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T.j. Thomson

T.j. Thomson

The Conversation

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AI overviews have transformed Google search. Here’s how they work – and how to opt out

AI overviews have transformed Google search. Here’s how they work – and how to opt out

AI search summaries are reshaping the search engine ecosystem we’ve grown accustomed to over two decades.

13.06.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Novelty, negativity and no politicians: research reveals what makes some images more engaging than others

Novelty, negativity and no politicians: research reveals what makes some images more engaging than others

If you’re a sucker for a black and white filter, think again, as new research shows colour images are preferred by most viewers.

11.06.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Google’s SynthID is the latest tool for catching AI-made content. What is AI ‘watermarking’ and does it work?

Google’s SynthID is the latest tool for catching AI-made content. What is AI ‘watermarking’ and does it work?

AI watermarks are supposed to help us tell if content is real or generated. But they dramatically vary in effectiveness.

03.06.2025 30

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Election meme hits and duds – we’ve graded some of the best (and worst) of the campaign so far

Memes are the currency of the election campaign online. Here’s a report card on the Labor, Liberal and Greens efforts, from the good to the tone-deaf.

24.04.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes

Editing any photo, anywhere, is cheaper and easier than ever. What does that mean for having ‘visual proof’ of something?

10.04.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

As the tide of AI ‘slop’ rises, it’s more important than ever to hone your reality-checking skills.

02.04.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Generative AI is already being used in journalism - here's how people feel about it

17.02.2025 10

Canberra Times

T.j. Thomson

Generative AI is already being used in journalism – here’s how people feel about it

A new report on journalism in seven countries shows AI might have a place in the newsroom – but everyone should proceed with caution.

17.02.2025 10

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson

Most journalism fails Australians by failing in its reportage of Indigenous affairs. 7 changes would help

Much has been written about the longstanding failings of the Australian media in its reportage of Indigenous affairs. The most recent example is...

17.12.2024 5

The Conversation

T.j. Thomson