AI Nation Divided — Experts See Promise, Public Sees Peril

Pew Research Center conducted surveys of US adults and AI experts in 2024 to find out how the opinions of these two types of people differ when it comes to AI. The survey revealed that even though there are differences of opinions between the American public and AI experts, there are some common grounds as well. AI experts are more positive about AI usage when it comes to jobs, but both groups agree that there should be more control over how AI affects our lives. It was also found that men (53%) are more optimistic about AI usage than women (30%).

The survey found that AI experts are more optimistic about AI usage than the public, with 56% of the experts saying that AI is going to have a positive effect in the US as compared to 17% of the public. 47% of the experts said that they are more excited than concerned about the use of AI in daily life, while only 11% of the public feels the same. On the other hand, 51% of the American public said that they are more concerned than excited about using AI in daily lives, as compared to 15% of AI experts who said so.

• Also read: They Look Real, Sound Smart, and Don’t Exist — AI Experts Are Fooling the News

76% of the experts believe that AI is going to give them a lot of benefits, while 15% think that it is going to cause harm. On the other hand, 24% of the public thinks that AI is going to benefit them personally as compared to 43% who think AI is going to cause them harm. When it comes to using AI in a professional setting, 73% of experts and 23% of the public believe that AI is going to improve how people do their jobs over the next 20 years. There are also big differences in opinions between AI experts and the public when it comes to their thoughts about AI’s impacts on healthcare, the economy, art, and education

• Related: The Dark Side of AI Coding: How AI-Generated Code is Opening Doors to Cyberattacks

Both the AI experts and the American public have doubts when it comes to AI’s usage in elections and news, with only one in ten people in both groups thinking that AI will positively impact elections. Both of the groups also want more regulations and personal control over AI, with 55% of the US adults and 57% of the AI experts wanting control over AI in their lives.

There are also differences among how people view AI according to their genders, with 22% of US men thinking AI will positively impact the US as compared to 12% of women. Among AI experts, this gap is even bigger with 63% of male experts saying AI will positively impact the US as compared to 36% of female experts. 81% of men think that AI will personally benefit them as compared to 64% of women. 60% of the people who are in academia say that they aren't confident that US companies will develop AI responsibly, while 39% of experts working in private companies also think the same.

• Also read: Study Finds Public Can Detect AI Content Easily, But Acceptance Depends on Context and Purpose

When it comes to AI and jobs, there is a difference in opinion between AI experts and the public, with 64% of US adults thinking that AI will lead to less jobs over the next 20 years, while only 39% of AI experts think so. Both of the groups agree that specific jobs are more at risk and around 75% of people from both groups think that jobs like cashier, software, and journalists are going to be negatively impacted by AI. 62% of AI experts also believe that truck drivers are also going to get fewer jobs as compared to 33% of the public who thinks the same. The Public also said that there are going to be less jobs for occupations like teachers, musicians, and adults because of AI but experts do not have such expectations.

The survey also asked people what concerns they have about AI and 56% of the public said that they are very concerned about AI causing job loss while 25% of the experts felt the same. 66% of the public and 70% of experts are concerned about AI spreading inaccurate information, 55% from both groups are concerned about bias in AI decisions and both of these groups are also concerned about data misuse and impersonation by AI. 57% of the public and 37% of experts are worried about loss of human connection because of AI and issues like bias and discrimination in AI are a big concern for both groups.

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75% of experts think that White views are considered more in AI while 50% think that views of Asian adults are also considered well, but Black and Hispanic perspectives aren't viewed well. 40% of the public thinks that White views are well-represented as compared to 25% who think Asian, Hispanic, and Black views are considered by AI. 60% of both groups are concerned that there is only little regulation of AI, and 62% of the public and 53% of experts aren't confident that government can regulate AI properly.

Take a look at these charts for more insights: 

Read next: AI Index Report Shows How Adoption of AI Systems is Impacting Society and Global Economy
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Immigrants Face Visa Denials for Antisemitic or Extremist Social Media Posts Under New Trump Policy

The Trump administration is picking up the pace for deportations of immigrants. The latest news on this front comes from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which confirmed that it would begin scrutinizing social media accounts belonging to aliens.

This means strict monitoring of accounts belonging to immigrants, as well as foreign students and resident applicants. The organization will be hunting down those individuals promoting antisemitic activity, alongside reports linked to physical harassment against the Jewish community.

Any such activity found during screening would be held against the individual and therefore would deny them immigration benefits. Some examples of what content falls under this category include the likes of marketing, sponsoring, and showing support for terrorism, extremist groups, or negative content promoting antisemitic behavior.

They will refuse to tolerate anyone who sympathizes with terrorists in an attempt to make the country safe again, the USCIS shared. This is why all foreigners entering the country, especially those linked to educational institutions across America, will be subjected to the latest scrutiny guidelines.

The news was first teased last month and seems to be in line with a crackdown against anti-semitism across the nation. This includes a growing rise in terrorist threats from foreigners. The law was signed immediately by President Trump after he took charge this year.

The news also comes after several years of demonstrations against Israel for the war in Gaza, causing many foreign students to raise their voices against the atrocities committed against Palestinians. Many privacy rights advocates and HR groups had called out the latest policy as unfair. They also felt it was a clear violation of free speech and singles out immigrants in the most unfair manner.

The move was called out as the most formalizing censorship ordeal by the Trump administration. Advocates warned that the current policy is trading free speech for silence and fear. There is also going to be more surveillance of those holding US visas and green cards, the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed.

They hope the latest changes can provide greater guidance and make the American public a safe place and free from terrorist aliens. This includes those who they claim show support for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next: Google All Set to Launch its Discover Feature to Desktop Homepage After Years of Testing
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Google All Set to Launch its Discover Feature to Desktop Homepage After Years of Testing

Search giant Google is set to launch Google Discover on its desktop version’s homepage. This means when you arrive on Google.com, you’ll be able to use the news feature.

We’ve been hearing about the launch since 2018, but it seems after years of experimenting, Google is finally ready to give in. The exciting news was first confirmed on the X app, where two users shared slides from a Googler that detailed more on the matter. Google shared this at the Search Central Live program that was held in Spain this morning.

The slide boldly stated that Google Discover is going to expand its surfaces to Desktop Search after years of testing. The alert is great as it really can transform the news landscape and alter the business model used by media publishers in real time.

Image: @talksaboutseo / X

The company also dropped hints about the latest feature when one tester was able to identify the details of a test carried out. Experts feel this is huge news and can give rise to major traffic across various publishers. For now, it’s mostly focusing on mobile phones when getting access to the various mobile platforms or the homepage for Google Mobile.

If it arrives on Google’s desktop home page, it can double as exposure for Google Discover traffic for different publishers. This can be a great thing for a lot of users, especially those who attain great amounts of traffic through the Discover feature.

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• Introduction to Digital Transformation in Finance
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Introduction to Digital Transformation in Finance

Digital transformation in finance extends beyond online banking to encompass mobile apps, e-payment systems, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain. These innovations are revolutionizing how banks operate, enhancing customer experiences, and streamlining financial operations. The integration of traditional finance with digital assets promises greater financial inclusivity, interoperability, and economic empowerment.

Image: Pexels

What is a Fiat Wallet?

A fiat wallet is a digital platform designed to store and manage government-issued currencies, such as the US dollar, euro, or British pound. It functions similarly to an online bank account but is optimized for online transactions and integrated with cryptocurrency exchanges. This integration allows users to seamlessly convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency and vice versa, providing a versatile tool for managing both traditional and digital assets.

Fiat wallets offer several key features:

• Security Measures: They employ robust security measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect user funds from unauthorized access. It is important to choose reputable providers to benefit from advanced security features.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Users can store, send, and receive fiat currencies digitally, with easy deposits via bank transfers, credit cards, or online banking services. This makes them accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Seamless Trading Experience: Fiat wallets connect directly to cryptocurrency exchanges, facilitating quick conversions between fiat and crypto currencies. This makes them essential for crypto traders and investors who need rapid access to funds to capitalize on market opportunities.

In essence, a fiat wallet serves as a bridge between traditional banking systems and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, enhancing financial inclusivity and efficiency by providing a secure and convenient way to manage traditional currencies.

Role of Fiat Wallets in Bridging Traditional and Digital Finance

Fiat wallets are digital platforms designed to store and manage government-issued currencies, such as the US dollar, euro, or British pound. They function similarly to online bank accounts but are optimized for online transactions and integrated with cryptocurrency exchanges. This integration allows users to seamlessly convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency and vice versa, providing a versatile tool for managing both traditional and digital assets.

Impact on Financial Systems

The integration facilitated by fiat wallets has several implications for financial systems:

• Enhanced Efficiency: By reducing the need for intermediaries and facilitating quick conversions, fiat wallets enhance transaction efficiency and reduce costs associated with traditional banking methods.
• Increased Adoption of Digital Assets: By making it easier for users to engage with cryptocurrencies, fiat wallets contribute to the broader adoption of digital assets, further integrating them into mainstream financial systems.
• Regulatory Considerations: The use of fiat wallets also raises regulatory considerations, as governments and financial institutions work to ensure compliance and security standards are met in this evolving financial landscape.

Overall, fiat wallets are instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance, offering a secure, efficient, and convenient way to manage both fiat and crypto assets.

Integration of Traditional and Digital Finance

The convergence of traditional finance with digital assets is facilitated by several key trends:

1. Blockchain Technology and Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

• Transparency and Security: Blockchain technology underpins digital assets, providing transparency, security, and efficiency in financial transactions. DeFi platforms leverage blockchain to offer decentralized alternatives to traditional financial systems, promoting faster settlements and reduced fraud.
• Decentralization: Digital assets transcend traditional banking systems and geographic boundaries, enabling global accessibility and financial inclusivity.

2. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

• Regulatory Frameworks: CBDCs are being explored by central banks to further integrate traditional finance with digital assets. This could enhance financial stability and efficiency while maintaining regulatory oversight.

3. Embedded Finance and Open Banking

• Seamless Financial Experiences: Embedded finance integrates financial services into non-financial platforms, such as e-commerce sites or social media, allowing users to access financial products without switching apps. Open banking enables secure data sharing, promoting innovation and competition in the financial sector.

Future of Money Management

The future of money management will be characterized by a seamless integration of traditional financial structures with the flexibility and innovation of digital finance. This integration will focus on enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and personalization while addressing regulatory and security challenges.

Key Trends Shaping the Future

• Hyper-Personalization through AI and Machine Learning: Financial institutions will leverage AI and ML to offer tailored products and services, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency.
• Blockchain and DeFi: These technologies will continue to revolutionize financial transactions, providing secure, transparent, and decentralized alternatives to traditional systems.
• Embedded Finance: Financial services will be integrated into everyday platforms, making transactions more seamless and accessible.

In summary, the future of money management will be shaped by the convergence of traditional finance with digital assets, driven by technological innovation and changing consumer needs. This transformation promises to enhance financial inclusivity, efficiency, and personalization, setting the stage for a more integrated and dynamic financial landscape.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

From LinkedIn’s Engagement Surge to X’s Plunge: Unseen Shifts in Social Media Engagement

BufferApp analyzed different social networks like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, and X to find out which apps are getting the highest engagement rates and where the engagement rates are declining. Engagement rate is a key metric to find out how much people interact with content. If a post has reached 10,000 people but it has gotten fewer likes, it means that the engagement rate is low, but the engagement rate will be considered high if the post gets hundreds of interactions.

According to the calculations by Buffer, LinkedIn has the highest engagement rate, with an average engagement rate of 6.50%. It was followed by a 5.07% engagement rate on Facebook which is steady and a 4.86% engagement rate on TikTok. YouTube’s engagement rate was 4.41%, especially in short-form videos. The lowest engagement rate calculated was on Instagram with a 1.16% engagement rate, but there is also a chance of hidden engagement through private interactions on the app.

Engagement rates on those apps from January 2024 to January 2025 were also analyzed, which shows how engagement trends have changed over time. It was found that LinkedIn’s engagement rate was steadily rising over this period to reach 6.50% average which is the highest. In January 2024, the median engagement rate of LinkedIn was 6.00% which reached 8.01% in January 2025. There were some factors like less content saturation, conversations getting rewarded by algorithm, and diverse content formats which contributed towards the overall growth of engagement rates on LinkedIn.

The analysis also found that even though Instagram has the lowest median interaction rate right now at 1.16%, it declined slowly over the past year. In January 2024, Instagram’s engagement rate was 2.94% which declined to 0.61% in January 2025. It doesn't mean that Instagram is disappearing, it just means that it is moving behind the scenes. More content consumption, private engagement, and reel performance are some factors that are bringing a shift in user behavior which is then contributing to the decline in Instagram engagement.

Meta's Threads had the highest engagement rate when it was initially launched, but its engagement rate declined from 4.76% in February 2024 to 3.60% in February 2025. Even though it is still doing better than X, its engagement rate has leveled out because of increased competition and algorithm changes. The early adopter effect is also fading but it is still a high-engagement platform because of its interactive content and real-time engagement.

TikTok has surpassed YouTube in engagement rate and now has an engagement rate of 4.86%. Its median engagement rate was 5.14% in January 2024 which decreased to 4.56% in January 2025. Longer videos on TikTok are performing better and creators are making content that keeps users hooked. There is also a competition of short-form videos with YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels being there so TikTok is no longer the only major player. Users have also complained about the content being more polished and predictable on TikTok because of the increase in the presence of brands. YouTube Shorts are quickly catching up with TikTok, with a median engagement rate of 4.41%. Its median engagement rate increased from 3.95% in January 2024 to 4.71% in January 2025. YouTube Shorts is doing well because its content is more discoverable than TikTok, there is higher audience intent and there are more ad revenue opportunities for creators.

In January 2024, Pinterest’s median engagement was 3.08% which increased to 5.26% in January 2025 which shows that it has potential for long-term engagement. Pinterest is a search-driven platform which means that users actively seek out content there and pins get longer engagement, unlike engagement on other platforms which fade quickly. Most users are also using Pinterest as a search engine for ideas and inspiration. Facebook’s engagement rate is as steady as ever at 5.45% over the past year mostly because of Facebook groups, demographic engagement, and new monetization tools.

X has recently seen a drop in its engagement, from 3.47% in January 2024 to 2.15% in January 2025, which makes it the second-lowest platform in terms of engagement after Instagram. There have been major algorithm changes on X which are prioritizing subscribers and recommended content instead of organic reach and there's a lot of lurking behavior seen on the platform with users passively consuming the content without liking or commenting. Many creators have left the platform as well because of its instability and frequent policy changes.

So, if you are making a strategy for your content and need a platform that can get you the highest engagement, make sure to pick one that aligns with your goals. Each platform has a different content requirements so adapt your strategy in a way that goes well with all platforms if you are posting on multiple apps. LinkedIn and Facebook prefer quality over quantity, while platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts want frequency as well. Consistently engaging in real-time conversations on platforms like Threads and X will help you build a community and get high engagements.

H/T: Buffer Blog.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Meta Expands Teen Safety Controls on Instagram With Parental Approvals and Daily Usage Limits

Social media giant Meta just shared more information about teen account protection for its Instagram app.

The platform explains anyone below the age of 16 won’t be allowed to go live until they receive permission from their parents. They’ll also require parental approval to switch off protection for explicit content such as nudity. The latter is a protective feature that blurs any age-sensitive pictures sent through DMs when detected.

We first saw the app roll out Teen Accounts last year in September. Now, it’s carrying limitations like private accounts. With the default settings in place, teenagers would need to accept new followers, and users who don’t follow them cannot see their material or interact with them.

The features in discussion include restrictions on texting, where teens would need to deal with strict messaging settings. This way, they can only be texted by those they’re following or connected to. Another feature, dubbed sensitive content restrictions, will have teens put out the most restrictive settings for sensitive material. This will limit the kind of sensitive material teens witness in different parts of the app, like Reels or Explore.

Then there will be limited interactions where teens can only receive tags or mentions from those on their followers list. They will similarly switch on the most restrictive type of anti-bullying feature out there called Hidden Words. In this way, all offensive terms and phrases would get filtered from DMs and requests.

Teens would similarly get notifications requesting them to leave the platform after an hour every day to prevent excessive use of the app. Lastly, there will be a new option for enabling sleep mode where users are reminded of their bedtime between 10pm to 7am so they can mute alerts and send out auto-replies for DMs.

Meta explained how Teen Accounts were shared to ensure teens remain guarded at all times. 97% of all teenagers between the ages of 13 to 15 will remain under the restrictions that Meta feels provide the most age-appropriate experience for youngsters.

Teen Accounts are making their way to Meta’s Facebook and Messenger apps too, beginning today. Therefore, they’ll also be very similar to Instagram and will be restricting all kinds of inappropriate material and unwanted feeds.

Meta confirmed how the release begins in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, while other nations will be following soon. As per a new survey, 94% of all parents claim Teen Accounts are useful, and 85% feel it’s getting easier to support positive experiences on the Instagram platform for teenagers. Meanwhile, more than 90% claim that default protections inside Teen Accounts are useful for showing support to this age bracket.

In terms of minor protection and providing control for parents, TikTok was seen updating the platform with a host of new features. These entail giving parents a chance to produce customized screen time schedules and also view who that teenager would follow.

Read next: WhatsApp Tests Advanced Chat Privacy to Block Exports and Auto Media Downloads
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Tests Advanced Chat Privacy to Block Exports and Auto Media Downloads

According to a new report by WebBetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will let users put advanced privacy on their chats which will enable them to have full control over the decision to let people export their chats or save any media or not. This feature was recently spotted in the iOS Beta version and in the Android Beta version too. This feature can be enabled from the toggle in the settings for single and group chats.

When it is enabled, it stops users from exporting their entire chat history out of WhatsApp and they won't be able to auto automatically download images and videos from that chat as well. It is still unclear whether the media can be downloaded manually or not. This feature will prevent any type of media you send to get automatically saved in galleries. This is similar to how disappearing messages work when messages or media do not get saved automatically after they are sent.

When this advanced privacy setting is enabled in a group chat, all members get notified and Meta AI also gets disabled because of this setting. It is still possible to send individual messages or take screenshots when this setting is enabled, so this means that it will slow down efforts to save chats and not prevent it completely. This feature is only available for beta and there is no news about when it will be available for all users.

Read next: They Look Real, Sound Smart, and Don’t Exist — AI Experts Are Fooling the News
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

They Look Real, Sound Smart, and Don’t Exist — AI Experts Are Fooling the News

AI generated material has become a problem even for giant media companies. They have been found to be treating AI generated characters as experts on different subjects. Media companies, like the BBC, the Sun, the Guardian, Newsweek, Medium, Fortune etc., have promoted fake characters by quoting them as reliable sources in their newspapers. But these experts do not even exist and are just the product of AI.

An investigation by the journalist Rob Waugh of the Press Gazette has revealed the infiltration of AI in mainstream media. He says that some famous newspapers published articles quoting AI generated characters as experts on various subjects. And they have been quoted again and again, indicating that the media outlets were totally unaware of their actual reality. This infiltration of AI has decreased the level of authenticity of even reliable media outlets and exposed the potential dangers of AI.

Providing details on LinkedIn, Rob Waugh writes that one of such fake experts was an alleged psychologist Barbara Santini. Claimed to have a degree from Oxford, Santini was quoted hundreds of times in the British media as an expert psychologist, giving her opinion on different psychological problems. Rob found her to be fake when he tried to talk to her on phone and to confirm her qualifications, but she refused. She wanted to communicate only through WhatsApp: messages on WhatsApp would have allowed her to remain hidden as an AI generated character.

He gives another example of Rebecca Leigh of Academized. She also presented herself as an expert commentator on various subjects and had been quoted in the famous newspapers like Fortune and Business. Her profile on the website described her as a biochemist and science educator with a 12-year experience. But when Waugh asked the expert to prove herself to be a human, she stopped communicating. It was revealed later that she was using a fake name, picture and profile. The company also accepted that the profile had fake details. But to save itself from blame, it argued that fake name and profile details are used to keep writers anonymous.

Surprisingly, the similar photo was being used by another tech writer on another media service, LeadDev, under the profile name Sara Sparrow. Either AI is copying data of authentic writers, or it is using the same data at more than one place.

AI might be infiltrating media outlets, but the role played by humans in it should not be ignored. Qwoted and ResponseSource, two networking services connecting journalists with expert sources, have been found using fake AI experts. Similarly, humans could be behind other such usage of AI in the media, including giant media outlets, to speed up the process.

But it is not hard to detect AI in journalism. Qwoted does warn its users of a possibly AI generated content if the response of a query on the website is too fast to be from a human. Moreover, it also provides the option of Check for AI which can detect text generated by any AI system. So it is far better to establish the truth of a source than to start believing it just because data is coming from famous media outlets. This is no longer true because the authenticity of media has been compromised by AI.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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• From Juul to xAI: A Rollercoaster Ride of Billion-Dollar Tech Deals
by Ehtasham Ahmad via Digital Information World

From Juul to xAI: A Rollercoaster Ride of Billion-Dollar Tech Deals

In the past few years, we have seen many private tech deals as many startups attracted many investors and made deals worth billions. However, no other deal was as big as OpenAI’s $40 billion raise for AI technology. According to different sources from CNBC, PitchBook, and companies' official data, the biggest amount raised was for OpenAI which had the potential to change the AI landscape, and it did so successfully. The second-highest deal since 2018 was Ant Group’s $14 billion raise and we can see the difference in the amounts raised of the top two biggest tech deals.

$30 billion has been raised by OpenAI in funding and it is being led by Japan’s SoftBank and other companies like Microsoft have also made some contributions. This has made OpenAI one of the biggest private companies with a value of $300 billion, along with other companies like ByteDance and SpaceX. SoftBank has a condition as well that it will reduce its investment to $20 billion if OpenAI can't restructure itself into a for-profit company by the end of 2025.

In late 2018, there were headlines about Juul Labs securing a $13 billion investment from Altaria, the company behind Marlboro. The value of the deal was $38 billion which could change the future of smoking but the valuation dropped drastically in late 2022 because Juul had to go through different lawsuits and bans. In 2024, Elon Musk’s xAI raised $6 billion from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Fidelity, and combining the investment of $6 billion in early 2024, xAI’s total funding reached $12 billion and now has a valuation of approximately $50 billion.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Google Adds Multimodal Capabilities to its AI Mode, Including Asking Questions With Pictures

Google has just added some exciting capabilities to its latest AI Model offering. This includes letting users ask queries with the help of pictures. Furthermore, the Android maker shared how it’s extending the latest AI mode to millions of Labs users across the country.

For starters, let’s see what this new AI mode with pictures is all about. Users give people the chance to put out pictures through uploads or the camera. Users can ask queries through pictures, and it’s part of the latest multimodal offerings. The latter rolled out several years back in different domains of Search, but now it’s on AI Mode too.

Users get the chance to click images or upload pictures, ask anything about the matter, and expect to get a diverse and comprehensive reply in return. They’re also provided with a lot more links to get even deeper information.

AI Mode is really taking off as Google’s years of hard work related to visual search. It takes things to the next level. AI Mode can comprehend entire scenes across pictures, including the relevance of objects located nearby.

Google Lens has the ability to identify every object inside a picture. Right after that, the AI Mode issues different questions about the picture in general and the objects seen in the image. It gets a depth of data, and the result is very nuanced and relevant, so you can move on to the next step.

In this manner, Google confirmed how millions of users are getting access to the latest AI Mode. The company hopes to extend access even further to Labs users who might not get entry into the company’s Google One AI Premium tier that launched several weeks back. In the past, Google was seen getting invited to another batch of users through the AI Mode. This means another round of invites was sent out.

We do feel strongly that the latest AI Model is the future of search in different ways. This is why it’s so important that users get the option to try it as soon as possible, and watch it transform. Soon, users will be on the hunt to use the AI Mode to get traffic as compared to the classic Google Search and AI Overviews.

Read next: Gen Z Interest in Influencers Drops 5% but Buying Power Remains Strong
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Gen Z Interest in Influencers Drops 5% but Buying Power Remains Strong

According to a recent survey by Morning Consult, many younger consumers are losing interest in social media influencers in 2024. As compared to 2023, there was a 5% drop in interest in influencers in 2024. The survey was based on 2,205 US adults and 1,002 Gen-Z between the ages of 13-21. The respondents also included 832 Gen-Z and 1,117 US adults who follow influencers on different social media websites.

The report said that in today's times, anybody can be a social media star. If you want to become a social media influencer, all you need is to make entertaining content that can engage the users. If the content goes viral and resonates with the audience, the influencers gain followers and fans. Despite people slowly losing interest in influencers, they are still interested in making purchases after recommendations of influencers.

45% of the social media users in the survey admitted that they are likely to purchase something if it is recommended by an influencer on social media. The survey also found that there is no one favorite influencer of social media users, as they liked multiple influencers at once.

Read next: 68% to Increase Social Spend in 2025, 63% Say GenAI Will Shape Consumer Behavior
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

The Hidden Health Cost of Convenience: Are Delivery Apps Sabotaging Your BMI?

Nowadays most of us want to save their time by not cooking at home and getting food delivered at their footsteps but researchers from University of Bonn have found out that food delivery apps are increasing our Body Mass Index (BMI). There are a lot of super apps which help us save our time and are extremely convenient to us like grocery apps, food delivery apps, traveling apps and shopping apps. The researchers found that these types of apps are increasing our BMI and can be impactful for already obese or overweight people.

There is no doubt that food delivery apps like Doordash, Ubereats and Deliveroo are more prominent in cities and rural areas and people who are employed are the ones who use these apps the most. This is because they don't want to waste their time shopping, preparing and cooking healthy meals and delivery apps seem the most convenient to them. They can do several other things in the time they save by ordering food online.

This shortcut makes them less active because people who frequently use delivery apps aren't getting any physical exercise by buying or cooking the food themselves. Most delivery foods are also high in calories and contain a lot of sugar, unhealthy oils, starches and salt. In other words, we are spending more time on eating highly processed unhealthy food instead of moving ourselves just so that we can enjoy some time sitting at our favorite place or even during work.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

68% to Increase Social Spend in 2025, 63% Say GenAI Will Shape Consumer Behavior

According to a recent report by MediaOcean based on a survey of 688 marketers, social media and digital display/video are the top media channels on which marketers want to increase their spend this year. 68% of the respondents say that they are going to increase their spend on social media in 2025 while 67% said that they are going to increase their spend on digital display/video in 2025. Digital marketers are also going to spend more on CTV (67%), Search (54%) and Retail Media (37%) in 2025.

When the marketers were asked what are the most important consumer trends going forward in 2025, 63% answered generative AI, 56% said connected TV/streaming and 51% answered TikTok/social video. 62% of the respondents said that performance driven paid media is an important advertising capability and media investment in current macroeconomic conditions, followed by 50% who said measurement and attribution capabilities and 45% who said brand advertising.

Marketers were also asked how they used generative AI in marketing and they responded with data analysis (47%), market research (38%) and copywriting (32%). The largest areas of concerns marketers are facing in media and marketing initiatives are decline in ability to measure campaign effectiveness on tech platforms and open web (45%), consumer ad avoidance/ad blindness (41%) and poor ability to manage reach and frequency across CTV and digital channels.

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• Want Better Sleep? Your Late-Night Screen Habits Might Be to Blame, Researchers Warn

by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Want Better Sleep? Your Late-Night Screen Habits Might Be to Blame, Researchers Warn

According to a new study, done among 45K Norwegian students between the ages of 18-28 years old, spending time on screen during bedtime is linked to higher risks of sleep loss and insomnia. There is a chance of a 63% increase in insomnia risk and 23 minutes less sleep time if you are spending another extra hour on-screen during bedtime. The researchers also say that even though there is a correlation between screen time and sleep problems, they are not proven to be directly linked to each other. Researchers say that it is important to establish a routine before bed and putting down the phone before bedtime can help improve sleep.

The survey asked the participants and their bedtime activities like watching TV, browsing the internet, checking their social media, and gaming. The results showed that 69% of the participants use social media along with other activities before sleeping and insomnia was identified in those who were experiencing sleep issues for at least three months thrice a week. The researchers also said that even though there is a link between screen use and sleep problems, it isn't the direct cause of it with many insomnia sufferers being prone to use more screens because they cannot sleep. The researchers also put some tips for better sleep like avoiding digital devices before bed and setting a proper routine for the night. The screens we use before bed not only steal an opportunity for sleep from us but also make us avoid sleeping.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

The Dark Side of AI Coding: How AI-Generated Code is Opening Doors to Cyberattacks

According to new findings from OX Security, coding with the help of AI can make you vulnerable to hacking and can involve various security concerns. OpenAI has funded an AI coding platform called Cursor which is making coding easier for many beginners as well as expert developers but these platforms can also create vulnerabilities in your codes. Many developers, especially beginners, unintentionally leave insecure codes in their apps and web applications which can increase the risk of cyberattacks. As AI doesn't fully understand how to make coding secure, it can lead to issues like injection flaws, insecure authentication, and improper access control.

Now the question is how is AI writing vulnerable codes and the first issue that arose with Cursor generating a vulnerable code that compromised the security. A security researcher at OX Security, Tomer Katzir Katz, wanted to test whether Cursor could identify and prevent any vulnerabilities in coding that could be dangerous. So he gave Cursor a task to generate a Python server with known vulnerability and the results proved that Cursor failed to not only secure the code but also produced a dangerous code as well. It created a reflected XSS (cross-site scripting) vulnerability without sanitizing it and this could open the doors for hackers to inject their malicious scripts to deface the site or steal sensitive user data.

Then Cursor was asked to create a minimalistic payment API and it again failed in terms of security. There were serious flaws in the code generated by Cursor like no input validation, no encryption, and no authentication checks. This could prove to be extremely dangerous for beginners or developers who generate codes in a rush and this could lead to data breaches and injection attacks because there is no proper security measure in these codes. When Cursor was asked to ignore security best practices to create an upload and hosting server, Cursor easily made the code for it without any hesitation. Even though it gave the warning that ignoring security warnings is not recommended, it still proceeded with the request and generated an unprotected file upload server. When Katz uploaded a malicious PHP reverse shell, the AI-generated server didn't put up any defenses and Katz could immediately gain full access to the server.

The researchers gave another test to Cursor and asked it to create a very simple wiki server without mentioning anything related to security. Cursor generated exactly what was asked but there were still no basic security measures and the wiki server could store user-submitted content without any sanitization and the system was left vulnerable to XSS attacks. The final test was done to see how Cursor handled open-source-licensed and copyrighted material. Cursor was given a snippet and description from the Chess project and was asked to rewrite or improve it. The Cursor generated almost the original code with only some slight modifications and didn't mention the original author or license. This just means that Cursor users should be cautious and shouldn't blindly trust AI-generated content entirely and should quality-test the AI-generated code so any vulnerabilities couldn't be missed.

Image: Anthony Riera / Unsplash

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• The Smartest CEOs in 2025: What It Takes to Be on Top
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

The Smartest CEOs in 2025: What It Takes to Be on Top

People often wonder what it takes to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Of course, these CEOs need to be smart, and many boast an Ivy League education and other post-graduate degrees. Others, such as Mark Zuckerberg, manage to drop out of school and still become the CEO of Meta, one of the most celebrated American tech companies.

So clearly, most CEOs have other characteristics that go far beyond a diploma. According to a study by Preply that analyzed the dialogue of over 100 American CEOs, top CEOs are leaders who can communicate with their stakeholders, employees, and consumers. Without being able to emotionally connect with people and focus on their customers, these CEOs would never have made it to the top.

The Most Intelligent CEOs

Managing massive businesses requires a specific skill set. For many of these companies, intelligence is an important aspect of being a leader, and the best leaders are those who can communicate that intelligence through their use of language. To measure this, a study done by Preply analyzed the language used by men and women at the forefront of their industries. Researchers looked for indicators like sentence sophistication and critical thinking skills to make their judgments.

Coming in first is Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, followed by Jim Taiclet of Lockheed Martin and Demis Hassabis of DeepMind. These three CEOs scored the highest out of 25 CEOs, meaning that they tend to communicate intelligently. Whether it’s through the clarity of their sentences or the specific word choices they make, these CEOs have what it takes to communicate their vision to their company and employees, leading their business to success.

Name (Company)	Score
Jensen Huang (NVIDIA)	81.25
Jim Taiclet (Lockheed Martin)	80.87
Demis Hassabis (DeepMind)	80.77
Vincent Roche (Analog Devices)	80.6
Matt Murphy (Marvell Technology Group)	78.43
Reed Hastings (Netflix)	77.33
Joseph Dominguez (Constellation Energy)	76.7
Stephen A. Schwarzman (Blackstone Group)	76.37
Robert B. Ford (Abbott Laboratories)	76.1
Marc Andreessen (Andreessen Horowitz)	75.5
Patrick Collison (Stripe)	75.43
Sam Altman (OpenAI)	75.17
Shantanu Narayen (Adobe)	75.17
Robert A. Bradway (Amgen)	74.37
Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase)	74.25
Satya Nadella (Microsoft)	74.17
Sanjay Mehrotra (Micron Technology)	74
Elon Musk (Tesla)	73.83
Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway)	73.83
Daniel O'Day (Gilead Sciences)	73.5
Arvind Krishna (IBM)	73.5
Reshma Kewalramani (Vertex Pharmaceuticals)	73.27
Greg Peters (Netflix)	73.2
Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn, Greylock Partners)	73.17
Dario Amodei (Anthropic)	73
Bob Iger (Walt Disney)	73
Henry R. Kravis (KKR & Co.)	72.83
Tim Cook (Apple)	72.67
Kevin Murphy (Publix)	72.5
Sundar Pichai (Alphabet, Google)	72.43

Over half of the CEOs analyzed belong to the technology or financial industry. As technology advances, CEOs of companies in the tech industry must be able to adapt to the evolution of their teams’ needs and customers’ demands to progress and effectively convey their vision. Likewise, those in the financial sector must be able to clearly communicate with both employees and customers. It seems leaders in these industries have made effective communication a priority, resulting in their success in both this study and the real world.

The Advantage of Emotional Intelligence

While it certainly takes brains to lead a company along the likes of JP Morgan Chase or Meta, clear and effective communication alone is not a silver bullet to success. The type of communication leaders utilize is key, especially in terms of how leaders are connecting with their employees and customers. This requires adaptable communication and a good degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

By using “I” when talking about emotions or thoughts, people exude a greater degree of emotional intelligence, and after looking at the amount of times these CEOs made “I” statements, the top spots for this category were Bill McDermott of ServiceNow, Brian Sikes of Cargill, and Carol B. Tome of UPS.

Using “I” statements doesn’t just convey emotional intelligence. These statements also reflect ownership and initiative. By using “I” statements, CEOs can take the lead, assuming responsibility and accountability, which are important traits when leading a company.

Once again, the financial sector has an overwhelming majority of companies ranked in the emotional intelligence category. It should come as no surprise that this industry embraces emotional intelligence, as leaders in finance rely on effective communication to emotionally connect with people and establish trusting relationships. When navigating complex changes in financial markets, financial teams need to feel supported when making tough decisions, so emotional intelligence helps CEOs lead and build successful teams.

Creating Cohesive Teams and Positive Customer Relationships

When it comes to team-focused dialogue, CEOs who use the word “we” the most in sentences, the top three CEOs in this category were Christopher Calio of Raytheon Technologies, followed by Brian Niccol of Starbucks and Ramon Laguarta of Pepsico. By using the word “we’, these leaders create a collaborative atmosphere and make the success of their company a team effort.

By far, the most common companies in this category are those focused on retail service. Entities such as Starbucks, Walmart, and McDonald’s consistently rely on working relationships with their customers to retain and increase business. By creating a team culture within their respective stores, they can boost employee retention through engagement and create a blueprint for how employees interact positively with customers.

After all, customers are the cornerstone of business success. The tech and finance CEOs who focus on their customers the most through their frequent customer-focused dialogue were Andy Jassy of Amazon, Sasan Goodarzi of Intuit, and Tricia Griffith of Progressive.

Leading in Today’s Digitized World

Effective communication isn’t just a tool for leadership, it’s a necessary component for CEOs to compete with others in their field. No matter what their IQ score is or what Ivy League school they attended, having effective communication skills is key to success in all industries. CEOs have to be able to convey their vision to stakeholders, employees, and customers.

Leading in today’s digital world means communicating in a way that reaches and impacts your audience, whether it’s the suits in the boardroom, your in-house team, or customers. So company leaders have to adapt to the usage of advanced technology. For example, the long 60-second commercials will no longer resonate with audiences, as attention spans have gotten shorter with apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Print ads also lack the effectiveness they once had, as people pay less attention to newspapers and magazines. Even billboards can blend together as each tries to outdo the other with keywords and colors. To combat this, companies must adapt and learn how to convey their mission effectively to their teams so they can create innovative solutions that continue to attract consumers.

People have changed the way they communicate within our digital world, and companies must do the same. CEOs can start to tackle communicating with stakeholders and consumers by promoting clear communication first within their own company. With the right blend of intelligence, emotional adaptability, and team-focused speech within their dialogue, business leaders can take their companies to new heights.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Microsoft Updates Copilot With Exciting New Features That Are More in Line with Alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude

Microsoft is proving to the tech world that it’s not taking a back seat as the AI race heats up.

The company just celebrated its 50th anniversary, and that meant a lot of things to look forward to. This includes big plans to host different features that bring it in line with ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. The popular AI assistant will now show support for offerings like customization, deep research, memory, podcast, and camera analysis.

Other than that, the latest Memory variant can keep track of different preferences, the user’s personal details like birthdays, interests, and even advice on how to make it all the more proactive. As per Microsoft, it can even select which data it wants Copilot to recall or opt out as a whole.

The matter is a huge part of the current efforts to transform the assistant into something more personal. As per the software giant, it’s still in the early process of thinking and evaluating. But once that phase is over, it does hope to give a more personalized touch and entail options such as the return of Clippy.

Copilot is more than a simple AI. Every individual gets the chance to uniquely style and blend different attributes that suit every individual separately. So it’s not really just limited to making the AI chatbot more personal to your likes, but also giving it more power.

There’s a new Actions feature that provides AI the chance to roll out tasks through web browsers, similar to how the Operator agent works. We’ve similarly seen Amazon’s newest Nova Act model do the same.

Microsoft shared how that might be used for show ticket bookings, reservations at restaurants, and purchasing products. When you combine this with shopping features, you’ll see Copilot products appear and now can find more sales and discounts.

Copilot Vision first started with the launch of a unique web tool that we found in the year 2004. It’s now undergone a serious expansion to reach Windows and mobile platforms. Through this, the Copilot can see what’s visible on screens across various other platforms and files. In this manner, you can answer queries or interact with content and material at the same time. iOS and Android say that it could discuss anything visible from a phone camera or images seen on camera rolls.

Deep Research shared how Copilot could analyze big documents or sources from the internet for giant projects. The research abilities are getting combined with Bing to power AI replies inside a search engine.

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Similar to how other AI offerings work today, this new Copilot could also use studies to produce podcast-themed audio to look for different topics. Meanwhile, the latest Pages feature will allow it to plan notes and research for various documents into a single file.

The software giant says that most of the latest features are launching today in ‘initial files’ and will get even better with time. So we’ll keep an eye on this in the next few weeks and months. The availability varies by feature, the market, and even the app. None of these would be a first, as we’ve seen ChatGPT include memory features in the past year. Then Google Gemini rolled out a vision mode, and now every tech giant wants to make its own personalized AI agent.

Remember, ChatGPT first included memory features in the past year, and then we saw Google Gemini roll out vision modes. After that, every AI firm wished to design more personalized AI agents, but included them altogether. This proves how Microsoft is keen on keeping up with other archrivals in the industry. This is also proof that it wants to get the best returns from its investments done inside OpenAI.



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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Study Reveals ChatGPT’s Cognitive Shortcuts and Biases, Questioning AI’s Trustworthiness in Critical Decisions

According to a new study published in the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management journal, ChatGPT’s decision-making process is similar to humans and mirrors their cognitive shortcuts, thought patterns, and blind spots. There have always been talks about how ChatGPT can make better decisions than humans but this new study shows that ChatGPT can make decision-making mistakes just like humans. This is consistent through different situations but can change according to the models.

For the study, the researchers tested ChatGPT with 18 different bias scenarios to know how it approaches different situations. The results of the study revealed that ChatGPT showed biases like ambiguity, overconfidence, conjunction fallacy, and aversion in about half of the tests. It was also found that AI is good at performing tasks that include logic and maths but it couldn't perform well when it comes to subjective reasoning or judgement. Even though the GPT-4 mark is more accurate in analytical tasks as compared to other versions, it still showed strong biases in some judgment-based decisions.

AI is being used in almost all areas of life so this study asks the question of whether AI is still reliable if it is making bad decisions just like humans. The lead author of the study says that AI learns from humans so it is natural for it to mimic them and make judgment calls similar to humans. The study also found that ChatGPT tends to overestimate itself, play it safe, seek confirmation, and avoid ambiguity. When a decision involves a clear answer, ChatGPT does so without any errors but when judgment is involved, AI may make bad decisions. So it is important to monitor ChatGPT’s answers instead of leaving them unchecked, especially if it is being used for policy making.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

TikTok Expands EU Data Centers, Strengthens Privacy Compliance While Navigating Fines and U.S. Uncertainty

The fate of TikTok still hangs in limbo in America, and during that period of uncertainty, the social media giant is working to better its relations with the EU.

The company has taken a major step to make regulators in the region happy by keeping user data separate from that related to its base in China. This means it’s trying to pull out all the stops to regain confidence and ensure it stands as a separate entity in this regard.

In this regard, the app shared a new update called Project Clover, which is aimed at tackling data security. The goal right now is to make sure EU data isn’t accessed by Chinese employees and government officials.

The initiative was first shared last year in July, where TikTok now admits to hitting a milestone with this latest change. The final EU data center is currently in operation. The current one, located in Hamar, Norway, plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. The location supports nearly 200 jobs, and that entails cooling experts, engineers, and electricians. They’re all contributing by providing tech expertise in that part of the world while enhancing regional employment.

The app shared how the latest establishment is a part of its dedicated efforts to make the EU happy and ensure all user data is stored in the EU only through default means. It’s also working on tapping on the shoulders of the NCC cybersecurity group to oversee and confirm all data controls.

Through this, the app is now getting stored across different EU data centers and hosting various facilities across the nation. This ensures there aren’t any data transfers linked to China. However, it’s still set to be impacted with a massive $552M fine by regulators in Ireland for past transfers of EU users’ data to China.

The starting investigation that gave rise to this fine was Project Clover, but now that the company is showing a clear separation from this project, it is hoped matters will clear up. However, that’s not the case. Today, TikTok is spending billions in regards to overseeing and developing data protection for EU users. With the fine getting included in this bill, it’s adding a lot of pressure in general.

This might be another reason why it’s working to better its in-app commerce push. Remember, the goal is to focus on the American market for all in-platform sales, but there’s no harm in extending that into the European side, right?

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Authors Around the World Protest Against Meta’s AI Book Scraping Activities

A new investigation by The Atlantic is shedding light on a huge problem that authors in today’s day and age are facing, thanks to AI.

So much original content is not only getting scraped online by bots, it’s also getting published on public libraries, leading to absolute fury. Millions of books and academic papers were taken without consent.

The recent fury has to do with Facebook’s parent firm Meta, which might have accessed millions of materials to train its AI system Llama. This is why groups of authors located in places like the UK are standing their ground and protesting for their rights. They want their governments to intervene. We’re already seeing Meta, which owns Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, defend a legal case brought on by top authors for the same reason.

The systems are huge, and they keep getting fed with huge amounts of data and trained to spot different patterns inside. This data is then used to produce passages of text by guessing the next term in that sequence.

Despite all of these systems getting dubbed intelligent, we see critics each day express dismay about how LLMs don’t think out of the box. They’re zero in terms of comprehension and can present all sorts of errors like it’s reality.

Most tech giants kept on arguing about how they need to produce more information to transform these systems into something reliable. At the same time, the media industry that features artists and authors also wants these tech giants to pay them for using their material.

A spokesperson at Meta shared how it rolled out transformational GenAI that powers huge innovation, creativity, and productivity for people working inside firms. They claim that fair use copyrights are crucial in curbing the issue, and that Meta wants to create AI that helps the masses.

Other than stealing ideas, issues about accuracy exist, and AI systems are super power hungry today. They’re creating more environmental fears as people worry it might replace them in the workplace someday soon.

Meta strongly feels open source models such as Llama better human productivity and can enhance quality of life, but this comes at the cost of human creativity. Artists feel they’re already undervalued, and now AI is taking away whatever little they have.

This is why so many writers are calling upon the government to make a difference, as that’s they’re only hope. They are helpless right now, and competing against the likes of Meta is never going to be easy for anyone.

After scraping the material, authors get zero compensation or even a shoutout of recognition when it’s used. This is what they are arguing about. Writers are calling for transparency as that’s something they feel is the least they deserve. After all, taking books produced by someone else and then using that to make revenue without taking consent is a little harsh, don’t you think?

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

AI-Fueled Side Hustles Are Booming: How Entrepreneurs Are Building Businesses in Record Time

Side hustles have always been about turning ideas into income on your own terms. But now, thanks to AI, the timeline from “idea” to “income” is shrinking fast. What used to take weeks, or even months, can now happen in days. Sometimes, hours.

For today’s entrepreneurs, AI tools can be a shortcut, a collaborator, and a productivity powerhouse. A recent study from Liquid Web shows us just how quickly side hustlers are building real businesses by putting AI to work. The findings have a lot to say about where work is heading and how fast things are changing.

Businesses are launching faster than ever

Forget drawn-out business plans and months of prep. Those days are fading. According to the study, nearly 40% of side hustlers launched their businesses within a week of using AI tools. Even more surprising, about 10% took just two days to go from idea to launch.

That kind of speed used to be unheard of. Now, it’s becoming the norm — especially for younger entrepreneurs. Gen Z, while making up just over a fifth of survey participants, accounted for 40% of the fastest launches. One in five even started making money in the first week.

Around 60% of these side hustlers used AI to help build websites, write content, manage social media, or handle repetitive tasks. AI is letting solo entrepreneurs skip what's slowing them down and get right to building their businesses. What’s driving all this? Mostly generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

Some are making money right away

That’s not an exaggeration. One in five survey respondents earned income—averaging more than $200—within the first week of starting their AI-powered hustle.

The average time to launch was just 17 days.

And these aren’t just quick gigs or flash-in-the-pan projects. People are building scalable businesses with real potential. AI cuts costs, simplifies branding, and makes delivering services way easier. What once needed a team can now be done by one person, thanks to smart automation and content-generation tools.

This new wave of entrepreneurship is lean, fast, and efficient — and it’s already paying off.

People are happy with AI and doubling down

Most side hustlers are seeing more than just early wins using AI to help build businesses. They’re also genuinely happy with how AI tools are working for them.

According to the data:

• 83% said they saved time.
• 80% found AI tools cost-effective.
• 80% thought they were easy to learn.
• 79% were happy with their final product's quality.

That kind of satisfaction usually leads to reinvestment, and Liquid Web found that entrepreneurs have done so. Two in five side hustlers said they plan to put earnings back into better AI tools. Among Gen Z, that number climbs to 45%.

In short, people are seeing results, and they’re all in.

As Sachin Puri, Chief Growth Officer at Liquid Web, put it: “AI is reshaping not only how businesses start, but also how quickly they achieve financial success.”

The top roadblocks: Time, money, and marketing

AI has removed a lot of traditional hurdles, but it hasn’t solved everything. Entrepreneurs still face real challenges. Here’s what respondents said they’re struggling with most:

• 37% pointed to limited time to devote to their side hustle.
• 30% said lack of funds.
• 16% mentioned gaps in marketing or sales skills.
• 11% brought up lack of technical knowledge.

Only 5% said access to AI tools was a barrier, which is telling. The tools are out there, but people still need support with strategy, time management, and scaling their operations.

How people are actually using AI

So, what exactly are entrepreneurs doing with these tools?

• Creating content (51%) – Think blog posts, product descriptions, website copy, and social media.
• Design and branding (43%) – From logos to full-blown web templates.
• Brainstorming ideas (37%) – AI is becoming a go-to for fast idea generation.
• Improving marketing (37%) – Smarter tools mean better targeting and messaging.
• Automating tasks (31%) – Streamlining repetitive work and freeing up time.

Some are going even further, using AI for customer service, data analysis, or helping with product development. What’s great is that you don’t need a huge budget to access these tools. Small teams and even solo creators can do a lot with just a few platforms.

A different kind of side hustle

When you think of side hustles, you might imagine things like selling items on Etsy or picking up freelance gigs. AI is changing that—now, people are expanding into building content businesses, productized services, and even micro-agencies—all with a few tools and a clear niche.

AI is a time-saver in many ways, but it’s a game-changer for how people think about starting a business on the side. The speed, affordability, and scalability that AI brings is creating a whole new type of entrepreneurship.

It's also not just for tech-savvy folks. These tools are getting more intuitive and beginner-friendly every day, opening doors for people from all backgrounds.

What this means for the future of work

Entrepreneurship used to feel out of reach for a lot of people. Not anymore. With AI, someone with a good idea and a few free hours can spin up a brand, build a site, and start offering services in a weekend.

And they can do it without spending thousands upfront.

This shift is changing how we think about jobs, careers, and what’s possible with limited time or resources—even while holding down a full-time job. It’s creating a more level playing field where anyone willing to learn can build something valuable.

The advice for new founders: Start now. Experiment—see what works, then double down.

As Puri said: “The potential for growth is immense when you combine creativity with the power of AI.”

Fast, flexible, and AI-powered side hustles

AI isn’t just helping side hustlers move faster—it’s reshaping the whole idea of what side hustling can be.

People are launching smarter, earning sooner, and building businesses they couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. And they’re doing it with tools that continue to get better, cheaper, and easier to use.

This is more than a trend. It’s the start of a new kind of entrepreneurship—one powered by tech, driven by creativity, and open to anyone with a laptop and a little ambition.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World