Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
@melm.cc
Misinfo & Journalism Researcher at UW HCDE, Center for an Informed Public (advised by @katestarbird.bsky.social)
Full Stack Dev & VC Backed Founder @ Proxi Maps
Ex-Texan, Mom, Swiftie. Always up for a project and a team sport.
melm.cc
Full Stack Dev & VC Backed Founder @ Proxi Maps
Ex-Texan, Mom, Swiftie. Always up for a project and a team sport.
melm.cc
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
engineers everywhere pretending to “monitor the situation” while refreshing the aws status page
October 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM
engineers everywhere pretending to “monitor the situation” while refreshing the aws status page
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
A moment that calls for collective action… to reject this transparent attack on academic freedom.
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
October 2, 2025 at 2:23 AM
A moment that calls for collective action… to reject this transparent attack on academic freedom.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
I haven’t left my house today did the rapture happen my neighbors appear to be here but we’re all terrible people
September 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I haven’t left my house today did the rapture happen my neighbors appear to be here but we’re all terrible people
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
I wrote about what I think is a genuinely revealing document of elite depravity and impunity. It is shocking and sickening. But it's also a crucial moment. We're about to see what happens when conspiracy theorists actually get what they asked for but it turns out not to be what they want.
You Really Need to See Epstein’s Birthday Book for Yourself
This time, the conspiracy theorists were right.
www.theatlantic.com
September 10, 2025 at 3:07 AM
I wrote about what I think is a genuinely revealing document of elite depravity and impunity. It is shocking and sickening. But it's also a crucial moment. We're about to see what happens when conspiracy theorists actually get what they asked for but it turns out not to be what they want.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
72% of adults surveyed in 25 countries see the spread of false information online as a major threat. Meanwhile the US is harassing the researchers and civil servants who studied the challenge and attempting to export that harassment campaign to other countries. 🙃
www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/...
www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/...
August 27, 2025 at 12:04 AM
72% of adults surveyed in 25 countries see the spread of false information online as a major threat. Meanwhile the US is harassing the researchers and civil servants who studied the challenge and attempting to export that harassment campaign to other countries. 🙃
www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/...
www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/...
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Do you want to help public radio after their loss of funding? Just use this website to find and donate.
I’m a proud donor to @kcrw.com in Los Angeles.
adoptastation.org
I’m a proud donor to @kcrw.com in Los Angeles.
adoptastation.org
Adopt A Station - Rescue Public Media
Help preserve independent journalism and community programming across America by adopting a public media station. Congress has voted to rescind public media's funding.
adoptastation.org
August 3, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Do you want to help public radio after their loss of funding? Just use this website to find and donate.
I’m a proud donor to @kcrw.com in Los Angeles.
adoptastation.org
I’m a proud donor to @kcrw.com in Los Angeles.
adoptastation.org
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Really excited to draw attention to this dissertation by Melinda McClure Haughey (@melm.cc). Melinda's research explored collaborative infrastructure for supporting the "sensemaking" work of journalists working on high-stakes, fast-paced & often data-driven beats. www.melm.cc/research/dis...
Melinda's Dissertation: Truth-Seeking as Collaborative Work
In moments of uncertainty, journalists help the public make sense. This research shows how that work depends on expert networks and systems that too often fail when they need to move fast and what it ...
www.melm.cc
June 30, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Really excited to draw attention to this dissertation by Melinda McClure Haughey (@melm.cc). Melinda's research explored collaborative infrastructure for supporting the "sensemaking" work of journalists working on high-stakes, fast-paced & often data-driven beats. www.melm.cc/research/dis...
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Multiple orgs that did rapid response analysis of content and rumors during chaos in 2020 don’t exist anymore -ie, Jim Jordan et al killed SIO.
Some pretty handy tools -like Crowdtangle- no longer exist. The Twitter/X API costs $$$ now, so OSINT tools died.
And we need these things more than ever.
Some pretty handy tools -like Crowdtangle- no longer exist. The Twitter/X API costs $$$ now, so OSINT tools died.
And we need these things more than ever.
June 14, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Multiple orgs that did rapid response analysis of content and rumors during chaos in 2020 don’t exist anymore -ie, Jim Jordan et al killed SIO.
Some pretty handy tools -like Crowdtangle- no longer exist. The Twitter/X API costs $$$ now, so OSINT tools died.
And we need these things more than ever.
Some pretty handy tools -like Crowdtangle- no longer exist. The Twitter/X API costs $$$ now, so OSINT tools died.
And we need these things more than ever.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
What separates journalism from stenography is independent reporting, verification and context. Trump calls in the National Guard for LA — note he did not do so for the insurrection. He says no one will spit on law enforcement, note he pardoned those who physically assaulted law enforcement Jan 6.
June 9, 2025 at 12:10 PM
What separates journalism from stenography is independent reporting, verification and context. Trump calls in the National Guard for LA — note he did not do so for the insurrection. He says no one will spit on law enforcement, note he pardoned those who physically assaulted law enforcement Jan 6.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Everything that’s happened over the past six months has been a response to an imaginary crisis. There is no immigrant invasion. No trade crisis. No scientific or governance crisis. Just people completely high off their own supply trying to fundamentally reorder society. None of this had to happen.
June 9, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Everything that’s happened over the past six months has been a response to an imaginary crisis. There is no immigrant invasion. No trade crisis. No scientific or governance crisis. Just people completely high off their own supply trying to fundamentally reorder society. None of this had to happen.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
This is a collective action problem. Being silent is not going to help you in the end: the liars are doing keyword searches to find offending grants whether you talk or not. THEY are framing the public convo while you 🤐. I can’t stress that enough. A quick thread:
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Trump’s ‘fear factor’: Scientists go silent as funding cuts escalate
Many worry about retribution. But for others, speaking out is worth the risk
www.science.org
May 13, 2025 at 7:28 PM
This is a collective action problem. Being silent is not going to help you in the end: the liars are doing keyword searches to find offending grants whether you talk or not. THEY are framing the public convo while you 🤐. I can’t stress that enough. A quick thread:
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
So excited for @buildwithtori.com and @lesliefeinzaig.bsky.social. I’ve been a fan-girl since the first video!
In just 10 weeks, @buildwithtori.com & @reedharmeyer.bsky.social built a tiktok alternative, got the investment @mcuban.bsky.social, and grew their beta so fast that it no longer fit on testflight.
I'm proud to be the second check in.
Congratulations @skylight.social!
I'm proud to be the second check in.
Congratulations @skylight.social!
April 2, 2025 at 4:52 AM
So excited for @buildwithtori.com and @lesliefeinzaig.bsky.social. I’ve been a fan-girl since the first video!
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Coming up on February 24! @cip.uw.edu co-founder @katestarbird.bsky.social will be presenting, "A Spotlight on Rumors: Illuminating How Influence and Improvisation Shape Online Conversations," the 2025 University Faculty Lecture at the University of Washington. (In person and via livestream.) ⤵️⤵️⤵️
Seattle folks: I'm giving a (free) public lecture Feb 24, where I'll explain what our team's decade of research on online rumors & disinformation reveals about the once-alternative media ecosystem that is driving the rise of right wing populism around the world. www.washington.edu/facultystaff...
2025 University Faculty Lecture
A Spotlight on Rumors: Illuminating How Influence and Improvisation Shape Online Conversations
www.washington.edu
February 18, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Coming up on February 24! @cip.uw.edu co-founder @katestarbird.bsky.social will be presenting, "A Spotlight on Rumors: Illuminating How Influence and Improvisation Shape Online Conversations," the 2025 University Faculty Lecture at the University of Washington. (In person and via livestream.) ⤵️⤵️⤵️
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
We should be clear that the language in the anti “DEI” executive order and the subsequent letter sent to federal employees to turn in colleagues who try to “disguise” DEI under other names means hires and promotions of Black and other POC will be deemed suspicious. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity – The White House
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:Section 1. Purpose.
www.whitehouse.gov
January 23, 2025 at 1:10 PM
We should be clear that the language in the anti “DEI” executive order and the subsequent letter sent to federal employees to turn in colleagues who try to “disguise” DEI under other names means hires and promotions of Black and other POC will be deemed suspicious. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Just about every major social problem we can think of is exacerbated by the collapse of local journalism. Tackling collective action problems—from the climate crisis to the erosion of democracy— is impossible without viable local media infrastructures.
"If the U.S. does not support a robust and healthy local ecosystem, there will be even fewer journalists to provide key information in the next community hit by disaster."
Fantastic article by @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social driving home the life-and-death necessity of local media.
Fantastic article by @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social driving home the life-and-death necessity of local media.
We Need A New Deal To Save Local Journalism | Defector
During the first week of the fires, I would go up to my building’s roof once a day. I’d look at the Los Angeles skyline at whatever shade of yellow-orange-brown muck the fires had delivered that day a...
defector.com
January 23, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Just about every major social problem we can think of is exacerbated by the collapse of local journalism. Tackling collective action problems—from the climate crisis to the erosion of democracy— is impossible without viable local media infrastructures.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
As someone who worked on Birdwatch/Community notes at Twitter, I can tell you that the system was NEVER designed to work on it's own. It is is designed to work alongside fact checking systems.
The eshitification of the Meta continues
www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-...
The eshitification of the Meta continues
www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-...
Meta is ending its fact-checking program in favor of a 'community notes' system similar to X
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a series of major changes to the company's moderation policies and practices, saying that the election felt like a "cultural tipping point."
www.nbcnews.com
January 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
As someone who worked on Birdwatch/Community notes at Twitter, I can tell you that the system was NEVER designed to work on it's own. It is is designed to work alongside fact checking systems.
The eshitification of the Meta continues
www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-...
The eshitification of the Meta continues
www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-...
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Over the past 4–5 years, Facebook has sunset tools (chiefly CrowdTangle) used by researchers and journalists, made data difficult and expensive to get, and iced out academics studying disinformation.
Now, it's shutting down the fact checking on its platform.
Now, it's shutting down the fact checking on its platform.
January 7, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Over the past 4–5 years, Facebook has sunset tools (chiefly CrowdTangle) used by researchers and journalists, made data difficult and expensive to get, and iced out academics studying disinformation.
Now, it's shutting down the fact checking on its platform.
Now, it's shutting down the fact checking on its platform.
Told my son I caught Santa in our house last night and showed him the video.
Very fun use of AR but also he was meh about the whole thing because of course Santa was here.
Very fun use of AR but also he was meh about the whole thing because of course Santa was here.
December 25, 2024 at 4:59 PM
Told my son I caught Santa in our house last night and showed him the video.
Very fun use of AR but also he was meh about the whole thing because of course Santa was here.
Very fun use of AR but also he was meh about the whole thing because of course Santa was here.
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
Great news! CIP now has a starter pack that showcases our current and past team members! Give them a follow!
November 26, 2024 at 2:34 AM
Great news! CIP now has a starter pack that showcases our current and past team members! Give them a follow!
Had a fun few hours playing with @googlemaps.bsky.social platform’s new 3D Maps JavaScript API. Turned a map of Walla Walla Wineries that is usually flat into a flyover tour!
November 23, 2024 at 1:54 AM
Had a fun few hours playing with @googlemaps.bsky.social platform’s new 3D Maps JavaScript API. Turned a map of Walla Walla Wineries that is usually flat into a flyover tour!
Reposted by Melinda — Seattle Researcher & Startup Founder
StairMaster Today: Person on my left was on a serious Zoom call with people who were clearly professionals calling in from an office. Person on my right was live-learning and practicing a TikTok dance. And there I was in the middle… fighting for my life. Truly living in the age of multitasking.
November 21, 2024 at 9:12 PM
StairMaster Today: Person on my left was on a serious Zoom call with people who were clearly professionals calling in from an office. Person on my right was live-learning and practicing a TikTok dance. And there I was in the middle… fighting for my life. Truly living in the age of multitasking.
🖐🏼Hi! I’m Melinda
👩🏼🎓 I’m an almost-PhD at UW researching: social media 🤝 misinfo ✨ solving for the academic-journalism gap
📍 I’m a founder of Proxi Maps. We empower communities, media, & tourism w/ geospatial software.
📱 tech, maps, media, mom-ing… annnnd occasionally other basic white girl things.
👩🏼🎓 I’m an almost-PhD at UW researching: social media 🤝 misinfo ✨ solving for the academic-journalism gap
📍 I’m a founder of Proxi Maps. We empower communities, media, & tourism w/ geospatial software.
📱 tech, maps, media, mom-ing… annnnd occasionally other basic white girl things.
November 17, 2024 at 4:01 PM
🖐🏼Hi! I’m Melinda
👩🏼🎓 I’m an almost-PhD at UW researching: social media 🤝 misinfo ✨ solving for the academic-journalism gap
📍 I’m a founder of Proxi Maps. We empower communities, media, & tourism w/ geospatial software.
📱 tech, maps, media, mom-ing… annnnd occasionally other basic white girl things.
👩🏼🎓 I’m an almost-PhD at UW researching: social media 🤝 misinfo ✨ solving for the academic-journalism gap
📍 I’m a founder of Proxi Maps. We empower communities, media, & tourism w/ geospatial software.
📱 tech, maps, media, mom-ing… annnnd occasionally other basic white girl things.
Hiiii Bluesky!
a cartoon character from inside out is saying hi while stretching her arms .
ALT: a cartoon character from inside out is saying hi while stretching her arms .
media.tenor.com
November 17, 2024 at 3:53 PM
Hiiii Bluesky!