New Report Confirms Hate Speech Is At An All-Time High On Twitter

Despite billionaire Elon Musk’s grand claims about hate speech decline under his leadership, a new report is proving otherwise.

The Tesla CEO and Twitter chief may be getting a rude awakening about hate speech impressions. And that’s all thanks to a new study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

Musk said that hate speech was down by one-third last week but this study says it has risen during that same period that he acquired the company.

On average, around 1,300 tweets have come forward with slurs against people of color that continually appear on a daily basis on the app, right before Elon Musk took over.

This number then went on to jump to a figure of 3880 after his acquisition of the platform. And it’s interesting to note how the figure further surged to 4650 when Musk made the shocking claims of hate being so low on the app.

So many slurs have risen against 62% of the trans population since Twitter had a new leader and that’s about 5100 tweets on a daily basis, as confirmed by the study. This data was brought forward by Brandwatch, which is deemed to be a leading tool for determining analytics on social media. It also entails tweets from different locations around the globe and arises in English too.

A tweet conducted during the middle part of November by Musk stated that all hate-themed tweets would be deboosted on the platform and curbed to the point where they would be demonetized. This way, users wouldn’t be coming across it too frequently, unless and until they actually went on to look for it.

But in cases where views were at an all-time low, the researchers of this study saw how the engagement for posts linked to hate speech is so high since Musk started taking over the firm.

People are just engaging so much more on such posts with likes, replies, and retweets linked to slurs going to be so high, especially in the weeks that lead up to the launch of Twitter 2.0. And if we had to put it into figures, hate speech is up by 50%.

The report basically contradicts what Musk has been saying and it’s quite interesting, to say the least. Hence, Musk was certainly not happy with the news and slapped the report as one that was utterly false.

In the same way, he vowed to put up daily statistics for data publishing and says he maintains all the impressions coming forward regarding hate speech.

Ever since Musk decided to take charge of Twitter, we’ve seen so much change come forward. The decisions have been erratic and moderation has gone out the window. Polls have been conducted that hint toward the Twitter Chief’s next move.

His idea of creating a Twitter moderation council is also done and dusted. And with the likes of Trump back on the app, one can only wonder what could possibly be next.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Predatory iOS and Android Loan Apps Received 15 Million Installs Before Removal

Apps found on both the App Store and the Google Play Store were found to be providing illegal loans to people according to a new report. These apps have been downloaded about 15 million times with all things having been considered and taken into account, and they are trapping unsuspecting users in a cycle of debt due to extortive practices.

A total of about 286 apps were discovered, and with all of that having been said and now out of the way it is important to note that a majority of them were found on the Play Store. 251 were Android apps, with 35 being available on iOS. After they received reports, Google and Apple were quick to remove all of the apps from their platforms. In spite of the fact that this is the case, the damage has already been done with tens of millions of users having been defrauded of their funds.

What’s worse is that these users were mostly located in developing countries. These countries include Uganda, India, Colombia, Philippines, Pakistan. Nigeria as well as Mexico, some titles of the apps include: AchaPaisa, AdaCash, AddMoney, BaseWallet, Bear Loan, Bucredit, CashNow, Dutta Rupee, Fast Coin, Flying Cash, HappyLoan, LibreCash, LoanClub, MobiLoan, PCash, Pinjam Tunai, RupeeStar, SkyLoan, Vidong, and Wecash. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that predatory loans apps are unfortunately common, and they pose a distinct thread to consumer safety.

The apps usually ask users to provide expansive permissions on their devices which make them even less safe than might have been the case otherwise. They then start using these permissions to begin uploading sensitive data to their servers, and they also have extremely high interest rates for the people that end up taking loans from them.

Users are often forced to grant these permissions, otherwise they may not be given the chance to get a loan. Such apps are preying on those that are outside of the traditional financial system and don’t have any alternatives to turn to. They are increasing in number, and removing them after they have done grievous harm may not cut it anymore. Apple and Google need to do better at keeping these apps outside of their platforms and stores.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Apple Officially Unveiled The Name of Its AR/VR Headset and the Registration of the Product Has Begun

Apple had been trying to name its AR/VR headset for so long now. For the most part, the company was confused about what to name its product. Apple was planning on naming the headset "RealityOS" or "rOS". But now it has come to a final decision. The Apple AR/VR headset is named "xrOS". The headset is soon to be launched. Apple hasn't told the exact date of its release and there are speculations that it will be released in early to mind 2023 as its name has been decided.

Most people are curious about this Apple headset. Just like the Apple Watch and Apple TV, Apple Headset will also have its operating system. Apart from a separate operating system, AR/VR headset is also going to have an App Store. The xr in the name xrOS stands for extended reality. This means virtual as well as augmented reality. Rumors are flying around that the Apple headset will have a mixed reality just like Microscope HoloLens which supports both virtual and augmented reality. Augmented reality is based on what the user is seeing in the real world and virtual reality is a digital world with digital experiences.

Apple is also creating a software kit for its AR/VR headset which will also allow the installation of third-party apps. Other than the third-party apps, these headsets will have separate and special Apple apps like Maps and Messages. These apps will be a completely new version, just for the headsets. When Apple was working on the headset, they used to call it rOS, but when they thought that the name was too boring and generic, they changed it to xrOS. This type of name will likely stand out among other names on the market.

Apart from all these things, Apple has started registering xrOS across the countries. Apple's way of registering a new product is unique as it registers the product through shell companies. This time xrOS is being registered under the shell company named Deep Dive LLC. Apple headset will be available in many countries but there is no sign about when this headset will be released. There is a high chance that Apple AR/VR will be unveiled in the first half of the year 2022.

Read next: Apple’s New Accessibility Video Highlights Innovative Features For Those With Disabilities
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Twitter Is Adding A Verified Phone Number Check Mark In The Profile Info Section

As Elon Musk has taken over Twitter, many modifications and features are being added to the app. Some of these features are appreciated but most people do not like what Musk is adding to the app. Just like many other features that Twitter has added to the platform, a new verified phone number checkmark will also being introduced in the info section of the Twitter account. Users have mixed reactions to this feature and some of them think it is unnecessary.

This feature is available in India (as per Legion's claim) and will allow users to confirm their phone numbers. Only the users who have logged in to the Twitter app will see the verified phone number section, and this way they will be able to find out that the account holder also belongs to India. Some people think that the confirmed phone number means a verified account with a blue tick. But this is not the case. You will not get a blue tick if you verify your phone number. It is a completely different process.

By activating the mobile phone confirmation, your phone number will not be displayed on your profile. To display your confirmed phone number mark, check if you have an accurate and up-to-date phone number. Just like the way you customize your profile, you will have to confirm your phone number too by going to the settings. If you do not have an up-to-date phone number, just follow the Twitter instructions to add a new one.

The reason for adding a confirmed phone number is that it will help to decrease the number of bots in the app. Many of the accounts on Twitter are operated by bots and this way unauthenticated accounts won't appear on Twitter in abundance.

Read next: Twitter Unveils Its Plans For The Future As Elon Musk Meets Apple CEO Tim Cook
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Has Rolled Out A New Feature For WhatsApp Beta For iOS, While A New Feature for Desktop App Is Under Development

WhatsApp Beta for iOS just got a new update which has the feature of searching for messages by date. This way if users want to search messages, they can do so quickly by date. The users were waiting for this app for so long as it was under development for two years but now it has fully developed to become a part of your WhatsApp. WhatsApp released this feature on version 22.24.0.77 on the TestFlight app for beta users.

To use this feature, you will have to click on the calendar icon on your chatbox where the keyboard icon is. The calendar icon means that this feature has been added to your WhatsApp for IOS. After clicking on the icon, search for the date you want the conversation and it will show you the chat on that concerned date. This way you can even go to the very first message quickly too. As this feature is still rolling out, it will take some time for the update to reach you if it hasn't already. Over the coming weeks, this update will be completely available for iOS users.

WhatsApp is also working to get more features out for its iOS, Android, and Desktop app. Just recently, WhatsApp spotted working on more features for the WhatsApp desktop app and right now a feature for group chats is under development. As Whatsapp increased the number of members in the app, now users want more advanced features. There will be a mute shortcut available for group chats on the desktop app soon. The mute button will be available on the header of the group chat, which means you won't have to go to the lengths to mute the chat. It will be easy and quick to mute the active chats. Just a few days ago, WhatsApp for Android added a feature that mutes large group chats automatically. This way you won't receive notifications 24/7 and you won't be distracted by them.

With the mute notification available for the desktop app, users will easily go through the group chats without any problems. WhatsApp hasn't said anything about when this feature will be available on the app as it is still under development. Many WhatsApp Beta for desktop users think that this feature won't make much difference however some are waiting for this feature to roll out immediately. Let's see when it will see the light of day.

Read next: Here’s How Much Criminals Charge to Hack Your WhatsApp Account
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Research highlights the most commonly shared life events across TikTok and Instagram

Social networks are now an important part of many people’s lives. They use these platforms to share their memories, events, and achievements with their friends and family members.

According to a report from Confused, in which researchers collected data based on which events users tend to share more on their social media accounts. The survey was mostly based on Meta’s Instagram and ByteDance’s TikTok. They even analyzed the hashtag trends to learn more about the specific events that have larger impacts on today’s consumers.

Based on the data collected from Instagram posts, marriage topped the list with the hashtag "wedding" and featured over 200 million posts. Marriage was followed by birthdays with the same hashtag, featuring over 100 million photos and videos. And the third spot was taken by Baby Shower, with the same hashtag as well and hosting over 36 million posts.

The top 3 events were followed by graduation at the 4th rank, engagement at the 5th, and pregnancy at the 6th. Achievements such as a new home or promotion were also on the list at the 7th and 8th positions, respectively. Death and birth also made it to the list.

The data can be useful for advertising companies, as they can market their products based on the events that attract more users.

Information gathered from TikTok had some new names in its top 10 life events. Not only this, but the number of views were found to be way ahead of Instagram.

The short video platform had its birthday as the most celebrated event on its platform, featuring over 44 billion views on short videos. At second rank, the application had pregnancy with over 38 billion content views, followed by separation with 22 billion views.

Death, graduation, and gender reveal came at the 4th, 5th, and 6th ranks, respectively, whereas divorce and engagement came at the 7th and 8th ranks.

By comparing the two lists, it can be seen that separation was more popular on TikTok, whereas it couldn’t be in the top 10 on Instagram. On the other hand, both death and funeral made it to the top 10 list.

The variation among users on both platforms is clearly visible from the results; however, one thing that unites these two applications is their use for major announcements.

Read next: Here Are the Biggest Social Media Marketing Trends in 2022
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

YouTube Announces Lists Featuring Top Creators, Songs, And Videos For 2022

We may not be attaining a YouTube Rewind button before this year’s end, but at least we’re getting insights on who made it big in terms of creators, music tracks, and videos on the app.

The company opted to carry on with its classic tradition that comprised highlighting which songs, videos, and creators were trending in 2022. This includes Shorts that made it big this year and we feel such lists are doing justice in terms of best representing what is popular in terms of creators and content, depending on which region was involved.

The list entails all sorts of videos, creators, and Shorts in the country which can be accessed through such lists that are found on the app. Simply click on your region through the menu which drops down and the results would be in front of you.

First things first, it’s time to see which videos made it big. Well, there are certainly no major surprises as controversies did reign supreme such as the whole Will Smith and Chris Rock slap fiasco at the Oscars. Others included Technoblade- so long nerds and the NFL performance of Snopp Dogg and Dr. Dre with Eminem.

Leading YouTuber MrBeast was another favorite where his video of designing an entire chocolate factory like Willy Wonka was viewed and loved by millions of fans. Another enticing video was a payback stunt featuring a Glitterbomb by Mark Rober. Similarly, seeing Millie Bobby Brown needing a milkshake was another highlight as was Kane Pixel's backroom footage.

Moving on to the leading YouTube Shorts content that made it big this year, we had the likes of a diver cracking eggs at 45 ft deep sea level and Sarah Trust Challenges where she was doing hingaflips.

Right after that, we saw the likes of Jay and Sharon taking the gap between a car seat and center console being viewed a lot as was Adrian Bliss’ Shorts video of welcoming to the stomach.

Next up, it was time to see which creators on YouTube really made it big and no surprise to see MrBeast cinch the top position on the list. After that, it was NichLmao and Airrack, followed by the likes of Ryan Trahan and Isaiah Photo who also had a great year.

Brent Rivera and Ian Boggs also managed to make it to the top ten list of trending creators for 2022.

The list of Breakout Creators for this year comprised Airrack, David the Baker, NichLmao,dayta, and Devin Caherly Shorts.

The list of trending songs for the year 2022 included the likes of Encanto Cast whose song ‘We don’t talk about Bruno’ did great and was loved by millions around the globe. Kodak Black’s Super Gremlin and Jessica Darrow’s Surface Pressure were other tracks that turned out to be massively popular on the platform. Bad Bunny had two famous tracks make the list.

You can download the entire list by visiting the website. YouTube really made sure the world knew that December means tallying the best performers in terms of content and that’s exactly what we have in front of us.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World