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Doxing, Bitcoin, and more tech lingo you need to know

Natt Garun
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Bitcoin currency exchange
Man, those Redditors are some Web-savvy people. They’re constantly talking about Internet subjects before they make it big on most news outlet headlines, which is why it’s important to be able to catch up with what they’re saying. Today, we discuss a hot new Web currency and other Internet-based activities.

Circle jerking

There’s a much cruder, NSFW definition to “Circle jerking” that we’re just going to let you Google or assume the meaning, but the Internet jargon refers to something similar to an echo chamber. Circle jerking brings people together to express similar opinions or ideas about a topic, regardless of whether it’s true. In journalism, circle jerking can spread false information when groups of outlets begin sharing the same biases.

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“I circle jerk because I’m a narcissist.”

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Bitcoin

A subject of recent Internet conversations, Bitcoin is a digital currency that isn’t centrally managed by any one authority. The weird thing about Bitcoin is how it can be digitally mined out of thin air, yet converted into a currency that can be used to pay for physical goods. Bitcoin to U.S. dollar exchange also varies greatly; last week, it hopped anywhere between $10 to a whopping $250 per one BTC. Not many places are accepting Bitcoin as official forms of payment just yet – but lots of shops are beginning to, including several bars and restaurants in New York City. It’s a trend we should definitely keep our eyes on, but not convert to entirely.

“Today’s Bitcoin value rose to $125. I’m buying everyone a drink at the bar!”

Doxing

The process of investigating for more information about a particular subject based on initial, limited data. Doxing activities were on a high in the last couple of weeks when the Internet tried to figure out who various Web figures were based on a post on Reddit or Instagram pictures – such as @itsLavishbitch or the man who allegedly admitted to murder via a meme.

“Is it fair for publications to start doxing various online figures and publishing personal information online?”

Jailbreak

To remove limitations from an original operation system and install custom firmware. Jailbreakers like to do this to their iOS devices so they can add custom skins, functionalities, or download free apps they’d otherwise have to pay full price for. To learn more about jailbreaking, here’s our interview with the man behind Cydia, the jailbroken version of the Apple App Store.

“Friend 1: Just got an unreleased version of Badland for free and it’s an awesome game. You can too if you just jailbreak your iPhone already.
Friend 2: No thanks, I like to keep things legal.”

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Natt Garun
Natt Garun
Former Digital Trends Contributor
An avid gadgets and Internet culture enthusiast, Natt Garun spends her days bringing you the funniest, coolest, and strangest…
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