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.
209 posts
Behind the Blog: 'I Reject It!'
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: 'I Reject 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 talk about conjuring gaming memories, AI-generated Birkin bags, and a rejection of a certain type of criticism.
Spotify Has A Pirated Software Problem
spotify

Spotify Has A Pirated Software Problem

Playlists and "podcast" episode descriptions are hiding malware and piracy sites in plain sight on the streaming platform.
AI Companies Are Trying to Get MIT Press Books
AI

AI Companies Are Trying to Get MIT Press Books

The non-profit, university press asked its authors for input on how they'd prefer to see any hypothetical AI training deals handled, and plans to base future decisions on what they say, MIT Press told 404 Media.
HarperCollins Confirms It Has a Deal to Sell Authors' Work to AI Company
AI

HarperCollins Confirms It Has a Deal to Sell Authors' Work to AI Company

The Big Five publisher made a deal with an unnamed “artificial intelligence technology company” and is allowing authors to opt-in if they want to join the agreement.
Behind the Blog: Political Perspectives and Platforms
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: Political Perspectives and Platforms

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 talk about data storage, political perspectives and platforms.
‘Not a Scam 😂:’ Caitlyn Jenner Is Being Sued For Memecoin Securities Fraud

‘Not a Scam 😂:’ Caitlyn Jenner Is Being Sued For Memecoin Securities Fraud

The plaintiffs allege they've lost tens of thousands of dollars on investments into Caitlyn Jenner's $JENNER memecoin.
Behind the Blog: iPhone Mysteries and Sex Strikes
Behind The Blog

Behind the Blog: iPhone Mysteries and Sex Strikes

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 talk about the question "are people nutting to that?", doomscrolling on election night, and calls for Lysistrata 2024.
Why the Work Still Matters
Donald Trump

Why the Work Still Matters

When Donald Trump won in 2016, we weren't sure if good journalism mattered anymore. Now, we're more sure than ever it does.
'Scared the Life Out of Me': Here Are the FCC Complaints After Texas 'Blue Alert' Blast
News

'Scared the Life Out of Me': Here Are the FCC Complaints After Texas 'Blue Alert' Blast

After getting hit with a 4 a.m. emergency alert about a shooting hundreds of miles away from where they were sleeping, a lot of Texans were very pissed.
404 Media Is Partnering With Wired
Announcements

404 Media Is Partnering With Wired

Wired is going to co-publish two of our articles a month.
Leaked Training Shows How Doctors in New York’s Biggest Hospital System Are Using AI
AI

Leaked Training Shows How Doctors in New York’s Biggest Hospital System Are Using AI

At Northwell Health, executives are encouraging clinicians and all 85,000 employees to use a tool called AI Hub, according to a presentation obtained by 404 Media.
Podcast: How Politician Turned Advocate Susanna Gibson Battles Non-Consensual Imagery
Podcast

Podcast: How Politician Turned Advocate Susanna Gibson Battles Non-Consensual Imagery

The former candidate for Virginia House of Delegates Susanna Gibson on how she went from full-time nurse, to running for office, to being targeted by non-consensual intimate imagery and harassment—and how her new model legislation and nonprofit are focused on helping other victims of NCII.