America’s Top 10 Predictions for the Impact Tech and Social Media Will Have in the Future, Revealed

Social media has had a significant impact on society in the relatively short time it has circulated. These platforms, which range from Facebook to TikTok, have radically transformed the way we engage, communicate, and consume information.

Social media has numerous advantages, such as the ability to connect with others across the world, but it's also necessary to recognize the new difficulties it has created. Social media has often been referred to as “a world of its own”, However, as time goes on and technology advances, the impact of social media on our real lives increases significantly.

In recent news, the United States ordered that Bytedance sell the well-known social media platform TikTok, or else face a ban in the US entirely. The White House already forbids TikTok from being installed on governmental devices, and as conversations continue, TikTok's future in America is still up in the air.

With this in mind, HigherVisibility has assessed the current attitudes toward social media in the US and its impact on lifestyle habits by surveying 2,000 consumers about the effect they feel the growth of social media has and will have, on their lives.

When it came to the predictions America has for the impact social media and technology will have in the future, it was found that over 1 in 5 people (22.12%) thought that people would consume more video content online than through traditional forms of media, and it appears that the tide has already turned. Data shows that in 2011, US citizens spent 214 minutes on digital media, as opposed to 453 minutes with traditional media, while in 2023, this has completely flipped. Citizens are now spending 500 minutes on digital media and 285 minutes with traditional media per day.

Unsurprisingly, this also raises concerns about how our perspectives are formed due to spending so much time online. Almost a quarter of people believe that people will be more susceptible to fake news, a phenomenon we’ve already seen due to how quickly ‘news’ disseminates on social media, and a further 1 in 5 believe people will be more easily radicalised due to the propaganda that they see within platforms. From health misinformation to political views, it’s clear to see how this can become problematic.

Taking a further look into social media’s impact on lifestyle and habits, over 1 in 2 respondents (57.71%) said that when they’re on social media, they often find themselves scrolling mindlessly. Despite this, over 1 in 5 people in the United States (20.82%) would rather spend time using social media than spend time with family and friends. Somewhat surprisingly, the generation that agreed with this statement the most was millennials, with over 40% claiming they would prefer to spend their time online (40.86%).

When it came to the impact of social media influencers on our mental health, the study found that 41% of men wished their lifestyle to appear in the same way as their favourite social media influencer, in comparison to 23.73% of women.

With news of the metaverse continuously in the media, the survey also found that over 2 in 5 US residents (43.78%) are concerned about the metaverse and whether this will increase social media usage in the future. Additionally, nearly 3 in 5 people (58.26%) are worried about what the future of their lives may look like due to the rise of social media and technology.

The study then found that nearly 1 in 3 (31.25%) people living in the US feel they have unrealistic expectations of themselves and their lives due to social media, with 32.80% also agreeing that after using social media, they often feel much worse than when they started.

Unrealistic expectations were most predominant in men with over 1 in 3 (36.42%) agreeing, in comparison to just under 1 in 4 women (26.27%).

Interestingly, the data found that the number of those who agreed with this statement declined as age increased, with over 1 in 2 Gen Z (50.76%) stating that they have unrealistic expectations of themselves as a result of social media, in comparison to just 8.08% of Baby Boomers, begging the question; is social media’s impact on the way we look at ourselves growing with each generation?

When it came to the impact of social media influencers on our mental health, the study found that 41% of men wished their lifestyle to appear in the same way as their favourite social media influencer, in comparison to 23.73% of women. In addition, almost 70% of people (67.05%) feel that social media's influence is more negative than positive, with nearly 1 in 3 respondents (30.90%) concerned that if people continue using social media to the same extent they are now, or more, within 50 to 100 years people will suffer from mental health issues and anxiety due to constantly comparing themselves on social media.

The exponential rise of AI has been likened to social media in many ways, with criticism around legislation and dealing with misinformation rife. There are numerous cases in which citizens feel their rights as a consumer have not been protected when it comes to social media platforms, and with legislation only being implemented 25 years later, there’s clear cause for concern when it comes to security and privacy. While the potential for these technological developments is huge and has the power to be utilized for advancement, there is also the possibility of misuse.

Interestingly, US citizens fear advancements in tech such as AI technology and AR/VR, as well as the ways in which this may impact people who spend time online. 1 in 5 people believe that we will rely on AI more and more, and a similar number fear that people will interact more on social media using AR/VR tech than they do in real life. This ultimately raises the question of whether we’re becoming more connected due to social media or disconnected. Given the issue of misinformation and fake news, it suggests that the lifestyle presented in ‘The Social Dilemma’ isn’t so dystopian, or far off, as we may have thought.

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by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Here Are the Most Essential Digital Marketing Tools for 2023

If you are a marketer tasked with drumming up some awareness for a given product or service, you will obviously want to use every tool that could possibly be at your disposal with all things having been considered and taken into account. Digital tools that can aid marketers at reaching a larger subset of consumers than might have been the case otherwise are becoming more and more prolific.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that there are several tools that marketers are planning to double down on during 2023. There are just under 10,000 tools that are currently available, or 9,932 to be precise. That reveals the enormous quantity of choices that marketers can try out, but they would still need help in figuring out which ones would be most useful to them from an advertising standpoint.

All of these tools can be grouped into the RAGE system. That refers to Reach, Act, Convert and Engage. Reach tools include things like Audience Comparison tools such as SimilarWeb and Semrush. Digital analytics, keyword analysis and many more also fall under this umbrella.

As for Act tools that can help generate even more leads, content management systems tend to be highly popular. Tools that can help you create landing pages along with content creation tools can also come in handy because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing you to streamline the process to a large extent.

Convert tools tend to consist of customer support and live chat features. They also comprise call tracking along with customer review management and response tools. Finally, we have the category of Engage tools. They seek to boost engagement with the content you put out, and social media campaign tools are definitely useful in that regard.

Combining all of the tools that are present within the RAGE system can help you to enhance your marketing strategy during 2023. It will improve any marketer’s ability to stay on top of trends no matter how recent they might be.

H/T: Smartinsights

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Study shows many Americans think that their lack of abilities prevents them from being sufficiently qualified for certain employments

Finding a job must be challenging, especially for someone lacking in abilities, they may feel "under qualified." A recent study of 2,000 American job candidates was done by OnePoll, a market research company, on behalf of Adecco Group to determine how many people are having trouble finding employment and the potential causes of it. Although some were still looking for their ideal work, half of the respondents were employed. The event took place between October 4 and October 10, 2022.

In accordance to the study, despite 39% who said that they are confident that their job could brighten their future, majority of them do not think that way. 77% would better be more applicable for jobs if they were given a chance to learn new abilities.

Furthermore, 67% of respondents said that they would be more intrigued in their profession if they were about to adapt new skills while still managing to work, but only if their company permits them to. If their employer required them to learn more about their jobs than just the bare minimum, two thirds of them would be more contented with their careers and futures, which is a crucial component in a person's progress as a learner.

But, there are still some people out there who are confident in their abilities and how they may be applied to other aspects of different careers (69%). Despite wanting to or not, 47% of respondents to the study said they would not going to work on improving their abilities since doing so is initially challenging for job seekers.

With the current economic circumstances, high inflammation, financial concerns, etc., finding a job in this generation might be a very difficult issue that could ultimately result in unemployment. In addition, 52% of Americans claimed that at some time in their lives, they had been passed up for a number of jobs because they lacked the "sufficient abilities" to be qualified for the position. In the study, 59 percent of participants felt pessimistic about their ability to even apply for a job.

Nevertheless, Molly Conway, Vice President of Public Affairs at Adecco Group, suggests that businesses provide job applicants an education focused on their occupations while still allowing them to continue working. These job searchers may benefit much from this and use it to build a brighter future. So who precisely should be in charge of providing them with employment training? 2/3 of respondents say it is their employers' responsibility; while 46%, 26%, and 16%, respectively, think it’s their own, educational institutions, and the government.

According to the study, employers should be committed to providing work training as well, with 56% of respondents saying that employees should have dedicated time for acquiring skills,33% and 32% said that they should have a good diploma in their industry and talents for mentoring, respectively. 50% think they should have enough information about education.

Another finding from this survey indicated that financial situation – 45%, transportation – 31%, time management – 31%, and less equipment – 23%, may be the most frequent causes of respondents' pessimism towards their work education.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Creative Pioneers and Cognitive Illness: A Complicated Link

A recent study has revealed a strong correlation between self-employment and cognitive health conditions, suggesting that individuals who work for themselves are more likely to experience such ailments than those in traditional jobs.

The study analyzed the occurrence of mental ailments among fresh startup founders. The results demonstrated that 62% have at least a single mental ailment in their lifetime, compared to 30% of the other audience. The most standard ailments found were ADHD (29%), depression (30%), dependence (12%), and bipolar ailment (11%).

While the investigation did not tend to establish a direct cause-and-effect connection between these two, it did highlight several factors that may link through. One such element is the pressure of starting and running an enterprise. Another factor is the involvement of risk that is often associated with self-started businesses, which may attract individuals connected with cognitive complaints

The study's conclusions have important implications for the pioneers and the wider business community. Individuals who are kicking off their startup and struggling with mental ailments may need additional support to manage various things. This could include access to counseling, treatment, and other assistance. Business leaders should also take steps to create a supportive work environment that promotes good sanity and encourages people to seek help if they need it.

Moreover, the investigation challenges the stereotype that fortunate entrepreneurs are all mentally tough and highlights that the risk-accepting element that often comes with entrepreneurship may attract people with pre-existing disorders. It highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing various concerns in the business world and creating a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive while managing their mental health.

To sum up, the link between these two is a complex and multi-faceted issue that requires further exploration. While the pervasiveness of mental problems among fresh startup owners is concerning, there are also potential benefits linked with certain traits commonly linked with these conditions.

Additionally, by creating a more open and supportive environment in the workplace, we can encourage people to succeed in the business world. As we continue to learn more about these connections, we must work to break down the stigma surrounding mental ailments and give the support that entrepreneurs need to thrive both personally and professionally.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

What's UR State Saying? A Look at the Most Popular Textspeak in Each State

WordTips has examined 18 million geotagged tweets to identify the top-used abbreviations in each state.

Are your friends forced to listen to your nonstop TBHing and OMGing? Depending on your state, your use of textspeak may differ from that of others. The most common textspeak terms in each state were determined by WordTips using data from 18 million geotagged tweets. The results illustrated how, in some ways, we are all the same while also revealing specific distinctively regional trends.

The most popular textspeak expression in the United States is TBH (to be honest), followed by LOL (laugh out loud). But, alternative acronyms may be more frequent depending on where you live. For instance, you're more likely to hear "SMH" (shaking my head) if you live in Florida or California than in most other places. On the other hand, those from the south seem to use "y'all" more frequently than people from different regions of the nation.

Since they make communication more transparent and more entertaining, text acronyms are adored by people everywhere. The most common hashtag in the nation is LOL (which is used more than 1,400 times per 100,000 tweets!), but each state has its unique feature. Consider Rhode Island, the smallest of them all, the only state in America to employ the extraordinarily lengthy abbreviation CMON.

The survey also uncovered several broad national trends that span state boundaries. For example, nearly everyone employs "BTW" (by the way), "IDK" (I don't know), and "NP" (no problem). What about expressing surprise or excitement? Everyone appears to be exclaiming, "OMG!"

Despite sharing a border, Illinois and Indiana are by no means the only states who enjoy acronyms: Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Wisconsin also share this trait. Texas replies with "BF," mirroring South Dakota's candor, although Montana uses "GFs" to address their cowhands.

There is a widespread natural hunger for word-shortening when it comes to messages. Maryland was closely behind Georgia in second place with 5746 per 100,000 tweets, with Georgia topping the class with 5 942. Vermont at 2154, North Dakota at 2291, and Idaho at 2125 tweets for every 100,000 words published, on the other end of the spectrum.

So, People all around the country may relate to one another through these short-form expressions, whether you want to call it texting lingo or the digital dialect. Whether the state you're from is a leader or a lager, it's clear that the art of shortening words isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

So don't be afraid to join in and start expressing yourself. Please take a moment to reflect on how far technology has come and how linked we are all the next time you grab your phone at a gathering or dinner table to write down anything like TBH or AFK.

People worldwide may speak differently, but in some way, everyone connects through this new language of abbreviations and acronyms. It's a way for us to be closer to one another, despite the miles that may separate us. The next time you're texting your best friend in California or chatting with your long-distance significant other, remember that while we might have different accents and vocabularies, you both know what it means when you type "LOL."

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Social Media Usage Is Greater Than Ever But Publishers Aren’t Making Much Of This Opportunity, New Study Proves

Today, the usage of social media is at its peak but it appears that publishers may not be making the most of the opportunity being presented in front of them.

Instead, we’re seeing competitors take the lead as confirmed in a new report that comes to us thanks to Echobox. The study highlights some crucial benchmarking information that arises from the world’s biggest apps.

The goal is to use such information and help publishers in comprehending how their individual reach on social media compares to other leading arch-rivals in the industry and how they can attain the best ROI.

Coming to the benchmarking data, there are nearly 4.5 billion individuals that use these platforms. And on record, this is what is giving publishers access to nearly 60% of the world's population. Moreover, the growth in social media has averaged 3% this year. So that means you’ve got even bigger and better chances to reach out to audiences.

The data provides key statistics for apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Echobox which takes pride in serving a whopping 1500 brands from all across the globe is now sharing data based on its analysis of social shares that it took part in.

Now, the authors of this report revealed how they’re on a mission to motivate readers to make use of global benchmarking information to comprehend how various apps perform in terms of driving traffic back into a website.

Comparisons are being used to optimize these strategies and better target such activity to enhance user engagements and rates from clicks. Moreover, it’s designed to attract newbies and better their relationships.

Remember, healthy activities like click-through patterns allow firms to make the most money by the huge social media audience at stake while channeling them to the page’s curated surrounding.

For Facebook, Echobox rated it as the single biggest social resource for firms in search of drive click via traffic. Today, this stands at 2 billion daily users and is close to reaching the 3 billion monthly active user figure. Moreover, the fact that it takes over the world’s 30% population is also a fact that can’t be missed.

Today, more than 3000 pages on the app are getting analyzed by hundreds of brands. And in just six months, the app has driven 3% of all the referral traffic.

Moving on to Meta’s other famous app Instagram boasts a whopping 2 billion users per month and continues to grow as we speak. Around 40% of users go to the app every week as per data published by Reuters’ Digital News Report. This proved how the app’s audience took in younger audience members than others.

When its referral traffic was analyzed, it showed how 200 pages of the app over six months drove 3.8% of referral traffic.

Coming to Twitter, keeping all of its controversies aside, the app is definitely a great tool for brands that wish to enhance their visibility. Similarly, it’s boosting its audience engagement, growing users, and producing efficient click-throughs.

Today, the number of users on the app who are monetizing is nearly 240 million and that’s a 16% rise from 2022 as per the earning report’s stats. And when an analysis of its pageview data was done, that showed a 6.7% referral traffic average.

Last but not least, LinkedIn has 1 billion users on its platform and publishers are making it a point to increase their presence on the app. And since most users are older in age, it makes increases the probability that they would pay for such content more than the usual lot.

Analysis of nearly 100 pages on the app proved how publishers gained 1.5% of social traffic from the platform.

So as you can see, the take-home message here is that analysis of how valuable your content is, be it social media reach, website traffic, or even producing advertising revenue, is the heart of your success. You need to plan, produce, and publish data that support’s your brand’s goals.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Apple CEO Tim Cook Doesn’t Want To See Children Glued To His Products As He Urges Parents To Control Screen Time

Apple CEO Tim Cook may be leading one of the world’s biggest tech firms but he is making one point very clear.

Cook mentioned today how pivotal it is for parents to keep a check on their kids’ screen time. Moreover, he revealed how the time has come to ensure they’re not glued to their screens because they were born as digital humans, in a period where digital technology is flourishing.

The Cupertino firm’s head stated the following through an incredibly long profile that was published recently in the latest version of the GQ magazine on Monday. Furthermore, he has requested parents to set tough rails regarding the matter before it gets out of hand.

The news is awfully interesting because Cook does not have any children of his own. But in the past, he did make it quite clear that he didn’t wish to witness his own nephew making use of social media. And if that was not enough, he sent out a warning with a reminder to schools that making use of technology at educational institutions needs to be done at a set limit.

During his interview, the leading iPhone-making firm’s CEO gave out suggestions about how his enterprise isn’t making heads turn by harnessing the likes of digital addiction. It has zero interest in seeing people use its products all of the time. And for that, they’ve not incentivized. Instead, they’re keen on providing the best tools so individuals don’t embark in that direction.

Cook mentioned how Apple today is keen on making goods that give people power, allow them to learn, and create products that they felt they could not.

Overall, it’s a unique skepticism related to the world of technology whose stronghold goes above and beyond the effects on just children.

In 2019, he even gave out a speech at Standford which happens to be the place where some of the world’s biggest technologists have arisen from. And that’s where he called out the institution for believing that the human ability for problem-solving has zero limits. But at the same time, it appears that we might have the potential to produce them.

The profile on GQ also shed light on how Cook was very wary of the current data-industrial ordeal. This happened to be mentioned as a leading number of firms today are profiting from the usage as well as the sales of users’ personal data.

Under Tim Cook’s tenure, the tech giant rolled out a leading number of privacy changes in 2021 that would soon prevent apps belonging to third parties from getting into the data owned by consumers. The only exception to the matter is if and when they ended up providing consent to the subject in question.

And for those that don’t know, Tim Cook isn’t addicted to technology either. He is seen prioritizing his own personal time by speaking it in the likes of nature as compared to being online all of the time.

The interview shed light on how Apple’s head does not tend to log in much at all, which is rare when you’ve got so many other tech founders doing the complete opposite- which is logging on so much that it’s deemed to be a pathology.

Instead, you’ll see Tim Cook cycling and hiking and being surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. And that according to him is the best gift you can give your mind, body, and soul.

Photo: GQ

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World