When Algorithms Grow Accustomed to Your Face

When Algorithms Grow Accustomed to Your Face discusses the algorithms (briefly) and the possible applications of the algorithm as well as privacy and security concerns.

Google unveils major upgrade to search algorithm

Google unveils major upgrade to search algorithm

An natural way to discuss algorithms, in general, and how Google search works, specifically.  Students often have misconceptions about how Google search works.

The Making of Facebook's Graph Search

The Making of Facebook's Graph Search

since the Facebook NewsFeed article is getting fairly dated...

Google searches mined to uncover our true opinions

Google searches mined to uncover our true opinions 

Interesting discussion possibilities about the methodology and the conclusions drawn.

Emergency Alert Study Reveals Metadata’s Better Side

Emergency Alert Study Reveals Metadata’s Better Side

An interesting counterpoint to what students have learned about PRISM.  Could generate interesting discussion.

Researchers Retask Sensor Networks to Detect New Hazards

This article does a good job explaining the idea behind the project and the many computer science research questions the researchers face.

Facebook vs Typosquatters

Legal issues concerning registering domain names that are basically typos of known domain names, e.g., facebbok.com.  The Facebook case.

Mining Books to Map Emotions through a Century

Mining Books To Map Emotions Through A Century

• Ask questions about the importance of the context of the words

Social Media used for Tracking Tornadoes

Researchers using social media to track tornado debris

Computing and Gun Violence

What a hot topic to discuss!

• Viewpoint Can Computer Professionals and Digital Technology Engineers Help Reduce Gun Violence?  -- from Communications of ACM
• Can 'Smart Gun' Technology Help Prevent Violence? - from NPR's "All Things Considered"