Is Facebook Biased?

By Tracey Dowdy

By now we’ve all heard the allegations that Facebook is manipulating what shows up in your newsfeed, particularly in the trending topics. Is the story a storm in a teacup – an almost welcome respite from the endless election coverage – or is there an actual bias in what we see?

The answer is yes and no.

Consider these statistics:

  • There are 7 billion people on earth
  • Of those 7 billion, 3 billion have access to the Internet
  • Of those 3 billion, 1.65 billion are active users of Facebook

If that doesn’t tell you the scope of Facebook’s influence, consider that a recent report by comScore reveals 20 percent of all mobile time is spent on the Facebook app; 63 percent of Americans see Facebook as their primary news source; and 31 percent rely on Facebook for breaking news. That, my friends, is a lot of influence. Manipulating content is a serious allegation.

We know Facebook uses algorithms to curate your newsfeed, so you see more of who and what you like. That makes sense – the more you see that appeals to you, the longer you stay on Facebook.

Where things get murky is that it’s not just algebraic formulas that determine the content you see. Those algorithms track what’s being talked about based on key words, phrases and how frequently they appear, then human editors take that information and use their own judgment to decide what gets pushed and how to frame the story. That naturally impacts the content we see.

As a publicly traded company Facebook is constantly looking for ways to generate income, meaning it frequently introduces new features in an attempt to keep you engaged. It recently added “Live Video” so you’ve likely started to see notifications like “Jim Gaffigan is live right now,” with the hope you’ll jump in and see what’s happening but ultimately keeping you on Facebook longer.

Facebook relies on ten news organizations for content: (BBC News, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, NBC News, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Yahoo and Yahoo News. According to the allegations, some editors either blacklisted or highlighted stories based on their own bias, rather than Facebook guidelines. Facebook pays news organizations like Buzzfeed and The New York Times to generate content for them that opens in Facebook, so you don’t have to leave the site to get your news and information.

There are also allegations Facebook tended to downplay content that favored conservative news. According to Gizmodo, Facebook employees admitted “they were suppressing conservative news, mostly because the majority of the employees working to curate the news weren’t conservative.” Whether those allegations are true or not remains to be seen, as both Facebook and the Senate are investigating.

The one piece of good news is those leaked documents indicate Facebook is working hard to filter out those wretched clickbait articles that take you to a sketchy website.

So where does that leave us? Pretty much back where we started actually. It’s unwise to get your news from one source, whether it’s Facebook, Fox News or CNN. It’s human nature to have a bias, and no matter how ethical the journalist, it’s impossible for that bias not to have an impact on their perspective.

For us as Facebook users, continue to engage with content. Hide, unfollow or skip content that doesn’t appeal to you and like, share and comment on the content that does. Click on articles that interest you and share them on your own feed. Those algorithms are always at work in the background, and ultimately Facebook wants to please you so they can keep you engaged and coming back for more.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

 

Apps for Your Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip

Tracey Dowdy

Ah, the great American road trip! Depending on how well your kids handle being strapped in for hours at a time, that phrase either filled you with delight or soul-crushing dread. My kids were pretty road hardy, but my friend Lilly’s daughter saw her car seat as a form of child abuse and would morph into a spider monkey if she even heard the phrase “road trip.” Getting her in the car required one of those clowns they use at rodeos to distract the rampaging bull and keep it from killing everyone in its path. At least that’s how I picture it.

Wherever your kiddos fall on the road trip spectrum, these apps can ensure things go as smoothly as possible and get you to your destination happy – and not just because you survived the tiny terror in the backseat!

We depend on our phones for navigation and entertainment while we drive but they’re not always within reach and it’s not always safe to pull over in order to find one. A car mount like Logitech’s ZeroTouch for Android puts your phone front and center and comes with an accompanying voice command app that syncs with your phone allowing hands-free calling, voice to text, voice navigation, location sharing, and voice activated music.

If your holiday includes planes, trains and automobiles, TripIt (Free – iOS, Android), is a sanity saver. Forward your reservations to plans@tripit.com and you’ll have access to all that information in one convenient location. You’ll get a master itinerary with maps, directions, and weather updates, all accessible anytime on or offline.

Waze (Free – iOS, Android), a community sourced traffic and navigation app, provides real time updates on your route so you’ll know about upcoming traffic jams, accidents, debris on the road or any of the other potential delays that will keep you from being where you need to be when you need to be there.

Automatic plugs in to your car’s computer and will report back to you on everything from your driving to why the check engine light just came on. It also has a parking map and walking directions so you’ll never lose your car again. Perhaps most important, if Automatic detects you’ve been in a serious crash, an agent will call to assist you, contact emergency services and loved ones and will stay on the line until help arrives.

The Sit or Squat app may be the greatest gift to road-tripping parents since the portable DVD player. Search and view for restrooms near you or at your destination, filter results by selecting Open Now, Sit-or-Squat Rating, Family Bathroom, Baby Changing Table, Handicap Accessible, or Pay-Per-Use toilets. (Free – iOS, Android)

Some newer model cars come equipped with 4G LTE but for those of us without, a mobile router is a great resource. Most carriers will let you add one to your existing plans so you have access to the data you’re already paying for, or choose Go from Karma with pre-paid data that you purchase by the gigabyte and that never expires.

Roadtrippers (iOS/Android) lets you find all the quirky and interesting sights along the way. Use the app to find a quick distraction when everyone is tired of the car or let Roadtrippers take you on the scenic route by choosing one of their Classic USA Road Trips. You can book hotels and share your itinerary with others all from within the app.

Despite the fact I grew up there and should have known better, a few years ago I came very close to being stranded and running out of gas in the Cape Breton highlands late at night. Gas Buddy (Free – iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry) is every road-tripper’s friend, as it not only helps you find the nearest gas station, it tells you prices so you can get the most for your money without going too far out of the way.

Finally, if the trip is taking longer than you expected or if you’ve just decided you’ve had enough for one day, Hotel Tonight (Free – iOS, Android),  is the answer, offering last-minute deals and discounted rates lower than what’s available on other apps. Search for hotels and see all the details you need – what’s close, which ones are pet friendly, have a fitness center, etc. Refer a friend and both of you receive a $25 discount when they book.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Friday, June 24: Wearable Tech

VERIZON MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: Friday, June 24, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Wearable Tech’

Join the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, June 24 as we chat about the latest offerings in Wearable Tech!

Watches, wristbands, virtual reality headsets…the options for wearable technology are already plentiful and more devices are coming to market every month. We look at the benefits of wearable technology and ask whether these devices are a passing fad or whether they represent the next big breakthrough in mobile technology!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Moto 360 Sport smartwatch or a Droid Maxx 2 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/MKEP300Ax0M
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, June 24 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Connect Your Home with Nest

The promise of the connected home has been around for years but it seems that only a few wealthy home buyers have been able to turn that promise into a reality.

However, improvements in technology and faster networks have recently resulted in a slew of connected devices for the home. Whether you’re looking to stream movies to your TV or remotely adjust your sprinkler system, there seem to be a multiple affordable options to choose from.

But if you ask the average home owner what they are most concerned about, more on demand movie choices and a greener lawn would probably not be at the top of their list. Instead, better energy conservation and improved security are two objectives that are guaranteed to get a home owner’s attention.

Since they introduced the first Nest Thermostat in 2011, Nest Labs has been the leader in producing innovative energy saving and security devices for the home. Now Nest Labs’ three complimentary devices for the home – Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect and Nest Cam – are taking safety, comfort and efficiency to a whole new level.

The third generation Nest Thermostat is also referred to as the “Learning Thermostat,” because after a week or so in your home it learns your habits and starts to program itself. Independent studies have shown that the Nest Thermostat saves the average household between 10 – 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills, so after two years it literally pays for itself!

Is there a more neglected safety device in the home that the smoke detector? Most people know that they should test their smoke alarms at least once a month but 9 out of 10 people don’t bother. With the Nest Protect, battery and performance testing are automatic, so you can leave it to watch over your family with a clear conscience.

The final member of Nest’s energy saving and security trio is the Nest Cam. The Nest Cam is so smart you don’t even have to activate it. It will know your phone’s location and automatically turn itself on when you leave the house. You can use it to watch the baby, keep an eye on your pets or monitor the front door. And you don’t need to keep looking at your phone; it will send you alerts when it detects unusual movement or sound.

The best part about Nest’s energy saving and security devices? They all work together. An alarm from Nest Protect will automatically activate Nest Cam; and if the Nest Protect detects high levels of carbon monoxide, the Nest Thermostat automatically turns off your heating system. This interconnectivity adds yet another layer of comfort and protection.

You may have thought a connected home was just a dream, but with the Nest group of energy saving and security devices you can turn that dream into a reality.

Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect and Nest Cam are available at Verizon stores or online at www.verizonwireless.com.

The Online Mom receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon.

How To Manage In-App Purchases in iTunes

By Tracey Dowdy

Every once in awhile you’ll hear a parent-horror story of a child who racked up a college-fund’s worth of charges in the app store before their unsuspecting parent had a chance to intervene.

Sometimes the child isn’t aware that the charges aren’t part of the game, other times they don’t think through the long term consequences of their choices.

A year ago, Mohamed Shugaa’s seven-year-old son racked up almost $6000 in charges upgrading the dinosaurs in his Jurassic World game. His father pleaded with iTunes and was eventually able to get the money back, but it was a tough lesson for both father and son.

The good news is, it’s a lot easier to prevent those charges than it is to get your money back through a dispute with the app store. Apple’s website states:

‘All iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod touch) have built-in parental controls that give parents and guardians the ability to restrict access to content.

‘Parental controls also give parents and guardians the option to turn off functionality such as purchasing from iTunes and the ability to turn off in-app purchases.

‘Our parents’ guide to iTunes details the steps adults can take to make sure younger players have access to the right content. The first thing we recommend is not to share your password.’

In other words, it’s up to you to ensure your child – or anyone else – can’t inadvertently rack up charges without your consent.

Off course the easiest way to avoid running in to trouble is to stick with apps that are free of in-app purchases, but there’s a better way. It’s as easy as talking about what in-app purchases mean, what to look for and making a few simple changes in your settings.

Start with a conversation. Don’t assume your child “knows better” than to rack up charges. Caution them to keep an eye out for words like “expand,” “upgrade” and “enhance” that really translate to “buy.”

Set boundaries. If you choose not to password protect your account, or if you choose to share the password with your child, make sure you’ve established clear boundaries about how much your child can spend and establish what the consequences will be if the rules are broken.

Restrict access. The easiest way to manage in-app purchases is to make it impossible. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions. Under Allow, choose Off for in-app purchases. Voila! No more surprises. Note: Restrictions requires a separate passcode to lock the settings. Use a different passcode than the one you use to unlock your phone.

Require a passcode for every purchase. iTunes offers users the option to require a password immediately or allow a 15-minute grace period for further purchases to be made. Make sure you’ve selected the option to require the passcode every time. A lot can happen in 15 minutes!

Use gift cards or an iTunes allowance. If you’ve determined your child is responsible enough, or if you simply want to teach them the value of a dollar, using iTunes gift cards or providing a monthly allowance through the app store is a great option. Go to Send iTunes Gifts > Learn More About Gifting > Set Up an Allowance.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Wednesday, May 25: A Special #SwifferFanatic Twitter Party

A SWIFFER FANATIC TWITTER PARTY

SwifferFanatic

When: TODAY, Wednesday, May 25, 2016
8:00 – 9:00 pm ET
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT

Join @SeeMomClick and special guest @MrSilverScott (Jonathan Scott from HGTV’s Property Brothers) at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) on Wednesday, May 25 as we discover how you can make your home look like new!

RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win one of FIVE #SwifferFanatic and #MagicEraser prize packs!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: SwifferFanatic) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/UMDn300ujGx
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#SwifferFanatic) on Wednesday, May 25 between 8 – 9 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Swiffer and MrClean.)

Friday, June 17: Calling All Foodies!

VERIZON MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: Friday, June 17, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Calling All Foodies’

Join host @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) TODAY, June 17 as we chat about everyone’s favorite topic – food!

We talk about it, we prepare it, we photograph it, and sometimes we even eat it! Join us we explore how mobile technology and social media are turning us into a nation of foodies!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a UE Boom 2 wireless speaker or a Droid Maxx 2 by Motorola smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/pwiA300lxp9
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, June 17 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Apps to Help Track Your Food Goals

By Tracey Dowdy

We all know diets don’t work. A recent article in the New York Times that followed up on TV’s Biggest Loser contestants showed when it comes to keeping the weight off, it’s an uphill battle against your metabolism. Contestants’ bodies resisted keeping the weight off and fought to hang on to every calorie. Incorporating your food choices into an overall healthy lifestyle with regular exercise is the only way to succeed.

So when I say “food goals”, I’m not suggesting you go on the Cabbage Soup diet or some other radical plan that you’ll never be able to stick to long-term. I’m talking about finding ways to integrate nutritious and satisfying foods into your diet and being able to maintain that lifestyle over time.

If you’re looking to make a serious lifestyle change, it’s best to start with a conversation with your doctor and get his advice. You should also be aware that depending on your current health, age, weight, fitness level and fitness goals, your dietary needs will be different from the guy next to you on the treadmill.

So, whether you’re training for a 5k or a marathon, trying to maintain your weight or simply trying to undo years of treating your body like you would a rental car, these apps can help you reach your food goals.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPalMy Fitness Pal is a calorie counter and food tracker that pairs with over 50 devices and apps including Apple Watch, Withings, Fitbit, Jawbone UP, DigiFit, and Runtastic. With a database of over 6 million foods, users can set goals, track progress, scan barcodes, share meals, create recipes, and track exercise. Keep your data private or share with other MFP users on Facebook and Twitter. The app includes a Restaurant Logging feature that allows users to search for nutrition information for chain restaurants and foods.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry
Cost: Free


LoseIt

LoseItLoseIt is also a calorie counter and comes loaded with a substantial number of foods in its database. Manually enter nutrition information or scan the barcode for automatic uploading. Users can include protein, fats, carbs, sugar and sodium levels – features very useful for individuals trying to track sugar or salt intake as well as calories. LoseIt also allows you to tally the amount of calories burned, which you can then “eat back” or choose to modify your overall calorie allowance based on your activity level.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free


Calorie Counter PRO by MyNetDiary

CalorieCounterCalorie Counter PRO is popular with users for its streamlined, easy-to-use interface and bright, upbeat design. With a database of nearly a million foods and 500 exercises designed to help you lose weight, you can track your food and exercise, plan nutritious meals, and stay motivated. The app provides a Virtual Coach that provides customized advice, reminders and motivation to help you stick to your goals. The app also allows you to track your water intake – something not all the apps on this list offer.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free, $3.99


Diet Point – Weight Loss

Diet PointDiet Point – Weight Loss isn’t so much a calorie or nutrition counter as much as a supplementary tool to the other apps on this list. Offering over 150 diet plans including Low Carb/Fat, Paleo, Mediterranean, Raw Food, High Fiber, Vegetarian/Vegan diets, the app isn’t only for those looking to manage fat and calories but is a great resource for individuals who have been instructed to eliminate specific foods or ingredients based on their doctor’s recommendation. Each menu item comes with a shopping list and allows you to choose a pre-set or customized menu plan. Get reminders when it’s time to eat, monitor your weight loss and get motivation from a virtual coach to help you stay on track.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

App Review: Highlights Every Day

When my daughter was in Kindergarten, there was a LOT I didn’t know. Sometimes asking other parents was simple enough depending on the opportunity and I was constantly looking for recommendations on great books to read to her and with her.

When my daughter moved into 1st grade her amazing teacher, Mrs. Arone, introduced us to Highlights Magazine, which served the dual purpose of suggesting great books for kids her age while also donating some for use in the classroom. We loved getting the magazine and picking more than a dozen books from the list for us to read at home. It felt very much like a curated list of great reads, which saved us time for more nighttime reading before sleep.

Now, fast-forward a few years, and yes, there is an app for that! Highlights Every Day can be downloaded on your iPhone or Android device and it has been reimagined as an all-new digital experience. It features hundreds of fun facts, puzzles, jokes, quizzes, videos, stories and a lot more.

If you have kids between the ages of 6 and 12 they can learn about the world around them and enjoy hundreds of activities with a new issue delivered EVERY DAY!

Hidden-Pictures-app-store

Specific features include:

  • Exclusive videos, including joke reels, animated learning clips and Ask Highlights Kids shorts
  • Engaging stories, poems and reading activities
  • Skill-building Hidden Pictures® puzzles, mazes, word clues and more
  • Fascinating interactive quizzes
  • Hundreds of activities — there’s always something new to play

The app is available for phone and tablet and it is a great way to keep kids entertained with content that is safe and also educational in a fun way.

Pricing:

  • Monthly subscription: $7.99/month (or just 23¢ per day for 5 new daily activities)
  • Free 30-day trial

Download on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/1Tcg7sy

Download on the Android Play Store here: http://apple.co/1XsWsEV

What are some of your favorite resources for young children?

The Online Mom received a promotional fee for participating in the Highlights Every Day program