Michaela Smiley (Thayer)

Deep Dives

Your 2020 election podcast playlist

Every day online, we’re bombarded with messages from 2020 U.S. presidential candidates, their supporters, and their adversaries. Just how much...

Read More
Internet Culture

Are you registered to vote?

Left, right, or center. Blue, red, or green. Whatever your flavor, it’s your right to decide the direction of your...

Read More

Online advertising techniques explained

It’s hard to go anywhere on the internet without seeing an ad. That’s because advertising is the predominant business model...

Read More
Deep Dives

How to Make Sure the Tech You Use and Build Reflects Your Values

Technology should empower you. It should put you in control. You should not feel used by the company that provides...

Read More
Privacy & Security

Top 10 Podcast Episodes about Online Privacy

Over the past five seasons, the IRL: Online Life is Real Life podcast has delved into what privacy violations are...

Read More
Deep Dives

I’m ready for Amazon’s Prime Day — but not if it means sacrificing my privacy

For many, “online shopping” is interchangeable with “visiting Amazon.” The platform’s wide selection, deep discounts, and seemingly-telepathic recommendation engine are...

Read More
Deep Dives

Web Accessibility: What a Playground Can Teach Us

In West Hartford, Connecticut, the Jonathan’s Dream playground is accessible for all families and children, those with and without disabilities...

Read More
Privacy & Security

More privacy means more democracy

One year from now in the United States, the presidential primary elections will be underway. No matter your political lean,...

Read More
Firefox

What’s the Deal With Those Disturbing YouTube Videos That Are Supposed to Be for Kids?

Picture this: Your kid has settled in to watch what looks like a nice Peppa Pig video. The title of...

Read More
Firefox

Perspective: Inappropriate content on the internet

Imagine browsing the internet with good intentions. All of a sudden, a post about something inappropriate appears, and now, since...

Read More
Firefox

The Lost Art of Focused Reading

On this week’s IRL: Online Life is Real Life podcast, Manoush Zomorodi dives into a topic near and dear to...

Read More
Firefox

Mozilla’s IRL Podcast: New Season. New Host.

Season 4 of Mozilla’s IRL: Online Life is Real Life podcast will premiere on Monday, November 26, and we are...

Read More