotes “free speech”.
NYTimes found evidence that speaking your mind on the platform results in retaliation by algorithm.
The implication is that if you challenge Musk he will kill your following.
With Nazi hate & insecurity — why stay there?
NYTimes found evidence that speaking your mind on the platform results in retaliation by algorithm.
The implication is that if you challenge Musk he will kill your following.
With Nazi hate & insecurity — why stay there?
"The New York Times found three users on X who feuded with Mr. Musk in December only to see their reach on the social platform practically vanish overnight."
They Criticized Musk on X. Then Their Reach Collapsed.
Three users who disagreed with the site’s owner saw views for their posts plummet.
www.nytimes.com
April 26, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Musk long claimed that his X disinformation platform promotes “free speech”.
NYTimes found evidence that speaking your mind on the platform results in retaliation by algorithm.
The implication is that if you challenge Musk he will kill your following.
With Nazi hate & insecurity — why stay there?
NYTimes found evidence that speaking your mind on the platform results in retaliation by algorithm.
The implication is that if you challenge Musk he will kill your following.
With Nazi hate & insecurity — why stay there?
Wow! Beijing delivers 200 kms of cycling infrastructure per year!
In Tasmania, we have heated political arguments about building 200 metres!
Cycling is fast, healthy, cheap, fun, non-polluting and reduces car traffic.
Why shouldn’t it also be made to be more convenient and safe?
In Tasmania, we have heated political arguments about building 200 metres!
Cycling is fast, healthy, cheap, fun, non-polluting and reduces car traffic.
Why shouldn’t it also be made to be more convenient and safe?
Beijing’s comeback as a cycling city is moving at a blistering pace, with over 200 kilometres of infrastructure being delivered each and every year.
To date, its network boasts a staggering 3,200 kilometres of bike routes, as it strives to increase the city centre active mode share from 49% to 75%.
To date, its network boasts a staggering 3,200 kilometres of bike routes, as it strives to increase the city centre active mode share from 49% to 75%.
April 26, 2025 at 5:10 AM
Wow! Beijing delivers 200 kms of cycling infrastructure per year!
In Tasmania, we have heated political arguments about building 200 metres!
Cycling is fast, healthy, cheap, fun, non-polluting and reduces car traffic.
Why shouldn’t it also be made to be more convenient and safe?
In Tasmania, we have heated political arguments about building 200 metres!
Cycling is fast, healthy, cheap, fun, non-polluting and reduces car traffic.
Why shouldn’t it also be made to be more convenient and safe?