Jose Alvarez
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Introduced to tech at a young age, Jose has grown attached to video games in particular. He has covered topics such as business, sports, and current events in addition to tech. When he's not connected to technology, he likes to travel the world, having visited 15 countries as of 2015.
Journalists, celebrities, athletes make up most of Twitter’s ‘verified’ list
Ever wonder about the check mark icon next to a Twitter user's name? It means the user is a Twitter verified user, and journalists, celebrities, and athletes have the most verified accounts, according to one report.
Do you goof off on Facebook during work? There’s a scientific reason for it
Admit it: You get onto social media during work breaks. But there may be a scientific explanation for this distraction, according to UCLA neuroscientists.
Which TV shows were most-popular last season? Here’s what viewers tweeted
According to Nielsen Social's findings, the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards were the most tweeted TV shows during the 2014-2015 season.
Protesters demonstrate outside Facebook HQ against ‘fake name’ policy
A group of demonstrators recently protested outside Facebook's office against the social network's "real name" policy. The group of drag performers, LGBTQ members, and domestic violence victims argue that it's being used unfairly against them.
Threats via Facebook not criminal, Supreme Court rules
An 8-1 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court says Facebook threats are not criminal until it is proven that they have some measure of intent.
Path’s social network, messaging app to be acquired by South Korean Internet firm
Path Inc. announced it is shedding its social networking and messaging apps. South Korea's Daum Kakao is acquiring the apps.
If Narcissus had been on Facebook – Study examines personality as revealed by Facebook updates
Your Facebook friends may be talking about something more when they update their status, according to a Brunel University study.
Facebook users prone to financial risk taking, study says
Social media, specifically Facebook, and playing with money do not mix, according to a study done by the University of Technology in Australia.
Does your grandma print out Facebook photos? She’s not alone
Call them old-fashioned, but there are a growing number of Facebook users who print out Facebook photos and physically share them.
International bans coming for Google, Facebook, and Twitter?
Social media sites have given many across the globe a place to express their views. However, Russia wants them all out of the country.
Delta enlists Keyboard Cat, Double Rainbow Dude, Dramatic Chipmunk for new safety video
For its latest in-flight safety video, Delta Air Lines has called on some of the best Internet memes to make a cameo.
Drone video of low-water level shows drought’s effect on California’s reservoirs
NBC News flew a drone over Lake Oroville, California's second largest reservoir, to show just how badly the drought is affecting the state.
UltraPop’s trippy new filters take your pictures to the next level
UltraPop, a photo editing app from UltraLab, allows you, the photographer, to “transform your pictures into eccentric pieces of art.”
Scientists find way to photograph thunder for the first time
Using rocket-induced lightning and acoustic imaging, scientists were able to photograph thunder for the first time, with great detail.
Two sisters find their long-lost brother via viral Facebook post
Facebook has made finding your lost friends, relatives, and classmates a lot easier. You might be aided greatly if their name is uncommon.
Companies can’t punish employees for critical views on social media
There have been many cautionary tales regarding workers and social media. Workers have been fired for a variety of reasons.
With activities for all to see, courts could use social media exploits as evidence
Most people on social media share aspects of their lives with their family and friends. However, social media could be used against you, lawyers say.
Photo app Hyper wants to put brakes on cyberbullying with community voting
A new photo-sharing app, Hyper, aims to combat the social issue of cyberbullying with its interest-centric social media platform.
As social media becomes the new water cooler, it’s influencing TV viewing
Everyone brings their favorite TV shows to social media. Studies done by Nielsen and ShareThis have shown that the two are strongly linked to one another.
Republicans gearing up for 2016 by launching aggressive social media campaigns
2016 Republican presidential hopefuls are taking a page out of current president Barack Obama's book and heading to social media to appeal to voters.
App developer wants to erase all traces of the Kardashian family online with his #KardBlock app
If you're sick and tired of hearing the name “Kardashian” pop up when you browse the web, web developer James Shamsi has introduced #KardBlock.
Celebrities defy Anna Wintour’s no-selfie rule at Met Gala, and she’s not pleased
Don't take your selfies at an Anna Wintour-hosted event, or you might not be able to come back to it.
Facebook opens Internet.org platform to support Internet access in developing world
Facebook opened the Internet.org platform today, giving developers in low-income and developing markets a way to create apps and websites for Internet.org.
Microsoft brings Sketchfab into the fold as a HoloLens partner
Microsoft's development of the HoloLens has been complemented by their partnership with Sketchfab. Sketchfab was launched in 2012 in Paris, France.