Samantha Cole

Samantha Cole

Sam Cole is writing from the far reaches of the internet, about sexuality, the adult industry, online culture, and AI. She's the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex.
230 posts
Behind the Blog: What Is Real?
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: What Is Real?

This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss weird fake furniture and shared reality (or the lack thereof).
People Think AI Images of Hollywood Sign Burning Are Real
AI

People Think AI Images of Hollywood Sign Burning Are Real

AI generated slop is tricking people into thinking an already devastating series of wildfires in Los Angeles are even worse than they are — and using it to score political points. 
Google's AI Overview Tells Adults to Use 'Magic Wand' With Kids
Google

Google's AI Overview Tells Adults to Use 'Magic Wand' With Kids

Google's AI search feature is telling people searching for answers about using vibrating sex toys during pregnancy that they should consider it for counseling children, instead.
Pornhub Is Now Blocked In Almost All of the U.S. South
pornhub

Pornhub Is Now Blocked In Almost All of the U.S. South

As of today, three more states join the list of 17 that can't access Pornhub because of age verification laws.
We Don’t Want Your Password
News

We Don’t Want Your Password

Some people don't love our magic link logins. But the best way for us to protect your password is to never ask for it.
AI-Generated Book Grifters Threaten The Future of Lace-Making
AI

AI-Generated Book Grifters Threaten The Future of Lace-Making

“Unfortunately, for newcomers who might be excited to dive into this hobby, they could get burned by the inadequate books—and frankly the thievery—of the work of our cherished lacemakers and designers."
Nothing Is Sacred: AI Generated Slop Has Come for Christmas Music
christmas

Nothing Is Sacred: AI Generated Slop Has Come for Christmas Music

AI-generated Christmas classics that dwell in the uncanny valley are giving listeners the creeps.
Behind the Blog: Posting Through It
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Posting Through It

This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss our top games of the year, air traffic control, and posting through it.
To Log Into WordPress, You Now Have To Agree Pineapple on Pizza Is Good
wordpress

To Log Into WordPress, You Now Have To Agree Pineapple on Pizza Is Good

Longtime WordPress contributors ask: “Where are the adults in the room?”
Behind the Blog: Nostalgia and Newsworthiness
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Nostalgia and Newsworthiness

This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss archiving nostalgia, newsworthiness, and plans for 2025.
Traffic Camera 'Selfie' Creator Holds Cease and Desist Letter in Front of Traffic Cam
Cameras

Traffic Camera 'Selfie' Creator Holds Cease and Desist Letter in Front of Traffic Cam

Traffic Cam Photobooth lets you take a capture from NYC surveillance camera. The city's Department of Transportation does not like that.
WordPress CEO Rage Quits Community Slack After Court Injunction
wordpress

WordPress CEO Rage Quits Community Slack After Court Injunction

Automattic is ordered to undo several of the actions of its CEO Matt Mullenweg in its ongoing legal battle with WP Engine. “It's hard to imagine wanting to continue to working on WordPress after this," Mullenweg said in a community Slack message.