Welcome to the latest edition of Sticks & Stones - exploring the real world impact of social tech. In the past month, technology has given us some great wins, but also some terrible fails. Here are my top stories.

The Atlantic

1. How Minnesota proved MAGA wrong

Thousands of volunteers risk their own safety - 2 have died - to document ICE agents and defend neighbours. Their actions have helped force Trump to backtrack. (Atlantic)

👀 Eyes and ears

2. Why Iran keeps turning off the internet

As thousands are killed during huge anti-regime protests, the government shuts down the internet to disrupt collective action and prevent documentation. (Conversation)

🤐 Denied a voice

3. Grok’s deepfake crisis is no surprise

X’s chatbot, Grok, has created millions of non-consensual sexualised images of women and children. But Elon Musk appears to have no desire to stop it. (Verge)

🤖 Faking it

4. How screen-time affects toddlers

As the debate over a social media ban for children reignites, UK teachers describe how too much screen-time is affecting school readiness. (Guardian)

👶 Screen kids

5. Grief and resilience on X in Chicago

This study of gang members in Chicago shows how Twitter/ X is used not just to mourn, but to advocate and build community resilience. (Social Media + Society)

💔 Digital ties