Stories with Tag chrome extension

• Marsha P Johnson: A Chrome extension to highlight trans erasure

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  Posted: 2025-02-14 19:16:59

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension combats trans erasure by highlighting instances where "deadnaming" occurs on webpages. It identifies and visually emphasizes when a transgender person's pre-transition name is used instead of their chosen name, aiming to raise awareness and promote respectful language. The extension utilizes a user-maintained database of names and allows for community contributions to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness. This tool serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of the importance of using correct names and pronouns, honoring trans identities, and fostering a more inclusive online environment.

  This GitHub repository introduces "Marsha P. Johnson," a Chrome browser extension meticulously crafted to combat the pervasive issue of trans erasure. The extension operates by intelligently identifying instances where the names of cisgender individuals are erroneously attributed to accomplishments, innovations, or historical events that are rightfully attributed to transgender individuals. Upon detecting such an instance of misattribution, the extension intervenes by dynamically highlighting the incorrect name within the webpage's text. Furthermore, it appends a discreet yet informative tooltip containing the name of the actual transgender individual to whom the credit properly belongs. This corrective action serves not only to rectify the historical inaccuracy but also to educate users about the contributions of transgender individuals, thereby raising awareness and counteracting the systemic erasure of their achievements.

  The extension is named in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent Black transgender activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising, a seminal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. By bearing her name, the extension pays homage to her legacy and underscores its commitment to combating trans marginalization. The repository provides comprehensive documentation, including installation instructions, usage guidelines, and the underlying codebase, all of which are open-source and available for community contribution and enhancement. The project aims to be a dynamic and evolving tool, actively seeking feedback and improvements to further refine its ability to identify and correct instances of trans erasure across the web. The ultimate goal is to promote a more accurate and inclusive representation of history and acknowledge the significant contributions of transgender individuals in various fields.

  • Marsha P. Johnson
  • transgender
  • trans rights
  • trans visibility
  • lgbtq+
  • LGBTQ history
  • chrome extension
  • browser extension
  • web accessibility
  • activism
  • social justice
  • representation
  • erasure
  • History
  • internet activism
  • online tools

  Summary of Comments ( 2 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43051964

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the value and implementation of the Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension. Some question the effectiveness of simply highlighting names, suggesting it doesn't meaningfully address trans erasure and may even be counterproductive by trivializing the issue. Others criticize the technical execution, pointing to potential performance issues, privacy concerns around data collection, and the potential for misidentification or misgendering due to the complexities of language. There are also concerns about the extension promoting a specific political viewpoint and the potential for misuse or abuse. A few commenters offer alternative suggestions for combating trans erasure, such as donating to relevant organizations or engaging in more direct activism.

  The Hacker News post discussing the "Marsha P. Johnson: A Chrome extension to highlight trans erasure" extension has generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of support, skepticism, and critique.

  Several commenters express concerns about the extension's potential for overreach and the possibility of false positives. They question how accurately the extension can identify instances of trans erasure, especially given the nuances of language and context. The potential for misidentifying and flagging well-intentioned content is a recurring theme. Some also raise the issue of potential for abuse, with concerns about the extension being used to harass or silence individuals.

  There is a discussion around the definition of "trans erasure" itself and how broadly the extension interprets the term. Some commenters suggest the current definition might be too expansive, leading to the flagging of content that doesn't actually constitute erasure. Others argue for a more precise definition within the extension's functionality.

  The technical implementation of the extension is also a point of discussion. Commenters inquire about the specific methods used to identify and flag content, expressing interest in the algorithms and datasets employed. There's a general desire for transparency regarding the extension's inner workings.

  Some commenters voice support for the extension's aims, acknowledging the problem of trans erasure and appreciating the effort to raise awareness. They see the extension as a potentially valuable tool for education and advocacy.

  A few commenters offer alternative approaches to addressing trans erasure, suggesting that focusing on education and positive reinforcement might be more effective than simply flagging content. They propose the creation of resources that provide information and promote understanding of trans issues.

  Overall, the comments reflect a complex and nuanced discussion about the challenges of addressing trans erasure, the potential pitfalls of automated content moderation, and the need for careful consideration of both technical implementation and ethical implications. While some commenters express enthusiasm for the extension's potential, others raise valid concerns about its accuracy, scope, and potential for misuse.

• TabBoo – add random jumpscares to websites you're trying to avoid

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  Posted: 2025-01-22 17:27:14

  Verbose tl;dr

  TabBoo is a browser extension designed to deter procrastination by injecting random jumpscares into websites the user designates as distracting. It works by periodically displaying startling images, chosen from a curated selection or uploaded by the user, on blacklisted sites. This aims to create a negative association with those sites, making them less appealing to visit and thus boosting productivity. The extension offers customization options for jumpscare frequency and image selection, allowing users to tailor the experience to their needs.

  TabBoo presents itself as a novel, albeit potentially unsettling, browser extension designed to assist users in breaking free from the clutches of distracting websites. The extension operates on the principle of aversion therapy, leveraging the element of surprise and mild fear to discourage prolonged engagement with specified online destinations. Specifically, TabBoo introduces the possibility of sudden and unexpected "jumpscares" appearing when the user accesses a website on their blocklist. These jumpscares take the form of brief, startling images or animations, intended to disrupt the user's focus and create a negative association with the website.

  The premise is that by associating an unpleasant experience – the jumpscare – with the act of visiting a time-wasting website, the user will be less inclined to visit it in the future. This method aims to circumvent the limitations of willpower and habit by introducing a more visceral deterrent. Users can customize the frequency and intensity of these jumpscares, tailoring the experience to their individual needs and tolerance levels. While the core functionality revolves around these disruptive visual elements, the extension also provides standard website blocking capabilities, offering a more conventional approach for users who prefer a less dramatic intervention. Essentially, TabBoo offers a dual-pronged approach: preventative blocking and reactive startling, allowing users to choose their preferred method or combine both for maximum effectiveness. The overarching goal is to empower users to reclaim their time and attention by making undesirable websites less appealing.

  • website blocker
  • productivity
  • procrastination
  • self-control
  • jumpscare
  • Humor
  • browser extension
  • chrome extension
  • firefox extension
  • website filtering
  • motivation
  • deterrent
  • fun
  • novelty
  • Web Development

  Summary of Comments ( 72 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42795237

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters generally found TabBoo's concept amusing, but impractical for serious self-control. Several pointed out the ease with which one could simply disable the extension or avoid the targeted sites altogether if motivation was truly lacking. Some suggested alternative approaches like website blockers, while others joked about the potential for misuse or the psychological implications of negative reinforcement. A few expressed interest in the technical implementation, particularly the use of AI-generated jumpscares. Overall, the comments lean towards seeing TabBoo as a novelty rather than a robust solution for procrastination.

  The Hacker News post for "TabBoo – add random jumpscares to websites you're trying to avoid" generated several comments, primarily focusing on the efficacy and potential drawbacks of the tool as a productivity aid.

  Several commenters were skeptical of its actual usefulness. One pointed out the classic problem with aversion therapy: users will likely simply disable the extension or find ways to circumvent it rather than actually breaking the habit of visiting the distracting website. Another echoed this sentiment, adding that the immediate reward of visiting the site outweighs the delayed and relatively mild punishment of a jumpscare, making it ineffective for truly addictive sites. The Pavlovian response mentioned in the TabBoo description was also questioned, with one commenter suggesting it's more likely to create a negative association with the jumpscare itself rather than the website.

  Some commenters found the idea amusing and potentially helpful for less severe distractions. One suggested that the randomness of the jumpscares is key, as predictable deterrents are easily ignored. Another appreciated the self-aware humor of the project. A few suggested improvements, such as customizable jumpscares (e.g., using images of your goals or things you'd rather be doing) or integrating it with website blockers for a more comprehensive approach.

  Concerns were also raised about the potential negative psychological impact of random jumpscares. One commenter mentioned the possibility of inducing anxiety or even PTSD-like symptoms in susceptible individuals. Another worried about accidental triggering of the jumpscares, leading to frustration and wasted time.

  A technical discussion also emerged regarding the implementation of the extension and the potential for abuse. One commenter questioned the extension's permissions, raising concerns about potential data collection or malicious use. Another pointed out the possibility of using the extension to prank or harass others.

  Finally, some commenters provided alternative suggestions for avoiding distracting websites, such as using website blockers, focusing on the underlying reasons for procrastination, or employing techniques like the Pomodoro method.

  In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post express a mixture of amusement, skepticism, and concern regarding TabBoo's effectiveness and potential downsides. While some find the concept intriguing, many doubt its long-term utility and raise valid concerns about its psychological impact and potential for misuse. The discussion highlights the complexity of addressing online distractions and the need for more robust and personalized solutions.