What Does Google's Code Yellow Reveal About How They Treat Their Users In Search?

• Revelations from an antitrust trial exposed clashes within Google regarding its search innovation versus ad revenue priorities.
• Google activated an emergency response over concerns about falling search revenue, leading to debates on the company's core values and metrics.
• Ben Gomes, the ex-chief of search, signaled concerns about growth overshadowing innovation. Later, Prabhakar Raghavan took the helm of both search and advertising.

Imagine you're at a cafe, flipping through the menu. You're here for the coffee, but the waiter keeps pushing the freshly baked cookies. Now, you love cookies, but today, you just want your coffee. This scenario, in a way, mirrors Google's 2019 dilemma.

Ben Gomes, the guy in charge of making sure your Google searches are top-notch, raised a red flag, as reported by Bloomberg. He felt Google's enthusiasm for its ads was overshadowing its main goal: giving users precise search results. In other words, while you came for the coffee (search results), Google seemed a bit too keen on serving those cookies (ads).

Here's a bit more insight. Google has always tried to keep its search and advertising teams separate. Think of them as the kitchen and waitstaff of a restaurant. But in 2019, Google, worried about not hitting its revenue targets, sounded a "Code Yellow" alert. It's like a cafe suddenly worrying they won't sell enough coffees and cookies for the day. So, they shuffled their teams around to figure out why fewer people were searching on Google.

While defending itself in court, Google proudly showed off its advancements, especially for mobile users. But then things took a turn. Some internal emails revealed that the line between giving users top-tier search results and pushing ads was becoming blurry.

Now, here's where it gets intriguing. Google claims they're the best in the online search game, not because they push ads, but because they've built a darn good search engine. But some emails from that period suggest they were perhaps a bit too eager to grow and make money.

• Also read: New Study Reveals 43% of Countries Have Substandard Electronic Infrastructure

One memorable email from Gomes highlighted his worries. He was like, "Hey, we're getting too ad-happy here. Let's not forget our main job - helping people find what they're looking for!" He also questioned the way they measured success, hinting they should be more user-focused.

The plot thickened when Prabhakar Raghavan, the advertising bigwig, hinted that maybe the search team could do more. Despite the tension, both agreed on one thing: they needed a better way to measure success.

The story wrapped up with Gomes leaving his role, and Raghavan stepping up to oversee both search and ads. It's like our coffee-loving customer from the cafe deciding to take charge and ensure everyone gets their perfect blend of coffee and cookies!

Photo: DIW

Read next: Consumers And Their Love For AI: This Is How The World Is Interacting With GenAI Products
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Business Beware: How to Spot and Stop the Top 5 Frauds Targeting Companies

You'd think fraudsters and scammers would run out of sneaky new schemes to siphon money from businesses, but nope! Every year they just get craftier and craftier, cooking up ever-more devious ways to swipe cash from the unsuspecting. According to the FBI's 2022 Internet Crime Report, losses from cyber fraud totaled a whopping $10 billion last year—a 49% jump from the year before!

Photo: Jcomp/freepik

With fraud on the rise, it's never been more important for companies to get educated on the latest threats. Because, let's be real, no one wants to wave goodbye to their hard-earned profits because of some hacker or scammer pulling a fast one!

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the top five frauds businesses need to watch their backs about and how to avoid getting duped. We will shine a light on shady red flags to keep your eyes peeled for, steps to take to cover yourself, and the inside scoop on best practices for protecting your assets. Consider this your under-the-radar heads up on how fraudsters are targeting businesses lately and how to not get played. The better prepared you are, the less likely these slimy fraudsters will succeed in swiping your cash.

Payments Fraud

Payments fraud is when criminals infiltrate business systems to manipulate outgoing payments through compromised credentials, social engineering, or malicious code. For example, a fraudster may steal a CFO's login info to add fake vendors into the accounts payable system. Or they could send an email that tricks an employee into updating payment details to route to a criminal's account.

Once payments fraudsters gain access, they can reroute legitimate transactions or add unauthorized withdrawals. Warning signs include sudden changes to beneficiary or account details on file, abnormal transaction activity that doesn't match normal business operations, and suspicious payments popping up without a corresponding invoice or PO.

To detect payments fraud before funds get drained, monitor systems closely for unauthorized changes to payment data. Use payment fraud detection tools like anomaly detection to analyze transaction patterns and flag outliers. Require secondary approval and out-of-band confirmation for payments over a certain threshold. The more diligently you safeguard payment channels, the better protected your finances will be.

Phishing

Phishing uses emails, calls, or messages pretending to be from a trusted source to trick recipients into handing over sensitive data. For example, a scammer may send an email impersonating the CEO asking the CFO to urgently wire funds for an acquisition. Or they could replicate a partner company's branding in messages asking for login credentials.

These communications often have telltale signs like odd senders, typos, or slight domain mismatches - but they can also be meticulously crafted to closely mimic legitimate correspondence. Training employees to spot subtle red flags in tone, urgency level, and suspicious requests or links is crucial.

You can also use technical tools like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM authentication to verify email senders. The more your staff questions unusual communications instead of blindly clicking or replying, the better protected your assets will stay.

Fake Invoices

Scammers will sometimes send fake or altered invoices to businesses from supplier names they work with regularly. For example, they may take a real invoice and change the payment routing details to direct funds to their accounts instead of the vendor.

Or they will fabricate an invoice with the supplier's logo and banking info, hoping accounts payable workers don't cross-check invoice and PO numbers closely. Once the payment is submitted, the funds route straight to the fraudsters.

Safeguard your accounts payable team by requiring diligent invoice validation before any payments. Make sure PO numbers, amounts, and beneficiary details align to legitimate vendor invoices and established accounts on file. Watch for typos, unexpected requests, or odd email senders.

Once again, you can also implement rules requiring secondary sign-off for payments over a certain threshold. The more checks to verify accuracy, the harder it is for scammers to fool your team with their counterfeit paperwork.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the trickiest frauds out there, with criminals using all kinds of crafty tricks to steal employee credentials. We're talking usernames, passwords, social security numbers - anything they can get their hands on to impersonate staff.

They may use phishing emails, hack company networks, or even scam folks on social media to get the keys to the kingdom. Once they've got enough to pretend to be one of your workers, watch out! Fraudsters can then access corporate accounts, open credit cards, take out loans, and create absolute havoc.

This is a massive headache for finance and IT teams who suddenly have to deal with unauthorized activity that seems valid because it looks like a real employee did it! They'll be stuck trying to lock down the breach, undo any damage, and plug up security holes the thieves sneakily exploited.

The best way to avoid this hot mess? Be proactive about monitoring for suspicious transactions or credit inquiries that seem off. Implement strong access controls, train employees on safe data practices, and keep an eagle eye out for signs of stolen credentials being used.

The faster you can detect ID theft, the quicker you can cut off the criminals and minimize any losses or reputation dings. Staying vigilant is crucial to outsmart these sneaky fraudsters looking to wreak enterprise-sized chaos!

Investment Schemes

Criminals frequently target businesses with bogus investment opportunities promising high returns with little to no risk. Some popular scams include Ponzi schemes that use money from new investors to pay earlier backers, pyramid schemes where money flows up the recruitment chain, and pump-and-dump scams artificially inflating asset prices.

These schemes rely on fast-talking fraudsters spinning unbelievable profits to convince victims to hand over cash. In reality, the business sees little to no returns, while scammers walk away rich. Warning signs include guaranteed payouts, pressure to act quickly on an opportunity, and a mismatch between promised rewards and real risks involved.

Maintaining healthy skepticism is crucial when evaluating investment opportunities. Do thorough due diligence beyond claims of the promoter. Check registrations, research principals, review audited financials, and investigate operations before providing any capital.

The more caution you use upfront, the less likely your business will fall prey to swindlers' lies. Don't let dreams of big profits blind you from spotting sham investments that can seriously damage your finances.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, all this inside scoop will help you steer clear of schemes and stay ahead of those sneaky scammers. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that seems sketchy or off, and be sure to verify stuff that raises red flags. Also, lean on tech like anomaly detection and email authentication to have your back.

Staying hyper-vigilant about safeguarding your systems, data, and money flow is key. But with the right fraud-fighting mindset, your business can totally shut down even the craftiest scammers in their tracks. Stick to these winning strategies and you'll be locking down your assets tight!

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Pinterest’s Q3 Performance Update Displays Solid Rise In Active Users With Steady Growth In Revenue

Pinterest seems to be on a roll as the latest performance update (i.e. Q3 2023) of the company showed some promising stats that are worth a mention.

The popular app witnessed a solid rise in active users followed by a steady growth in revenue as well. These changes are clear proof of its popular relevance in today’s time for millions of people around the globe who adore using the app.

For starters, the company added a whopping estimate of 17 million users who were actively using the platform during this time. This took up figures to a staggering 482 million in total as far as the monthly active user count is concerned.

This is the company’s biggest-ever figure for users per month and it even went on to outweigh the stats for users seen during the pandemic period. And in case you did not know, the app really spiked during that time. And the figure counted for was 478 million.

Meanwhile, experts also mentioned how several analysts looked at the stats as one that was a clear indication of how willing people were to carry on with the trend of buying things online. And that would stand true even after the period of lockdowns ended.

However, they were wrong and as stores began to open, people were going out to make purchases and the spike for online shopping witnessed a great decline. After all, going back to old-time habits of buying things online seemed to be fruitful and more reliable to many consumers.

In the same manner, we saw the app witness a loss of nearly 47 million active users per month and that was before it started to get things back into place and in its favor.

Things right now are looking better than ever and the app continues to witness a growth in the market that entails different parts of the world. Two nations in particular that were really seeing a great standout in terms of peak performance for Pinterest were Mexico and Brazil.

On the the other hand, the stats for places like the European and American markets were more inconsistent and that continues to be a concerning factor when you stare at the chart.

Today, the platform still generates the highest amount of revenue from users located in the US region while next in line are clients present in Europe. This is clear proof of the opportunity that it highlights in the future but the app must begin to make the most of this front to really better its potential for earnings in such vast markets.

Speaking on the same subject, we did see another great indicator for growth in the future for this app and that had to do with the rising strength of Gen Z who adore using the app and are turning out to be Pinterest’s engaging user base.

As per stats, the app reported a huge growth with Gen Z and it’s now being dubbed as the fastest growing market of today with people saving close to double the figure of content during the first year on the app as compared to before.

Today, the app is really growing big time, and it's the younger lot who are loving it. These are some clear indicators of success for this app but whether or not the market sees this as the most positive aspect of them all is another story altogether.

As far as revenue is concerned, the app bought in a whopping $763 million for this time period and it’s up by 11% YoY, going above and beyond estimates. The overall costs and expenses related to this turned out to be $768 for the same time. And we do feel that it’s a fall from what we saw during Q2 but it continues to be a major key point worth focusing on.

The app did estimate how its expenses will end up falling nearly 13% when moving forward, thanks to a fall in costs as well as rationalization during the time. As a whole, we do see how the app continues to be in that dreaded red zone despite the fact that it produced some steady results.

Read next: AI Skills: The New Currency in Today's Job Market
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Apple's Privacy Superpower: How iMessage CKV Keeps the Spies at Bay

Did you know that Apple's latest iMessage Contact Key Verification (CKV) could be your secret weapon against government snooping? At first, you might think it's just for super security-conscious folks, but it's got something for everyone.

Let's delve into the details. iMessage is like a locked vault, thanks to end-to-end encryption. Only the intended message buddies can read what's inside. But here's the twist – it's not just about people, it's about devices. Apple keeps a list of the devices that are allowed to open the vault. If someone sneaky gets in there, they can add their own device and read your messages.

Contact Key Verification steps up as your personal guard. It lets you check if any uninvited guests have crashed your message party. You might think, "Who's going to break into Apple's servers?" Well, it's not the hackers Apple's worried about, but the government's watchful eye.

This all goes back to a little something called 'the ghost proposal' from the UK's GCHQ. These agencies have been dying to break end-to-end encryption but couldn't because it'd create a backdoor for the bad guys, too. GCHQ's plan is kind of diabolical. They want service providers like Apple to secretly join your chats as an invisible eavesdropper.

In simple words, they'd ask Apple to add a hidden device to your chat, which would get copies of all your messages without anyone knowing. Creepy, right?

Well, Apple wasn't having it. They, along with Google and Microsoft, said no way to the ghost proposal. But the worry was that a classified court order could still force them to do it.

Now, with Contact Key Verification, you can see if there are any unwanted devices in your chat. It's like a secret handshake for your digital conversations. Even if most folks don't use it, it makes the ghost proposal useless.

So, here's the bottom line: Apple's saying to the government spies, "You're not welcome here." And that's good news for all of us. It's a win for privacy and a thumbs-up to end-to-end encryption in a world where it's becoming a rare treasure.

Read next: 28 Percent of Social Media Users Posted Less This Year, Raising Questions on Industry’s Future
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Can ChatGPT Help You Master the Intricacies of Content Writing?

Unless you've been living on Mars, you've heard about the new superhero in the Artificial intelligence (AI) space, ChatGPT, the buzzworthy tool that's causing a stir in the digital world. This advanced AI language model is changing the game in content marketing, making content creation faster and more exciting than ever.

So, what's the deal with ChatGPT, and how can you make it work for you in your content creation journey?

In this post, we're going to spill the beans on this nifty tool, giving you some practical tips, tricks, and heads-ups. You'll discover how to use ChatGPT for crafting article outlines, catchy headlines, those snappy meta descriptions, attention-grabbing ad copy, quick summaries, engaging intros, and satisfying conclusions. Plus, we'll explore its limits and when you should give it a rain check.

The Scoop on ChatGPT

ChatGPT is no ordinary AI toy—it's a genius in the field of natural language processing. This digital whiz is built to devour loads of text data and shoot back responses that sound like they're coming from a human.

The acronym 'GPT' stands for 'Generative Pre-trained Transformer,' and it's all about using a special transformer architecture that's been pre-loaded with a ton of text data.

This intense training regimen gives ChatGPT the power to whip up sentences that flow and make sense, making it a game-changer for anything that needs some serious text processing skills.

ChatGPT: Your Creative Sidekick

Okay, here's the deal—ChatGPT isn't a full-on content writing tool, but it's like having a super-smart sidekick in your content creation squad. It's a whiz at helping with research, brainstorming topics, laying out drafts, and coming up with cool ideas. It's like having an instant source of info and suggestions right at your fingertips.

But here's the catch—you've got to use it wisely. ChatGPT isn't always Mr. Reliable. It gets its info from what's out there in the media and on the internet, and that's not always spot-on.

So, you've got to be the boss here. Human writers need to swoop in and give ChatGPT's work a once-over, making sure it's top-notch before sharing it with the world.

Also, ChatGPT isn't the go-to choice for those long SEO and data-backed content pieces. It's all about giving you the info, but it doesn't fact-check. And that's a big deal for SEO content where getting the facts straight is key.

Busting the Google Myth

Here's a burning question: Does Google have a problem with AI-generated content? Nope, Google doesn't mind AI helping out in content creation. As it says "Appropriate use of AI or automation is not against our guidelines". Which means you're totally in the clear when you use tools like ChatGPT.

However, Google's gripes are with low-quality content that tries to game the system, whether it's created by humans or AI. So, you're good to go.

Now that we've cleared that up, let's get back to how you can make the most of this AI wizard for your content writing.

Crucial tips for creating the perfect prompt:

Remember crafting effective prompts when engaging with AI platforms like ChatGPT, Bard or Bing is an art itself. And if you are new in this game, it can be a good learning curve. Ideally, you should aim to simplify interactions, save time, and receive more precise responses.

The formula for constructing the ideal request consists of 3 core principles:

Clarity and Intent: Rather than pasting vague questions, offering specific context and providing the purpose of the request helps AI models, such as ChatGPT, churn out tailored responses.

Output Format: Indicating the desired response format, whether it's a list or paragraph, ensures the ChatGPT understands your expectations.

Follow-Up and Experimentation: Don't shy away from asking follow-up questions for clarification. If the initial request doesn't yield the desired outcome, consider rephrasing it.

By adhering to this formula, you can enhance your prompts, and become more productive.

Unlocking ChatGPT's Potential: 6 Ways to Enhance Your Content Creation

Let's dive into the treasure trove of ChatGPT's abilities and discover how it can elevate your content creation game.

1. Get Those Article Blueprints Rolling

With ChatGPT as your trusty creative genius, crafting article outlines becomes a breeze. Just toss your blog post idea into the chat and ask it to "Provide an outline for a blog post or article on [your article topic]."

Take a peek at the snapshot below to see how we got ChatGPT cooking up an initial outline for a blog post on "How to use Google Bard for content writing." But here's the scoop: we didn't end up using this outline for the article you're reading now. It's like a warm-up round, you know?

Now, sift through the suggestions ChatGPT serves up, cherry-picking the juiciest bits. You might want to mix and match or tweak them to craft a seamless outline. Don't forget, you can always nudge ChatGPT for a different version or include specific details if you're feeling uninspired.

2. Snappy Headlines and Killer Meta Descriptions

If you're on the hunt for sensational headlines and meta descriptions, ChatGPT's got your back. Start by dishing out your main topic or keyword, then tell ChatGPT to whip up a list of potential headlines that'll make your readers' heads turn.

For example, if you're planning for a blog post about the 'benefits of Starlink internet,' just tell ChatGPT, "Write 5 headlines for a blog post on the benefits of Starlink internet." Let it weave its magic spell, and here's what you might get.

Now, if you notice ChatGPT missed your main keyword in some of those headline gems, don't fret. Give it a little nudge with a follow-up command like, "Generate 5 more headlines. And this time, make sure 'Starlink internet in California' is in the mix."

You can use the same playbook to have ChatGPT cook up a snazzy meta description.

3. Summing It Up in Style

ChatGPT isn't just a one-trick pony. It can also whip up killer summaries for your blog posts. Thanks to its knack for natural language processing, it can dive into your blog's content, figure out the key takeaways, and serve up a neat, condensed version.

All you have to do is paste the words, like, "Summarize this blog post in 500 words: [insert blog post URL]". Or just paste the article.

But wait, there's a limit – ChatGPT can handle up to 4096 tokens, for some it means 1000 to 3000 words in one go. So don't go pasting your entire masterpiece in there or you'll get an error message.

Best bet? Make sure your blog post's out there in the web, maybe in a PDF, shareable via a URL. If not, consider chopping it into bite-sized pieces for ChatGPT to digest, if you want to get better results.

4. Crafting Engaging Intros and Outros

ChatGPT can help you craft some super hero style introductions and conclusions. To get the creative wheels turning, you can simply share your article's theme and purpose, and ChatGPT will do the rest.

You might kick things off with a request like, "Draft an intro/TLDR for an article on the pros and cons of making a life on Mars." But be forewarned, a vague prompt could lead to a somewhat generic output. For maximum impact, provide as much details as possilbe. Tell ChatGPT about your article's unique angles, its intended audience, and the vibe you want to set. Are you aiming for a formal tone or a sprinkle of humor? ChatGPT can swing both ways.

You can also throw in a specific structure like E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness), an intriguing anecdote, or a snappy hook. These rules apply when you're asking ChatGPT to compose a copy that really converts.

Just remember, the quality of the output usually mirrors the quality of your input, so don't be shy about experimenting.

5. Let ChatGPT Craft Your Ad Magic

Now, let's talk marketing mastery. ChatGPT, with its vast knowledge reservoir of text, including all the marketing and ad wizardry, is your go-to for crafting ad copy that sings.

To set the wheels in motion, feed ChatGPT the lowdown about your product or service: its killer features, benefits, target audience, and the secret sauce that sets it apart (the unique selling proposition or USP). You can even specify the type of ad you're gunning for, whether it's a snazzy social media ad, a Google-worthy search engine ad, or a dazzling display ad.

one super prompt example:

I'd like you to act as a professional copy writer, specializing in [ADD YOUR SERVICE'S EXPERTISE, such as affiliate marketing] with 15+ years of experience. I am interested in promoting [PRODUCT/SERVICE, such as mobile covers] I want you to write [YOUR REQUIRED FORMAT, such as a product page copy]. Use the AIDA formula to write it: - Step 1 (Attention): Start off with a bang by seizing the reader's interest through a striking statement, an intriguing fact, or a compelling question - Step 2 (Interest): Capture the reader's attention by showcasing the advantages and benefits. - Step 3 (Desire): Evoke a feeling of desire in the reader by painting a vivid picture of how their life can be transformed with my product. - Step 4 (Action): Motivate the reader to take action by providing a clear and compelling call to action.

With that info in hand, ChatGPT can dish up ideas for ad copy, magnetic headlines, snappy taglines, and even full-blown ad scripts. But remember, you're the conductor of this symphony. Run your eye over ChatGPT's suggestions and add your personal flair to match your brand's unique voice and tone. It's AI-powered marketing at its most brilliant!

6. Sparking Creativity with Tailored Writing Prompts

ChatGPT is like your brainstorming buddy, armed with a treasure trove of creative prompts in all shapes and sizes – scenarios, statements or questions. These prompts are your secret sauce for stirring up fresh ideas or even keeping your article's flow smooth with those nifty transition words.

To unleash ChatGPT's creativity, kick things off by giving it a general topic or theme for your content. Imagine you're crafting a blog post about "the hottest real estate investment opportunities in Palestine." Just ask ChatGPT to serve up some writing prompts tied to that theme.

These prompts are your springboard to inspiration. You can weave them directly into your content or use them as a launchpad to overcome that pesky writer's block.

Content that's a No-Go for ChatGPT

While ChatGPT is a versatile content creator, there are certain content types that it's better off not tackling. It's like getting advice straight from the Mastermind of OpenAI himself, who had this to say on Twitter: "It's a mistake to be relying on [ChatGPT] for anything important". Adding further, "Fun creative inspiration; great! reliance for factual queries; not such a good idea."

So, here's the deal – proceed with caution, especially when you're venturing into the tricky territories.

Let's be real, ChatGPT can't replace the wisdom of legal, medical, or financial pros. Given the potential for hiccups and inaccuracies, it's smarter to hand these topics over to the experts who have the know-how.

• Also read: 6 Hacks to Reveal a Web Page's Hidden Publication Date

ChatGPT is a real champ at understanding and mimicking natural language. It can a great helper for brainstorming ideas and making the writing process a breeze. But here's the twist – it's not here to steal the spotlight from human creativity and expertise.

To ensure that ChatGPT's content is on point, you've got to roll up your sleeves and do some fact-checking and fine-tuning. The devil's in the details, after all.

In a Nutshell

ChatGPT is like a magic wand for content creators and marketing gurus, but it's not the magician. In this article, we've doled out some practical examples for wielding ChatGPT like a pro. We've covered the art of crafting prompts, making the most of its research and idea-generation superpowers, and how to tweak the output. We've even touched on the quirks of ChatGPT, like its lack of creativity and the occasional inaccuracy.

Like any tool, mastering ChatGPT takes practice and a dash of trial and error. Stick to the tips we've shared, and you'll be creating top-notch content with flair and ease in no time.

Read next: AI Generated Content Shows Explosive Growth — AI Image, AI Video, and AI Written Searches Soar As Per Google Trends Data

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

94% of Gen Z Are in Favor of Location Tracking

Location tracking is generally seen as a great societal ill, with many seeing it as an invasion of privacy. However, the most tech savvy generation of all, Gen Z, is actually quite favorable of the practice, with tens of millions using location tracking and sharing apps. These include Apple’s proprietary Find My feature, as well as apps like Life360.

This comes from a recent survey conducted on 1,200 US adults, and it reveals that a surprising shift might be occurring as far as location tracking is concerned.

All in all, 94% of Gen Z said that there are many advantages to sharing their location with others, even their parents. 87% stated that it can come in handy during long distance drives, with 80% specifying that it helps them feel safer when they are visiting risky or new places.

Location sharing has also become a central feature in the average Gen Z’s personal life. 78% said that they use it when they are going on a first date or to a party at a stranger’s house, with 77% using it while attending concerts, festivals and other large scale events. Perhaps the biggest proponents of location sharing turned out to be Gen Z women, with 72% saying that it gives them an improved sense of physical wellbeing.

• Also read: Cracking the Mystery of Digital Distractions: Our Love for New Things

One thing that must be said is that most Gen Z share their location with their friends, but 56% said that they feel comfortable letting their parents track their whereabouts as well. This further solidifies the shifting landscape of smartphone usage and perceptions of data tracking in general.

Dr. Michele Borba, a noted psychologist, suggested that teenagers are experiencing more anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic. Social media and the nonstop flow of news coverage had already sparked a decline in mental health, and it appears that Gen Z crave even more interconnectedness for security. The value of location sharing might be that it allows them to control who’s able to see them, instead of being at the mercy of social media platforms that might not always have their best interests at heart.

Read next: Trust Deficit in American Media: An Alarming Trend
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Elon Musk's new rule: Corrected posts lose revenue share, boosting facts over sensationalism on X

In a game-changing move, Elon Musk just dropped a bombshell: if your posts get corrected by the Community Notes fact-checking squad on the platform, you can kiss your revenue-sharing dreams goodbye. But why, you ask? Well, Musk's all about boosting accuracy and kicking sensationalism to the curb.

He's not playing games, either. Musk wants everyone to know that trying to misuse Community Notes to demonetize folks will be about as subtle as a bull in a China shop. That's because all the "code and data" are out in the open for everyone to see.

What's really cool about this is that anyone (where the Community Notes feature is available) can jump in and be a part of Fact-Checking volunteers. You can toss in a little nugget of info to add context to a post or help out by fixing a mistake. Then, the wisdom of the crowd kicks in, and folks with different perspectives can vote on how helpful those notes are. The cream rises to the top!

This move is part of a bigger plan to tackle the flood of fake news and disinformation, especially during times like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Musk and the team at X have been making some other tweaks too. They've sped up how fast fact-checks get rated, so the good stuff can go live quicker. Plus, they're sending notifications to people whose posts got fact-checked, hoping to nudge them into setting the record straight.

But, let's keep it real, this new rule might rain on the parade of some creators who love stirring up the pot for a quick buck. On the other hand, it's just a Band-Aid solution for the misinformation pandemic, especially with crises like the Gaza-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts still unfolding.

• Also read: Ad Revenue Alarmed: Twitter/X's Staggering 75% CPM Plunge Under Elon Musk

So, how many creators are we talking about here? Well, X hasn't spilled the beans on that, but it's tied to how many people pay for X Premium. As of August, there were less than 950K X Premium subscribers, a tiny slice of the 500 million monthly active users. Since only Premium users can be creators, that slice is even smaller.

There's one more mystery here: how unbiased are the folks on Community Notes? X claims they're a diverse bunch, but we haven't seen any numbers to back that up. Linda Yaccarino, X's CEO, said there are over 100K of them from 44 countries, so it sounds like a global squad, but we're still in the dark about the details.

Photo: Unsplash

Read next: Cracking the Mystery of Digital Distractions: Our Love for New Things
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

5 Creative Ways to Track Inbound Leads

Lead generation is the lifeblood of any startup or small to medium-sized business. Especially when it comes to inbound leads, potential customers who are actively raising their hand to buy from your business are highly valuable. Businesses also have many different marketing and advertising channels to lean on, from out-of-home billboards to search ads to display banners. It’s tough to figure out what channels to invest in and prioritize and how to track inbound leads accordingly. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few ways to creatively track inbound leads.

5 Ways to Track Inbound Leads

Lead tracking is extremely important because it tells marketing leaders and small business owners exactly where to allocate their budget. When leads are tracked correctly, brands can better manage prospects, categorize customers based on their interactions, and establish which demand generation channels have the highest value.

1. Phone Tracking

Even in the days of social media, customers are still calling businesses. 65% of consumers have called a business within the last month. Inbound phone sales have a significant impact on your business, so a trackable phone system is a critical tool.

Buying a 1-800 number is one way to take advantage of robust call-tracking features. Call tracking records, categorizes, and specifies information like which sales and marketing channels drive the most leads, how much time customer service representatives spend talking to customers, and where leads are coming from. This is a must-have knowledge to figure out where inbound leads are coming from. Using a 1-800 number also allows for a memorable, easy-to-dial number when it comes to calling your business and call forwarding, so sales teams can communicate with prospects at any time of day.

2. Social Media Listening

While many potential customers are probably calling your business, another percentage might be talking about you on social media. Social media is a great way to showcase your products, connect with customers, offer sneak peeks, and drive sales through shopping capabilities.

However, through social listening software, you’re able to see who’s talking about you online. Customers might be tagging and mentioning your brand, or they might be writing your brand name in an Instagram caption. If customers are tagging you on Instagram Stories or talking about you on TikTok, this can be valuable information to know. Social listening tools like Sprout Social or Meltwater identify keywords and brand names online, so you can consistently monitor the chatter online. Social media listening also allows for inbound lead generation to interact with potential buyers, learn from what competitors are doing, and even identify potential brand ambassadors and fans.

3. LiveChat

60% of millennials have used chatbots, and 62% of consumers preferred to use live chat versus waiting for live help. Live chatbots embedded on websites provide real-time visitor monitoring and support. For example, artificial intelligence-enabled chatbots can monitor website pages like product pages to ask pointed questions, and surface help articles or valuable content.

Plus, artificial intelligence-enabled chatbots collect key customer and demographic info such as location, name, email address, and more to categorize and segment customers even further. They can also monitor how long users are spending on what website pages and where exits occur, allowing marketing teams to see what could be improved. Also, chatbots can integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) and analytics platforms, so you can turn website visitors into warm leads.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools

CRM tools are often the backbone of both traditional and creative inbound lead tracking. A sophisticated CRM sorts, analyzes, and prioritizes customers and sales leads, so all teams can directly focus on the highest value opportunities. CRMs often provide valuable tools for continued engagement like email, marketing, messaging, customer service, support, and more. CRMs act as the core workflow tool to help increase sales, generate detailed analytics reports, and overall improve customer retention.

5. Content Performance

Content is often the first thing potential customers see when browsing online, searching for their next purchase. Whether that’s social media content, blog posts, or customer reviews, content powers awareness, consideration, and purchase intent. When businesses can accurately track and pinpoint high-performance content, they can double down on those messaging points and channels. Content performance tracking might happen across tools like Hubspot or Google Analytics, and businesses can set up content tracking by what matters to them — whether that is a demo request, request for pricing, download, pageview, and more.

Improve Inbound Lead Tracking

Lead tracking involves all monitoring and relationship building with potential customers, and there are tons of tools and creative strategies at your disposal. Inbound lead tracking offers the capability to segment potential customers so sales and marketing teams can more accurately deliver pitches and valuable content. From robust call tracking through 1-800 numbers to monitoring content performance, creative inbound lead tracking unlocks new opportunities for small business growth.

Illustration via Freepik
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Trust Deficit in American Media: An Alarming Trend

In a world where a free press is like the North Star guiding us through the complexities of government accountability and information sharing, the trust in American media seems to be a bit wobbly these days. An annual survey conducted by Gallup, which they conducted in September, and what it revealed is a bit of a head-scratcher – only 32 percent of Americans are like, "Yeah, we trust the media, kinda." Surprisingly, it's pretty much the same as what they found in 2016, back when President Donald Trump was all the buzz.

Now, remember 2016? It was a wild ride! Trump was throwing around accusations of media bias and outright fibbing left and right during his campaign. But back then, even with all that drama, only 27 percent of Americans were like, "Nope, no trust at all in the media, folks." However, fast forward to today, and we're in a different ballgame – a whopping 39 percent are feeling that media distrust. So, it's fair to say that 2023 is not the best year for trust in American media industry.

Gallup's been keeping tabs on media trust since 1997, and when you take a peek back in time, it's like opening a treasure chest of historical data. In the early '70s, Gallup asked the same question in 1972, 1973, and 1974, and it's like night and day. Back then, around 70 percent of folks were like, "We trust the media!" and only 4 to 8 percent were giving it the side-eye.

So, these findings tell us one thing – trust in American media has taken a rollercoaster ride over the years. The decline in trust is a reflection of our crazy-divided media landscape. It's a wake-up call for media professionals to step up their game, embrace journalistic integrity, and be as impartial as your grandma's apple pie. Rebuilding trust is doable, but it's gonna take some teamwork to bridge the gap that's grown in recent years.

As we all grapple with this trust issue, it's not just about the media; it's about our democracy too. A well-informed citizenry is like the secret sauce that makes a democracy work. Without trust in the media, that secret sauce gets kinda bland.

Read next: 23% of Blogs Receive Top 5 Rankings on Google SERP, New Research Reveals
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

The Surprising Secrets Your Smart Gadgets Share

Picture this: you stroll into your kitchen and, without lifting a finger, your coffee maker starts brewing your morning joe. The thermostat adjusts to your ideal temperature, and your printer, like magic, restocks its own ink. Welcome to the world of smart home gadgets, a life of ultimate convenience.

But here's the twist – while these devices make life a breeze, they come with a sneaky side effect, as pointed out by David Choffnes, the computer whiz from Northeastern University. You see, these gadgets, also known as IoT (Internet of Things), chat away over the internet in ways we can't quite see. They might seem innocent, but they're sharing some rather personal info.

First off, they're leaking their location. That's right, your devices spill the beans on where they are in your home. And guess what? This helps other devices in your house track them down. Not very discreet, is it?

But that's not all. These devices share other personal tidbits unique to your home. So, even if you've gone all out trying to protect your privacy, thinking you've got your phone's tracking and snooping under control, well, think again. Online trackers can piece together your identity by simply peeking into the collection of gadgets in your home. It's like a digital fingerprint they can use to ID you.

Choffnes and his team did some digging to uncover these privacy and security flaws in IoT land. They looked at 93 smart gadgets and found some eye-popping stuff. These devices play detective on your local network, snooping around to find out who else is hanging out in your house. So, your Amazon smart speaker could end up knowing more about your place than you'd like, even your name.

But it's not just the devices themselves; the mobile apps that talk to them have issues too. If you're on Android, these apps can cleverly bypass permission restrictions, like accessing your location or unique identifiers. They just chit chat with other devices on your home network, and voila! They get the info Android was trying to keep from them.

Choffnes and the co aren't just here to drop upsetting news; they're pushing for change. Google's paying attention and is teaming up with them to fix these problems. They believe there's a way for these devices to play nice without exposing your privacy to nosy neighbors.

Their research isn't just about spotting problems; they're suggesting solutions. Standardizing how these devices work is a big one, like the Matter smart home protocol. It's not perfect yet, but it's a step in the right direction. Plus, having rules and government oversight can help keep these devices from running amok.

So, next time your coffee maker starts brewing like a mind reader, remember that it's not just making your day, it might also be whispering some secrets you'd rather keep to itself. It's up to us, the savvy users, to make sure our smart homes stay safe and sound, giving us the convenience we love without the privacy pitfalls.

Photo: DIW

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Elon Musk's Starlink Steps In: The Gaza Conflict's Communication Lifesaver

Amidst the relentless conflict in Gaza, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Elon Musk, the brain behind SpaceX, is stepping up with a lifeline: Starlink internet support for aid groups.

The situation in Gaza is dire. Israeli bombardments have wreaked havoc, leaving a trail of destruction. But the real catastrophe struck when the region plunged into a communication blackout. The blackout made it nearly impossible for humanitarian agencies like the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, the World Health Organization and Red Crescent to stay connected with their teams on the ground.

Musk's offer came in response to a cry for help on social media. He pledged to provide internet access to internationally recognized aid groups and the United Nations. A gesture that could change the game.

Yet, here's the hitch: Musk needs ground terminals to make Starlink work. These ground terminals are essential for receiving the satellite internet service. The question remains: Can they get those terminals in place quickly?

Why is this pledge so pivotal? In a war zone, communication is a lifeline. Aid groups depend on it to deliver assistance, and journalists rely on it to report the ground truth. Without internet access, their vital work significantly loses its impact.

The blackout occurred due to Israeli bombardments, causing a complete breakdown in communication and internet services. The Israeli military has ramped up its activities in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of restoring connectivity for humanitarian efforts.

Over 8,000 lives have been lost in the Israel-Palestine conflict in this month. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll exceeding 7,000, while approximately 1,400 Israelis were reportedly killed during Hamas' attacks.

Musk's offer to provide internet support could be the lifeline the region needs. It highlights the indispensable role technology plays in war zones.

In conclusion, Elon Musk's commitment brings a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. Communication is a weapon against chaos, and in the heart of the storm, Starlink may become Gaza's beacon of hope.

Photo: maria_shalabaieva/unsplash

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Google's Monopoly Power Exposed: $26 Billion to Be Your Default Search Engine

Google reportedly opened its coffers in 2021 and spilled a staggering $26.3 billion to maintain its coveted position as the default search engine on mobile phones and web browsers in a jaw-dropping display of benevolence. It's as if they decided to toss their change around for fun, but this large sum reveals more than just their desire to be the top dog in search; it's also the stuff of courtroom drama.

So, what's all the fuss about? The curtain was drawn back in a federal antitrust trial against Google, revealing this staggering expenditure. We're talking about a sum of money more significant than most countries' GDP! And why is this so? So, let us find out.

This colossal payout is like Google's VIP ticket into the world of web and mobile search. It's a fee to ensure that whenever you grab your smartphone or open your web browser, Google is there, front and center, ready to answer your burning questions. It's like a relentless butler who never gets tired of hearing you ask, "Hey Google, what's the weather like today?"

Don't get us wrong: Google didn't just hand this money to one lucky entity. They distribute the wealth, or more precisely, the payment, to their partners. Apple deserves a special mention because, let's face it, they'll be getting the lion's share of the $26.3 billion pie. Google pays them to keep a spare room available for their luggage.

But why is the US Department of Justice so agitated? They, along with a slew of state attorneys general, appear to believe Google is abusing its dominance in the world of general search. They argue that Google uses its dominance to ensure its rivals can't even get a whiff of the key distribution channels.

Now, $26.3 billion is not insignificant. It's the kind of money you'd expect to find in a Scrooge McDuck money pit, not as part of a contract to be the default search engine. But Google insists that they aren't forcing anyone to do anything. Users, they claim, can change their default search engine with a few clicks. "Hey, it's your choice, but wouldn't you rather Google it?" they seem to be saying.

The slide shown in court was titled "Google Search+ Margins." We don't know what sounds more like an exclusive club than that. This club's revenue in 2021 will be a staggering $146 billion! That's a substantial sum of money. But that's not all. They also had to spend a considerable $26 billion on what they call "traffic acquisition costs."

But here's the fun part – the slide takes us back to 2014 when Google was just a rookie in the big game, booking a mere $47 billion in revenue and paying out a meager $7.1 billion for default status. By 2021, Google's revenue from Search+ has more than tripled, while its costs have nearly quadrupled. It's a classic rags-to-riches story but with a lot more zeros.

While Google is open about its overall traffic acquisition costs, there is a catch. The figures also include the money Google pays network partners for the advertisements you see on their websites. So, Google is essentially like that friend who always insists on picking up the dinner tab even when you don't ask.

Now, we mentioned that the slide from the courtroom only referred to Search+ revenue. But Google's pocket change isn't just limited to search.

Despite the courtroom drama and jaw-dropping figures, Google has remained silent. No comments from Google; it's as if they're saving their words for more clicks. And what about Apple? They, too, are quick to share their thoughts. Perhaps they need to be more preoccupied with counting the billions pouring in.

Read next: Amazon and TikTok Are Keeping This Top Google Exec Up at Night
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Amazon and TikTok Are Keeping This Top Google Exec Up at Night

Google has been facing stiff competition from a number of tech corporations, but two of its most formidable rivals are TikTok and Amazon. While testifying in an anti-trust case brought on by the Justice Department, long time Google exec Prabhakar Raghavan, currently working as senior vice president of search, voiced concerns about the ecommerce juggernaut as well as newer apps like TikTok potentially replacing his once invincible employer in the near future.

Citing data that indicates TikTok receives four hours of dedicated usage per day, Raghavan went on to say that he doesn’t want Google becoming the next “roadkill”. Wryly calling his employer “Grandpa Google”, the top exec claimed that students might turn to the search engine for help with homework, but they’re using other platforms for practically everything else.

His comments were made in defense of Google, with the search juggernaut facing a lawsuit that alleges it pays over $10 billion each year to maintain its monopoly. It’s hard to deny that Google holds all the cards in terms of search engines, with few other competitors giving it anything to worry about. Bing has failed to make much headway, even after the inclusion of AI, and privacy oriented search engines like Duck Duck Go seem like passing fancies.

The crux of his argument was that Google isn’t the all powerful giant that many think it to be. This goes against statements made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who claimed that Google has turned itself into a one stop shop for online search and hasn’t left any room for other platforms to get ahead.

While Google’s anti-competitive practices have long been the focus of criticism, Raghavan asserted that TikTok, Instagram and other apps like it are managing to put its market share in jeopardy. Gen Z users have already started turning to TikTok instead of Google, with the bite sized video content providing them with more satisfactory answers than the old school search engine could.

Raghavan himself mentioned tat 40% of young people go to TikTok or Instagram instead of Google when they are looking for a place to get lunch. He also mentioned that Amazon has started to whittle away at Google’s empire, along with admitting that Google has received billions from the ecommerce giant for prime ad placement on its Search Engine Results Page.

Read next: AI Unleashed: The Shocking Truth of Its Insatiable Power Hunger
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Upcoming WhatsApp Update Allows Users to Start Chats With Unsaved Numbers

If you’ve ever tried to start a WhatsApp chat with an unknown phone number, you’d likely know how difficult it can be. Generally speaking, you need to have the number saved on your device in order to start chatting with it, but an update that we spotted on Microsoft Windows app in the WhatsApp beta might be a game changer on that front.

One way to start a chat with an unknown number is to receive it in a message and tap on it, but what if you want to initiate a chat without jumping through those hoops? Well, it turns out that WhatsApp is working on an update that will allow you to simply enter the unknown phone number that you want to chat with, and a new chat window will be opened that can allow you to do so.

All you need to do is tap on the compose message button which will reveal a new screen that asks for the number of the device in question. If the number is already saved on your phone, you can select it from your list of contacts, but you will also have the option to enter a brand new number from any country if you so choose.

A major advantage of this update is that it will make it considerably easier to start chatting with people after you exchange numbers. You won’t always want to save their contact details since some of these contacts might not be important in the long run, and with this update, you will get the chance to begin chatting in a simplified manner.

This is a massive step forward in terms of accessibility, and it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp’s competitors will respond. The most popular messaging app in the world has done a good job of keeping its competitors including Discord, Telegram and Signal at bay with a constant stream of updates, and this beta test indicates that it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

Another benefit of this feature is the enhanced level of privacy it can provide. Numbers that aren’t saved to your contacts won’t be able to see all of your details. This can offer an added layer of security which most users will greatly appreciate. It is currently unknown when this update will receive a wider rollout, but chances are that it’ll happen sooner rather than later.

Read next: SMBs Gearing Up for an AI Makeover
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

AI Keeps Changing, and its Overwhelming 7 in 10 of Marketers

AI represents the bleeding edge of the tech industry, so the rapid changes affecting this sector aren’t surprising. That said, constant shifts in AI tend to make things harder for the people using it. Most importantly, marketers are starting to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly constant updates that they need to keep up with, and the pace of AI advancement doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

According to a survey conducted by SOCi, a noted marketing platform, 70% of marketers feel overwhelmed by the state of AI. This might be due to a lack of training, since 42% of survey respondents stated that they’ve yet to receive formal education about AI. It’s essential that they get coached about how to use AI, since this can reveal best practices as well as how it applies to the marketing industry.

19% are currently being trained, and 39% said that they’ve already received training. With 4 out of 10 marketers lacking the skills needed to make the best of AI, it’s no surprise that they’re overwhelmed. A field that they’ve yet to master is already leaving previously accepted knowledge behind, and to make things worse, new tools seem to coming out every day.

44% of marketers indicated that the introduction of new tools was only making them more confused instead of helping them do their jobs. While 22% disagreed with this sentiment and 34% preferred not to take a side, a plurality of votes went to the group of marketers that don’t look at constant updates as a positive sign.

Since AI is still quite new, an influx of AI based tools and services are par for the course. Many businesses will want a slice of the pie, as would start ups whose entire business model is based on AI. In order to keep venture capital dollars coming in, these start ups work overtime to introduce newer and better tools, often before their target market has learned to use the tools they’ve already released.

Some are saying that this will take the emerging field into the “trough of disillusionment”. This is when a new piece of tech loses all of the hype it generated during its initial phase, and it usually leads to all but the strongest companies in the sector fading away. If these predictions come true, it’ll be interesting to see who manages to survive AI’s trough of disillusionment.

Read next: Creators Embrace AI: Productivity Soars, Ethical Dilemmas Loom
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

States Suing Meta and Instagram Over Alleged Harm to Kids

Meta Platforms and its Instagram unit are facing a lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of 33 U.S. states in what appears to be a digital confrontation. They claim that by making their platforms as addictive as a bag of potato chips, these social media behemoths contribute to a young mental health catastrophe. But the real question is whether a lawsuit can end Instagram's never-ending scroll.

According to the case filed in federal court in California, Meta, the business behind Facebook and Instagram, has continually minimized the hazards involved with its platforms. They are accused of luring young children and teenagers into the abyss of addiction and obsessive social media use. They explained that Meta has used strong and unprecedented technology to lure, engage, and entrap adolescents and teens. Profit is everything, they say.

Children have always been a desired target for businesses, to hook them early and keep them devoted. Meta is no exception; younger users mean more advertising, hoping these kids will become devoted customers. The catch is that the governments believe that research links Meta's social media platforms to specific significant concerns. We're talking about sadness, anxiety, insomnia, disrupting education, and destroying daily life. It's the digital equivalent of a sugar high.

Meta, of course, is displeased with the lawsuit. They expressed their anger and pointed fingers at the attorneys general, claiming that they should collaborate with the business to establish clear, age-appropriate guidelines for apps used by teenagers. Instead, they've gone the legal path.

To add to the drama, eight additional states and Washington, D.C., chose to join the lawsuit against Meta on the same day, bringing the total number of authorities suing the Menlo Park-based company to 42. That's like collecting the Avengers to take on social media.

But hold on, there's more! This isn't social media businesses' first rodeo. Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are already being sued on behalf of children and schools. It's like a courtroom marathon for digital giants.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, has already had to justify his company's stance on damaging content. He insists on putting safety and well-being ahead of money. However, the attorneys general disagree. They are fearless in using strong language, requesting fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 for each infringement of state rules. Given Instagram's millions of teenage users, this could rapidly build up to a significant charge for Meta.

The whistleblower who spilled the beans in 2021 has added spice to this case. According to the documents, Meta knew that Instagram was addicting, producing body image concerns in adolescent girls. The 33 states claim that Meta purposefully keeps young users hooked by abusing their need for "likes" and approval.

In an unexpected twist, the lawsuit contends that Meta broke a law that prohibits collecting data from children under the age of 13. They claim that Meta lied about the damaging nature of its platforms. According to the states, Meta's algorithms target the dopamine responses of young users to create an addictive loop of engagement. In layman's words, they're exploiting our brains.

The lawsuit says that Meta intends to expand its destructive tactics into virtual reality, including platforms like Horizon Worlds and apps like WhatsApp and Messenger.

In essence, this case is a daring attempt by state authorities to intervene where Congress has yet to establish new online child protections. "If you can't do it, we'll do it for you!" they say. Will these legal steps, however, be sufficient to preserve the mental health of adolescent internet users? The war has begun, taking place in the digital arena. Let us see if it has any impact on the realm of social media addiction and its consequences.

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Snap Inc.'s Q3 Success: More Users, More Fun, More Revenue!

Snap Inc. has just shared its latest update for the third quarter, and the numbers look promising. Let's break it down in simple terms.

More Users: Snap's daily active users have increased by 12% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 406 million people. Which is a big number! Many young folks love using Snapchat because it's like a secret clubhouse. They feel safe sharing stuff here. So, Snapchat remains cool among the young crowd.

Watching Fun Stuff: Users are spending more time watching interesting videos and posts on Snapchat. In fact, the time spent on these fun things has gone up by 200% compared to last year. Imagine watching twice as many cool videos as you did last year!

Talking to a Robot: There's also a smart robot called "My AI" that more than 200 million users have chatted with. They've sent over 20 billion messages to this robot friend. Now, Snap is trying to use this robot to show people some ads, which can be kind of interesting.

Creative Users: Many creative folks are posting cool stories on Snapchat. In the U.S., there are almost three times more of these stories compared to last year. It's like more people sharing their exciting adventures with everyone.

Making Money: Snap is making some good money, with a 5% increase in revenue, totaling $1.189 billion. That's a lot of dollars! Most of this money comes from North America, even though more users are joining from other parts of the world. So, Snap is trying to figure out how to make money from these new friends.

New Ads and Ideas: Snap is using clever ideas and new ad products to make even more money. They've got something fancy called the "Total Takeover solution" for big companies.

Challenges: It's not all easy for Snap. Changes made by Apple and a slowdown in advertising have made things a bit tough. For example, Amazon, a big ecommerce giant, spent less money on ads, and that affected Snap.

Funky Glasses: Snap was also working on some cool glasses, but they had to slow down on that because of the cost. Other big companies like Apple and Meta are also trying to make similar glasses.

Big Goals: Despite the challenges, Snap has some big goals for the future. They want to have 475 million users by 2024 and make 20% more money. These are like dreams that they're trying to achieve.

Snapchat's Future: Snapchat is still popular among young people, so it's likely to stick around. But they're trying to figure out how to grow and make more money from all of this.

As Snap charts its course in the dynamic world of technology, it finds itself amidst a compelling journey, one that's marked by both challenges and promising opportunities. It's a path where Snap continues to connect with millions, especially the younger generation, and where it seeks to unlock the potential of its unique platform. While obstacles may arise, Snap's commitment to innovation and its pursuit of new horizons make it an interesting player to watch in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Meta's Latest Growth Hack: Promoting Threads on Facebook

Social media giant Meta has unveiled a bold move to turbocharge Threads, its X/Twitter challenger. Imagine this as a superhero costume change, but in the digital world. Meta is weaving Threads posts into your Facebook feed, courtesy of Matt Navarra, and unlike previous exploits, there's no superhero exit hatch.

Screenshot: Matt Navarra / X

In a post, Meta cheerfully chirped that they've unleashed an update to let people feast their eyes on Threads content on Facebook and Instagram. It's like they're hosting a tech carnival, and we're all invited. But, fear not, dear readers, they're also all ears for feedback.

The drama began when Meta started experimenting with Threads posts on Instagram back in August. However, making Threads content mingle with Facebook without a "No thanks!" option has raised some eyebrows. Threads aficionados, seeing it as their digital haven away from the bustling streets of Facebook, are raising concerns. They'd rather keep their Threads and Facebook worlds apart.

The big question looming over this tech saga is whether Meta will don its superhero cape again and give users an escape route. While they're not spilling the beans yet, hints from the past suggest they might use their other tech leviathans to help Threads take off. Remember that time Threads hit 100 million sign-ups, and Mark Zuckerberg hinted it was mainly due to organic demand? Well, that statement vanished faster than a secret agent in a spy movie.

Recently, Threads has shown signs of life, with more engagement and downloads. But, SimilarWeb, our tech Sherlock Holmes, offers a different perspective. In the US, Threads' Android usage took a 40% nosedive in September compared to July. It's like the rollercoaster of tech life.

With Meta adding new features like post editing and keyword search, they're on a mission to supercharge Threads, even if their methods aren't everyone's cup of virtual tea. In this rapidly-shifting tech circus, heroes and villains make their daring moves, and Meta is right there in the spotlight.

Threads' destiny now dangles on a digital tightrope, balancing between the power of Meta and the whims of its users. Stay tuned for the next episode in this tech comedy-drama!

Read next: Creators Embrace AI: Productivity Soars, Ethical Dilemmas Loom
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Where Did Today's Most Influential Tech Leaders Start Their Careers?

In the 21st century, a new breed of leaders has emerged, and they're now among the most important and influential people in the world – tech CEOs.

Their leadership extends beyond the corporate world, shaping the future of technology, economics, society, and politics. As technology continues to advance, these leaders will remain central figures in our evolving global landscape, guiding us through the complexities and opportunities of the digital age.

But where do today's tech leaders begin their careers? That's the question that inspired this latest study by OnDeck. It analyses LinkedIn data to see how many employees at leading US tech companies go on to become CEOs.

You can see which US tech companies produce the most leaders in the article below. But first, let's look at why tech CEOs have become so influential.

Why do tech CEOs have so much influence?

Economic Power: Tech companies have become financial giants. The market capitalisation and revenues of these firms surpass the GDP of many nations. As the heads of these super-rich and super-wealthy companies, tech CEOs wield immense economic influence, playing pivotal roles in shaping global financial markets and trade dynamics.

Innovation and Disruption: Tech CEOs are synonymous with innovation and disruption. Their companies have revolutionized every industry and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. These groundbreaking innovations have had far-reaching effects on how people live, work, and interact, making tech CEOs instrumental in the ongoing digital transformation of society.

Data and Privacy: Tech CEOs have become central figures in discussions about data privacy and security. With the power to collect and control vast amounts of personal data, their decisions can significantly impact the privacy and security of billions. They are at the heart of debates on finding the right balance between convenience and personal data protection.

Global Connectivity: The platforms created by tech companies have connected the world like never before. Social media, search engines, and e-commerce have become critical tools for communication and commerce, giving tech CEOs unparalleled influence over global information flow and cultural exchange.

Corporate Responsibility: As tech companies have grown in power and influence, they've faced increasing scrutiny regarding their social and ethical responsibilities. Tech CEOs are now expected to lead their organizations and advocate for and implement socially responsible practices. This includes addressing issues such as environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and navigating the ethical dilemmas around artificial intelligence.

Political Influence: Their ability to influence public opinion, as well as their substantial campaign contributions, has given tech leaders a seat at the table in political discussions and decision-making processes. Tech CEOs now play a central role in shaping political discourse and policy worldwide.

The most influential tech CEOs

Tech CEOs have emerged as the most influential figures, reshaping industries and impacting society globally.

Here are a few of the most notable:

Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX): Elon Musk's impact on the tech and transportation sectors is undeniable. He founded Tesla, leading the electric vehicle revolution, and SpaceX, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Tim Cook (Apple): As the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook has continued the legacy of innovation left by Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple has expanded its product offerings, maintained a strong focus on privacy and security, and achieved remarkable financial success. Cook's influence extends to issues like environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Jeff Bezos (Amazon): Jeff Bezos transformed Amazon from an online bookstore into an e-commerce behemoth and cloud computing giant through Amazon Web Services (AWS). His vision for innovation, customer-centricity, and bold expansion into new markets has profoundly impacted the retail and cloud computing industries.

Mark Zuckerberg (Meta, formerly Facebook): Mark Zuckerberg is synonymous with the rise of social media. He co-founded Facebook, now part of Meta Platforms, Inc., which includes Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. Few people in the 21st century have had so much influence on how we connect, communicate, and share information.

Tech companies that produce the most CEOs

If you'd like to become a tech CEO, the best place to get your corporate training is Booz Allen Hamilton. This US defence contractor has produced more tech CEOs than any other US company.

According to LinkedIn data analysed by OnDeck, 3.14% of the former employees now work as CEOs.

AOL comes next, with 2.68% of its former staff now making a mark as business leaders. Some of the other big tech names with a reputation for producing future business leaders include Meta, Microsoft, Upwork, and Yahoo.

Read next: 6 Lessons to Learn from the Smartest CEOs in the World
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World