Journalism

**En’hittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It** by Cory Doctorow https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/enshittification-4 (also available via Spotify premium) Misogyny, conspiratorialism, surveillance, manipulation, fraud, and AI slop are drowning the internet. For the monopolists who dominate online - X, TikTok, Amazon, Meta, Apple - this is all part of the playbook. The process is what leading tech critic Cory Doctorow has dubbed en'hittification. First, the platform attracts users with some bait, such as free access; then the activity is monetized, bringing in the business customers and degrading the user experience; then, once everyone is trapped and competitors eradicated, the platform wrings out all the value and transfers it to their executives and shareholders. Book is available at Hatchards and elsewhere. https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/enshittification/cory-doctorow/9781836742227 Other related books: \- Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now\, by Jaron Lanier \- Dark Patterns\, Deceptive Design\, and the Law\, by M\.R\. Leiser \- Empire of AI: inside the reckless race for total domination\, by Karen Hao (https://xigxag.co.uk/audiobook/empire-of-ai-9781837311262/) \- Taming Silicon Valley: How to Protect Our Jobs\, Safety\, and Society in the Age of AI\, by Gary F\. Marcus \([https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/taming-silicon-valley/gary-f-marcus/9780262551069](https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/taming-silicon-valley/gary-f-marcus/9780262551069)) \- The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality\, by Rachel Adams \- The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want\, by Emily M\. Bender \- More Everything Forever: AI Overlords\, Space Empires\, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity\, by Adam Becker \([https://open.spotify.com/show/36wi0Xfr6C5eoJnA0WCISN?si=177a406de3014913](https://open.spotify.com/show/36wi0Xfr6C5eoJnA0WCISN?si=177a406de3014913)) \- Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust\, by Ernest Davis \- Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought A\.I\. to Google\, Facebook\, and the World\, by Cade Metz **Venue** Blooms Coffee & Pizza https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yy7etKb94vU1wC5m6 Russell Square is the closest metro (underground) station. **Book Club Rules** * Reading the book is required, even if you read a single chapter. * Discussion is centred around the book and its theme. * No show is not appreciated. Please sign up if you are interested in reading and discussing books. In case you cannot make it anymore to the meeting, do let us know in time.

Hello, incredible Women, I’m deeply honoured to invite you into the sacred space of our \***Women’s Vision Boarding Circle - Reclaim your vision** [Please ensure to save your space here.](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womens-visionboarding-circle-reclaim-your-vision-registration-1980491664883) Did you know there is a science behind vision boarding? And did you know that magic happens when women gather in Sisterhood? When practised intentionally, this combination supports deep-rooted alignment, focus, and positive change. In this circle, we’ll explore your unique vision through guided meditation, reflection, and a creative vision-boarding process. Together, we will feel and learn more about how and why this works wonders. This is a space for women to return to themselves - and to lead from there, together. You’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired, and more connected to what truly matters to you. **\*\*Suggested Contribution: £25; please give from your heart whatever suits your pocket.** Spaces are limited; advance booking recommended as I cannot guarantee walk-ins. **Whether you’re seeking clarity, realignment, or nourishing connection with like-minded women, this circle is for you.** 📅 **Saturday, 7 February 2026** ⏰ **2:30 – 5:00 PM (GMT)** 📍 **Time and Talents, Rotherhithe, SE London** **What to Expect** * Women’s circle connection and sharing * Heart-opening guided meditation * Visioning & intention setting * Creative vision board exercise (materials provided) **Practical Info** * Dress comfortably * Bring a blanket and pillow if you wish * Journals welcome *\*These Women’s Circle events are intentionally created for cisgender women. If you have any questions about the space, you’re very welcome to reach out.* *\*\*It is at the centre of my heart to make these spaces available to all women; hence, the event is donation-based, with a suggested contribution of £25 to help cover the costs. If you're able to contribute, please consider the suggested donation amount. However, please know your presence is most valuable. Additionally, if you're in a position to support another Sister's participation, I encourage you to pay it forward. Your kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone else's experience. Thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can create a space where all sisters feel welcomed and supported.*

Want to know more about how to get your book traditionally published, and learn about the experience from a debut novelist? If so, this event is for you! Solitaire Townsend, a regular attendee of Shut Up and Write! Central London, has recently had her debut novel, *Godstorm*, published and she will be available to talk through how she went from page to bookshop shelf, and take any questions you may have! We will be holding this immediately after our regular Shut Up and Write! So please do come along and write, and then stick around for this special event

**🚨**Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 🚨 Find Your People (Over Uno, Murder… and maybe a Chicken vs Hotdog showdown). This isn’t your average board game night. No sitting in one spot for hours. We’re mixing it up with rotating tables, quick rounds, and games made for laughs, chats, and meeting a whole bunch of new faces. Pick your vibe, or try them all: * 🃏 **The Classics** – Think Uno, Cards Against Humanity, Mario Kart (Wii) and other easy favourites * ⚡ **High Energy** – Quick-fire games like 20 Second Rule and Chicken vs Hotdog * 🕵️‍♀️ **Roleplay & Mystery** – Yep, Spy Game and The Killers are back by popular demand 👋 Host Support – Our hosts are low-key legends. Need a hand, a nudge, or a friendly intro? They’ve got you. **After the Games Social, the night doesn’t stop there.** **Your ticket also gives you access to the main Social. We kick things off with a fresh icebreaker to bring everyone together, then a team game, and after 10 the Musician takes over and the vibe turns up.** ✨ **Pro Tips:** ✅📲 **Download our free [app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** to **track your rewards from the games** throughout the night and stay connected with the people you meet after the event. ### **Important Reminders:** 🔹 **Stay connected:** [Join our ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[WhatsApp group \[here\]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[ for last-minute updates.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O) 🔹**Many attendees join via our app, so the Meetup ‘Going’ list only shows part of the crowd.** 🔹 **Coming alone?** Most people do. You don’t need a plus-one to have a great Saturday. Our hosts are on the floor to get you involved in the games and challenges as soon as you arrive. We make it easy to start those first conversations so you can connect with the room naturally. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

High‑contrast photography is one of the most powerful ways to create bold, emotionally charged images. This workshop is designed for photographers to learn about the many different types of contrast they can work with. Learning to control and creatively exploit contrast will elevate your visual storytelling - this is not just about the tension between light and shadow! Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or abstract compositions, understanding contrast is the key to unlocking striking, unforgettable images. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * How to see good locations & conditions for contrast * Camera settings * Composition EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * Any lens such as a standard 18-55, 24-70mm etc. OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar Photo ©Fiona Mackillop

Welcome back ramblers, rovers, loungers and loafers and happy 2026! It's a new year, but we're picking where we left off, in the onetime capital of cockney London with its dockworkers and gangsters, the Isle of Dogs - which became the landing-pad for an invasion of alien Thatcherites in the 1980s with the construction of Canary Wharf, which now towers over the council estates and parklands of this misunderstood peninsula. From there we'll head west, looking eventually to end up in the Brutalist wonderland (featured in Kubrick's *Clockwork Orange*!) of Thamesmead, possibly by way of the free Woolwich Ferry service from north shore to south. Meet at Canary Wharf station, out in front of the big curved class canopy. Elizabeth Line services at Abbey Wood will get us home. See you there! Check planned TfL disruptions here - our day should be all clear for most everybody: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/planned-track-closures.pdf A little background on our City Drifting project here: **Now just wait a minute. What the hell is a drift ([dérive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9rive))?** A drift is any unplanned journey through the urban landscape in which participants practice a form of radical mindfulness, collectively exploring new ways of relating mentally, ideologically and materially to the "ordinary" urban environment we all think we know so well. First theorised publicly by Situationist thinker, artist and provocateur Guy Debord in his 1956 essay *[Theory of the Dérive](https://libcom.org/article/theory-derive-guy-debord)*, drifting is a sort of *critique of ideology* done by walking, looking, and feeling. **The urban environment of London is not a neutral space:** it is packed with surveillance equipment, anti-homeless architecture, consumerist [Gruen transfers,](https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-the-gruen-transfer.htm) crowd management systems and security perimeters, among a thousand other subtle and not-so-subtle methods of population control. Moreover, our everyday relationship to the city and its pathways is conditioned deeply by our habits of movement and our habitual perceptions: our commute to work, to school, our nips down to the shops, etc. **All these routines create what Marxists call a *reified* relationship with the urban environment: through over-familiarity it becomes something seemingly natural, "just there", ordinary, unchangeable - boring.** This boredom and familiarity kills the radical imagination, without which we're fucked. To be able to start to imagine how society could be transformed, we also need to imagine how spaces, buildings, their use, their whole purpose (and who these serve) could themselves be transformed. A necessary step in this process, according to Debord and the Situationists, is the drift. Like the 19th-century gentleman *[flâneur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A2neur),* by wandering the city with an attitude of "fresh eyes", we can shake loose our ingrained sense of what London and its streets are like. **As a collective, we will work to "estrange our senses" and see the streets, buildings and people differently, as if we were encountering them for the first time.** That is to say: these aren't just random walks around London - with the right frame of mind, they will be opportunities to turn the world upside down, if only for a moment! But don't take it from me - as Debord observed: *"In a dérive one or more persons during a certain period **drop their relations, their work and leisure activities, and all their other usual motives for movement and action, and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there.** Chance is a less important factor in this activity than one might think: from a dérive point of view cities have [psychogeographical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography) contours, with constant currents, fixed points and vortexes that strongly discourage entry into or exit from certain zones."* See you on the streets comrades, and remember, as [Raoul Vaneigem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Vaneigem) once wrote: *"All space is occupied by the enemy. We are living under a permanent curfew. Not just the cops — the geometry".*

Join us for a day filled with laughter and great conversations with friends at The REAL Over 40s meetup group. Unwind with a drink in hand as we enjoy a pit-stop before the next week ahead. This social gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and create lasting memories. We meet at table 45. See you there 👍 P.S There are always atleast 15 to 20 people show up regardless of rsvp numbers.

Hi all, Join us for a photo walk in the vibrant Brick Lane area of London! We’ll start with a 15-minute coffee break to meet and connect, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable walk. From there, we’ll wander through the historic Spitalfields Market, capturing its unique atmosphere and bustling charm. From there, we’ll make our way to the iconic Brick Lane, a hotspot for street art, fascinating local characters, and vibrant energy. To wrap up the day, we’ll head to a pub to relax, share images and stories, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this iconic area. Grab your camera and join us for an inspiring day of photography. **Meeting Point** Café Noxy brothers, inside Spitalfields Market Corner Unit, Spitalfields Market, 105 Commercial Street, London E1 6BG. How to find the café? Take the commercial street entrance facing The ten bels pub. The café is on a corner inside the market. **Endpoint** A pub at Brick Lane, location TBC. **Cost** The cost for this photo walk is £10 plus fees. Also (cheaper) bookable on: https://www.photowalk.me/photowalk/street-art-stories-exploring-brick-lane-and-beyond-1-2 **Recommendations** The focus of this walk will be on handheld street photography, so feel free to bring any camera or smartphone—just make sure your batteries are fully charged. Since we’ll be walking, please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to check the TFL website for travel updates before heading out. **Bad Weather** If the weather is less than ideal, the walk will still go ahead in the rain, with some adjustments to the route to find shelter if possible. The event will only be cancelled by the organiser in case of severe weather conditions. **Experience** No prior experience is necessary—everyone is welcome! While there will be limited time for technical support, I’m happy to offer creative advice during the walk. **Contact.** No Whats app, phone and text only. 07895295284

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

Thursdays just got smarter (and sassier). 🧠🍻 Join us at TownHall Short North for Trivia Night with Marquis—where the questions are fun, the competition is friendly, and the vibes are immaculate. Grab your crew, sip something good, and prove you know random facts you absolutely shouldn’t.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.