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: Social Media's ‘IDGAF Era’ and Weather Clout Chasers
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Social Media's ‘IDGAF Era’ and Weather Clout Chasers

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 social media companies being in their “IDGAF Era" and a viral thread about California's ARkStorm.
The Taylor Swift Deepfakes Disaster Threatens to Change the Internet As We Know It
AI

The Taylor Swift Deepfakes Disaster Threatens to Change the Internet As We Know It

Deepfakes and AI-generated nonconsensual sexual imagery have been a problem for a long time. But with the resurgence of attention on them, we're facing a reckoning.
Man Who Sued 'Are We Dating the Same Guy?' Groups Files Class Action Lawsuit

Man Who Sued 'Are We Dating the Same Guy?' Groups Files Class Action Lawsuit

Nikko D'Ambrosio of Illinois had his first case dismissed, and refiled as a class action that seeks other guys who feel harmed by "red flags or tea?" dating groups.
Behind the Blog: AI-Generated Harm and Our Journalism Business
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: AI-Generated Harm and Our Journalism Business

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 AI-generated non-consensual images that went viral of Taylor Swift, why we need your email address, and the state of journalism.
We Need Your Email Address
Announcements

We Need Your Email Address

AI stealing our work. The collapse of social networks. The need to pay journalists to produce impactful journalism. Here is why we are asking for your email address to read 404 Media.
AI-Generated Taylor Swift Porn Went Viral on Twitter. Here's How It Got There
News

AI-Generated Taylor Swift Porn Went Viral on Twitter. Here's How It Got There

404 Media traced back the viral and abusive images of Taylor Swift to a specific Telegram community. That group sometimes uses Microsoft's AI tools.
Oklahoma Bill Would Rewrite Long-Accepted Obscenity Standards
legislation

Oklahoma Bill Would Rewrite Long-Accepted Obscenity Standards

A new bill introduced this month that aims to amend the Miller Test for obscenity is nonsensical and unconstitutional, experts say.
Afghanistan Resistance Account Says ‘Tour of Booty’ Porn Scene Is The Taliban
Twitter

Afghanistan Resistance Account Says ‘Tour of Booty’ Porn Scene Is The Taliban

The Bang Bros production is a military sex fantasy showing porn actors, and not, in fact, leaked footage from an abduction.
Behind the Blog: Instagram Porn and AI Garbage
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Instagram Porn and AI Garbage

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 Instagram's anti-sex policies, Google News AI garbage, and handing over ID all over the internet.
Pornhub Wants Proof of Consent From Every Single Performer on Its Platform
platforms

Pornhub Wants Proof of Consent From Every Single Performer on Its Platform

Starting January 23, performers will need to upload proof of consent for videos that feature other people.
Behind the Blog: Open Source Platforms and Impactful Journalism
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Open Source Platforms and Impactful Journalism

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 tenacity in blogging, seeing results from journalism, and open-source platforms.
Man Sues 27 Women After Facebook Users Call Him ‘Clingy’ and ‘Psycho’
dating

Man Sues 27 Women After Facebook Users Call Him ‘Clingy’ and ‘Psycho’

Nikko D’Ambrosio filed a complaint against a long list of individuals and platforms, seeking damages he alleges he incurred because of a ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy’ Facebook group.