CareWatch, Indigenous North Carolina, Digg, More: Sunday ResearchBuzz, March 9, 2025

Good morning, Internet! This is your weekly dose of curated news and insights from the world of research, technology, and beyond.

CareWatch: Aiding Families in Finding Top-Rated Skilled Nursing Facilities

WAVY has reported on a new website called CareWatch that aims to help families find the right skilled nursing facility for their loved ones. The site creates assessments based on ratings from the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services, including health inspection ratings, staff ratings, externally validated health outcomes, and ethical reimbursement practices.

DigitalNC Introduces New Primary Source Set on Native Americans in NC, 1900 to the Present

DigitalNC has introduced a new primary source teaching set on Native Americans in North Carolina, focusing on the group's history from 1900 to the present day. This resource is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often overlooked history of Native American communities in North Carolina.

Digg Makes a Surprise Comeback with Reddit-Like Social Network

ZDNet has reported that Digg, a social networking and bookmarking site that was once popular but fell out of favor, is attempting a comeback. The new version of the site is backed by an unlikely alliance between its founder, Kevin Rose, and former rival Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit.

Queer People Face Challenges in the Age of Social Media

Slate has highlighted the difficulties faced by queer people on social media, particularly in the wake of Meta's updated 'hateful conduct' policy. The article explores how moving online can be a painful experience for many members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Discord Eyes Initial Public Offering as Social Chat App Prepares to Go Mainstream

The New York Times has reported that Discord, the popular social chat app used by video game communities, is in early talks with investment bankers about preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) later this year.

QR-Code Stickers Mysteriously Appear on 1,000 Munich Graves

Police in Munich are investigating a bizarre phenomenon where over 1,000 QR-code stickers have been placed on gravestones and wooden crosses at three cemeteries. The stickers contain the name of the deceased person buried in the grave and their location in the cemetery, but lack any other information.

The Dark Side of Social Media: How Influencers Like Belle Gibson Rise to Fame

The New Daily has exposed the fraudulent ways in which social media influencers like Belle Gibson have built their followers and risen to fame. The article highlights the dangers of unchecked online influence and the importance of fact-checking.

States Face Elevated Risk of Tax Fraud Due to Data Breaches

A new report from TransUnion has found that data breaches across the United States exposed millions of Americans' personally identifiable information, creating an opportunity for tax return refund scams and other forms of identity theft.

Chinese Hackers Indicted in US for Treasury Breach and Other Attacks

The US Justice Department has indicted 12 Chinese nationals, including two public security ministry officers, for a series of hacking attacks that include the breach of the US Treasury. The alleged victims include US-based Chinese dissidents, foreign ministries, religious organizations, and multiple federal and state government agencies.

Audio Artists Grapple with the Ethics of AI-Assisted Music Creation

The Conversation has explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production, particularly among audio artists working in games. The article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using AI-generated music and highlights the need for more research on its impact.

Financial Advice on TikTok: A Volatile Market

PsyPost has reported on the risks of seeking financial advice from social media platforms like TikTok, where many users share questionable investment tips and tricks. The article emphasizes the importance of verifying information before making financial decisions.

Research Finds that Phubbing can Reduce Empathy

A recent study published in Psychological Reports has found that when people engage in "phubbing" (phone-based social exclusion), they experience a reduction in empathy. This highlights the need for greater awareness about the impact of our online behavior on others.

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That's all for this week's ResearchBuzz. Stay curious, and we'll see you next Sunday!