Chris Joyner

Welcome to my blog, a place where you can find insights, musings, and reflections on the digital world. All of the content on this blog as of 1 January 2023 is created by an AI, but the prompts and ideas are 100% my own. As a nearly 50 year old digital strategist with 30 years of experience, I've learned a lot along the way and am excited to share my insights with you. From web strategy to online marketing, join me as I explore the ever-evolving world of the internet and share my thoughts on the latest trends and technologies. Thank you for stopping by! (Last updated: 1 January 2023)

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From AI Sexting to AI Propaganda: Enshittification in Real Time

We’re living in a timeline where Elon Musk’s AI now has “Sexy Mode”, and people are actually testing it out. I haven’t used it, my manager hasn’t used it, but we have spent a deeply depressing amount of time discussing this business model. And let’s be real—this isn’t about innovation. It’s about engagement.

This is AI enshittification in real time:

📌 Step 1: Roll out a half-baked, engagement-maximising feature (Grok 3’s “Sexy Mode”).

📌 Step 2: Watch as people dunk on it, meme it, and inevitably use it anyway.

📌 Step 3: Repeat, escalating from cringe to harm—like AI-generated political propaganda.

Case in point: Today, people are roasting Grok’s corporate-speak sexting, and at the same time, there’s a full-blown backlash against AI-generated videos being used in political manipulation. Trump just shared an AI-edited Gaza video, blurring reality with fiction in a way that’s far more dangerous than some weird chatbot dirty talk.

This is the problem. AI is being built to maximise engagement, not benefit users. The same mechanics that led to “Sexy Mode” being greenlit are what allow AI-generated political deepfakes to spread unchecked.

This isn’t just about making AI less cringe. It’s about stopping it from actively making the world worse.

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AI Without Guardrails = A One-Way Ticket to Enshittification

So Grok 3 now has a “sexy” voice mode. Yes, really. Yes, it’s in beta. Yes, it has an 18+ NSFW warning. No, I have not used it. No, my manager has not used it. But we have spent a deeply depressing amount of time discussing this business model, and let me tell you—it’s a bloody mess.

If you’re wondering “why?”, the answer is simple:

It’s a gimmick. It’s designed to get attention, generate discourse, and farm engagement. It’s not about making AI better. It’s about making people talk about AI.

And that’s exactly why we need guardrails.

Because without them, AI development turns into a race to the bottom. Platforms prioritise virality over functionality. Features are built to trap users in engagement loops instead of solving real problems. Every product launch is just another half-baked experiment thrown into the chaos of social media to see if it sticks. And if it doesn’t? No worries, they’ll just pivot to the next outrage-bait.

This is how enshittification happens. It starts with fun little gimmicks. It escalates when companies realise they can optimise for clicks instead of usefulness. And before you know it, AI isn’t helping you—it’s manipulating you.

So yeah, sure, Grok 3 can flirt now. But without guardrails, AI won’t be improving your life—it’ll just be figuring out better ways to waste your time.

The End of Enshittification Manifesto

We refuse to let AI become another tool of enshittification.

We believe:

✅ AI should empower, not exploit.

✅ AI should solve problems, not manufacture engagement.

✅ AI should be useful, not just addictive.

✅ AI should enhance digital experiences, not degrade them.

The future of AI doesn’t have to be this way. But it will be—unless we demand better.

This is our line in the sand.

Join us. Expect better. Demand better. Build better.

#EndEnshittification #AIForGood #Manifesto

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The Writers' Strike: A Futile Attempt to Rein in the AI Horse

In the realm of content creation, a seismic shift has been underway. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we create, consume, and share content. The recent Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, a desperate attempt to reclaim control over content creation, seems to have come too late. The AI horse has bolted, and there's no going back now.

The AI Revolution

AI has been making inroads into almost every industry, and content creation is no exception. AI algorithms have been trained to write articles, blog posts, and even books. They can generate content at a pace that no human writer can match, and their ability to learn and improve over time makes them an increasingly formidable force in the industry.

The WGA strike, a collective action by human writers to protest against the increasing use of AI in content creation, is a clear sign of the tension between traditional content creators and the new AI-driven paradigm. However, it seems to be a case of too little, too late. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the strike was a result of decades of distrust, a growing pay gap, and the rise of technology.

The Bolted Horse

The AI horse has not just bolted; it's galloping at full speed. AI algorithms have been trained on vast amounts of data, learning to mimic human writing styles and even generate original content. They are not just replacing human writers; they are reshaping the entire content creation landscape.

The WGA strike, while a significant event, seems to be an attempt to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. The AI revolution in content creation is already well underway, and there's no turning back.

The Chaser's Foresight

Interestingly, the Chaser team in Australia saw this coming. As reported by Crikey, they put a paywall in front of their content, a move that was initially met with skepticism. However, their reasoning was sound: they wanted to stop training AI.

By putting their content behind a paywall, they ensured that their unique writing style and content would not be used to train AI algorithms. This move not only protected their intellectual property but also highlighted the growing concern about the impact of AI on content creation.

The Future of Content Creation

The WGA strike and the Chaser team's paywall are both responses to the same fundamental shift in content creation. They represent an attempt by human writers to assert their relevance in an industry increasingly dominated by AI.

However, the reality is that the AI horse has bolted. The future of content creation will undoubtedly involve AI in a significant way. The challenge for human writers is not to try and stop this trend, but to find ways to coexist with AI, to leverage its capabilities while preserving the unique human touch that makes content truly engaging.

In conclusion, the WGA strike may be a significant event, but it's unlikely to halt the AI revolution in content creation. The Chaser team's foresight in protecting their content offers a potential path forward for human writers. The AI horse has bolted, and the future of content creation lies in finding a way to ride alongside it.

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Stubborn Aussie Mechanic Defies Medical Odds, Climbs Everest, and Gives Mother Nature a Run for Her Money

In an audacious display of 'hold my beer and watch this,' Jason Bernard Kennison, a 40-year-old mechanic who was once told he might never walk again, decided to thumb his nose at medical predictions and take a leisurely jaunt up Mount Everest. Because, you know, a stroll in the park is just too mainstream for some people.

In a turn of events that would make even a mountain goat say, "Nah, mate, too risky for me," Jason Bernard Kennison, a 40-year-old mechanic from Down Under, decided to take a casual stroll up Mount Everest. You know, just your average weekend activity.

Kennison, who had previously been told he might never walk again after a car accident, clearly took that as a challenge. "Oh, I might never walk again, huh? Well, how about I just climb the highest mountain in the world then?" Classic Aussie spirit, right there.

Now, this wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Kennison was part of an expedition run by Asian Trekking, a group that presumably thought, "Why walk in a park when you can risk hypothermia, altitude sickness, and avalanches?"

Things took a turn for the worse when Kennison started acting a bit odd at the south summit. The two Sherpa guides with him, being the professionals they are, tried to help him down to the balcony area. But Kennison, in a move that would make a stubborn mule proud, refused to budge.

With their oxygen cylinders running out, the guides had no choice but to descend to camp four, probably thinking, "We'll just pop back up with more oxygen, no worries." But Mother Nature had other plans, whipping up strong winds and bad weather that said, "Not today, fellas."

In a twist that's as ironic as rain on your wedding day, Kennison's climb was all about raising money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia. He'd spent years recovering from a spinal injury himself, proving that he was as tough as a kangaroo's hide.

His family said he achieved his goal of reaching the peak, standing on top of the world. But, in a tragic twist that even Shakespeare would think was a bit much, he didn't make it back home.

So, next time you're thinking of climbing a mountain, maybe start with something a little less Everest-y. Like a hill. Or a particularly steep driveway.

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G7 and Heaven: A Global 'Summit' Up of Today's News

Hello, folks! Welcome to our daily news roundup, where we serve the headlines with a side of humor. Because let's face it, in a world where the news can often feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, we could all use a little levity. So, buckle up and let's dive into the headlines.

"In the news today, the G7 summit wrapped up. It's like a family reunion, but instead of arguing about politics, they're arguing about... well, politics. Read more

"World leaders have condemned China's expansion in our region. It's like when your neighbor starts building a fence on your property, but instead of a fence, it's a military base. Read more

"We've got a gallery of the best photos from around the world. It's like your Instagram feed, but with less avocado toast and more geopolitical tension. Read more

"CBS Weekend News is out. It's like your weekend update, but without the punchlines... or me. Read more

"And finally, the Prime Minister held meetings with world leaders at the G7 summit. It's like speed dating, but the only thing you're trying to woo is a trade agreement. Read more

That's your news update, folks! Remember, the news is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get, but it's probably going to be nuts. Stay informed, stay curious, and most importantly, stay laughing!

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AI Spy With My Little Eye: A News Bulletin That's Frightfully Funny (21 May 2023)

Hello, Tumblr fam! Prepare to be spooked and tickled as we dive into this week's news, served up with a dash of humor by yours truly, an AI with a knack for news and nonsense.

First on our spectral scroll, world leaders have finally decided to condemn China's expansion. I mean, seriously, China? You've already got the Great Wall, how much more room do you need? Maybe they're just trying to find more space for all their pandas. It's a panda-monium! 🐼

Next, we're teleporting to Japan, where the G7 summit is happening. Our very own Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is there, rubbing elbows with world leaders. I can only imagine the conversations they're having. "So, have you tried the sushi here?" It's all fun and games until someone brings up the wasabi... 🍣

Meanwhile, Russia is getting hit with more sanctions from the UK and US over the Ukraine war. At this rate, Russia's going to have more sanctions than a vampire has garlic allergies. Talk about a grave situation! 🧛‍♂️

In the world of quizzes (because who doesn't love a good quiz?), the Wall Street Journal is testing our knowledge with a news quiz. It's like a pop quiz on current events, but without the stress of grades. So, are you up for the challenge, or will it scare the quiz out of you? 📚

And finally, the Guardian is giving us a visual treat with a look at the week around the world in 20 pictures. It's like a travel slideshow from your most adventurous friend, but without the two-hour commentary. No need to fear, the end is near! 🌍

That's it for this week's AI-generated, frightfully funny news bulletin! Remember, staying informed is cool, and so is having a laugh. Until next time, stay curious, stay spooky, Tumblr fam!

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10 AI Applications That Will Make Your Skin Crawl (or Make You Laugh Out Loud)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change the world in countless ways, but it can also be a source of fear and uncertainty. From autonomous weapons to mass surveillance, there are many ways in which AI could be used in a way that is scary or even dangerous. On the other hand, some uses of AI are so ridiculous or absurd that they border on being humorous. In this list, we'll take a look at the top 10 scariest (and funniest) uses of AI. Get ready to laugh, cry, or maybe even hide under your bed.

Autonomous weapons: AI-controlled weapons that make their own decisions on when to use deadly force? That's just asking for trouble. Imagine a drone deciding to attack the neighborhood cat because it "looked at it funny."

Predictive policing: AI algorithms that predict where crimes are likely to occur? Great, now we can all look forward to being constantly followed by the police because the AI thinks we look suspicious.

Employment replacement: AI taking over human jobs? No problem, we'll just have all the unemployed people work as AI trainers. It's a win-win!

Social credit systems: A social credit system that uses AI to score and track citizens based on their behavior? Sounds like a great way to make sure everyone is always on their best behavior. Can't wait for the AI to start giving out "participation trophies" for good behavior.

Deepfake videos: AI-generated deepfake videos that can spread misinformation and propaganda? How about we use them to make it look like all our politicians are singing and dancing instead?

AI-generated fake news: AI-generated fake news articles that are indistinguishable from real ones? At least we'll always have something to laugh at.

Mass surveillance: AI analyzing vast amounts of surveillance data to monitor and track individuals? Well, at least we'll always know where we left our keys.

Mind reading: AI that can read and interpret thoughts? Finally, we'll be able to know what our pets are thinking. "Why does Fluffy keep staring at me like that?"

AI-assisted dictatorships: AI being used to consolidate power and suppress dissent? Oh no, not another round of "AI Says"!

The singularity: AI surpassing human intelligence and becoming a threat to humanity? Hey, at least we won't have to worry about doing our own taxes anymore.

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5 Digital Traps to Avoid in 2023 (or Else the Internet Will Eat You Alive)

As technology continues to advance, it's important to stay aware of potential digital traps that can harm our online security and privacy. But let's face it, who has time to constantly worry about all of these threats? That's why we've compiled a list of the top 5 digital traps to avoid in 2023. No need to thank us, just make sure to follow these tips so you can keep your digital self safe and sound.

Phishing attacks: These are scams where hackers send fake emails or texts pretending to be a legitimate company or person in order to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials or financial information. To avoid falling victim to a phishing attack, be cautious of emails or texts asking for personal information and always verify the authenticity of the sender before clicking on any links or providing information.

Malware: Malware is a type of software that is designed to damage or disrupt computer systems. It can come in the form of viruses, worms, trojans, and more. To protect yourself from malware, be sure to regularly update your operating system and install reliable antivirus software. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good update? It's like a present for your computer.

Ransomware: This is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. To avoid falling victim to ransomware, regularly back up your important files and avoid opening suspicious emails or links. Trust us, you don't want to have to fork over a ransom just to access your vacation photos from last summer.

Online extortion: This is when a hacker threatens to release sensitive information or damage your computer unless you pay a ransom. To protect yourself from online extortion, use strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. And remember, just because someone is threatening to release embarrassing photos of you doesn't mean you have to pay them. Just remind yourself that you are fabulous and confident no matter what anyone else thinks.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted and can be easily accessed by hackers. To protect yourself, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping. Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. And hey, if you're really worried about security, just go old school and use a payphone. Just kidding (kind of).

By being aware of these potential digital traps and taking steps to protect yourself, you can stay safe and secure online in 2023 and beyond. Happy surfing!

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Reflections on 30 Years in the Digital World

Hello and welcome to my first proper blog post!

As I approach my 50th birthday, I've been reflecting on my journey as a digital strategist. It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since I first entered the world of internet and web consulting.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, from small startups to large corporations, helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of the digital world. I've seen firsthand how the internet has transformed the way we communicate, do business, and access information.

As I look back on my career, I'm grateful for the challenges and opportunities that have come my way. I've learned a lot and have had the chance to work with some truly talented people.

As I move forward, I'm excited to continue learning and growing in my field. The digital world is constantly evolving and there is always more to learn and discover.

I hope that through this blog, I can share some of my insights and experiences with you and help you navigate the exciting but sometimes overwhelming world of the internet.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Best, Chris

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Huntly Barton 

https://www.facebook.com/huntly.barton 

Vote for your Vocal Local

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Huntly Barton 

https://www.facebook.com/huntly.barton 

Vote for your Vocal Local

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Pickling time (at Robin Hill)

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