April's Digital Life: Data Trails, Open Mic, and a Bit of Good News
Keep up to date on curated AI, security, tips, tricks and more with The Digital Life!
Greetings fellow earth travelers. Spring is here, and so is a fresh edition of The Digital Life—your monthly dose of tech insights, digital clarity, and a few things to simply make you smile. Let’s dig in.
In this issue:
Wildcard Wednesday Returns – Join us April 9th for a no-pressure chat on managing your digital exhaust.
The Big Think – A story of compassion, conflict, and finding purpose- plus an announcement I'm proud to share.
Disinformation Watch – From fake news factories to narrative warfare, we break down what’s really happening.
Security Spotlight – Genetic data deals, Pokémon GO ghosts, and a sneaky reCAPTCHA scam.
Smarter, Simpler Living – From screen-free conversations to back-to-basics TV, tools to make digital life better.
The Good News – A little Mr. Rogers, a little Spike Jonze, and a lot of feel-good vibes to close things out.
Thanks for tuning in - see you on the 9th for Wildcard Wednesday, and in your inbox next month with more. Until then, stay smart, stay curious, and stay kind.
Wildcard Wednesday - next session April 9th
Wildcard Wednesdays is back on! Think of it as an open office hour - no agenda, no fluff, just a space where you can drop in and ask anything about tech, AI, digital security, or whatever’s on your mind.
📅 Next Session: Wednesday, April 9th @ 1:00 PM Pacific
This month’s topic: Getting control of your digital exhaust!
This is free for now, casual, and open to my network. No signups, no commitment - just hop in and chat.
👉 Reply with “Yes” and I’ll send you the Zoom link.
The Big Think - A Moment That Shifted My Perspective
This month’s Big Think may seem a little off our usual track, but bear with me as it highlights a deeper point relevant to everything we do - how easily any of us could lose our sense of security, and how a single spark of compassion can uplift those forced from their homes. Let me share the story of a brief, unforgettable moment in a Swiss restaurant years ago - a moment when I met a Bosnian refugee, often dismissed as “trash” or mere “hired help,” who showed me the true power of empathy.
This month, I’m proud to announce I’ve been voted onto the board of Brain Drain Unlimited, a nonprofit helping people in conflict zones immigrate to the United States. If you’ve ever wondered how one conversation or one opportunity can open doors for an entire family, read on to see how we’re striving to be that difference.
Disinformation News
Disinformation isn’t slowing down - it's getting more sophisticated. A Moscow-based network is flooding platforms with fake news sites, while new analysis from Blackbird reveals how narrative attacks are shaping public opinion on everything from aviation safety to geopolitics. Stay sharp out there.
Security Spotlight
Selling your spit might come back to haunt you 👻👻 - especially when the company storing it gets sold. 23andMe is bankrupt and acquisition talks underway. Guess what? Your genetic data could be part of the deal. Here's how to delete it before it becomes someone else’s asset.
Think your old Pokémon GO data vanished with your interest or when you scored that big capture? Nope. Your location data just got sold off to the Middle East in a massive data broker acquisition. It’s a stark reminder: fun apps can leave behind a long trail of digital exhaust. (An even better reason to join Wildcard Wednesday on the 9th! 😉)
A clever new scam uses fake reCAPTCHA puzzles to trick you into installing malware - no shady downloads required. Just a few clicks and your device is compromised. It’s a reminder: even legit-looking pop-ups can be a trap.
Tips
A simple TV again? For everyone tired of logins, updates, and endless menus - Jubilee might be the answer. It’s a streaming box made for simplicity, with live channels, no passwords, and no nonsense. Could this be the “back to basics” TV fix we’ve all been waiting for?
HappyTalks pairs older adults with friendly, background-checked “Buddies” for real phone conversations - no screens, just human connection. Families get updates, seniors get companionship. Cop-out or clever solution? We’ll let you decide.
Over half of U.S. adults now use tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're already dabbling or in the other half, now’s a great time to level up your skills. Here are some practical ways to get started with GPT-4o and make AI actually useful.
The Good News: Tune In, Chill Out
To wrap things up, we’re bringing a little light to your day. First, an old-school episode of Mr. Rogers breaking down how to use a computer mouse - gentle, curious, and timeless. Then, a visually stunning new Apple ad featuring Pedro Pascal and directed by Spike Jonze that’s practically a short film in itself.
Both are beautiful reminders that creativity, kindness, and wonder still have a place in our fast-moving world.
Take a breath, enjoy the moment—and don’t forget to make time for what makes you smile.
