Businesses Are Making an Average $33 Million Digital Investment Over Next Year

The economic woes that are gripping the world do not seem like they will be going away anytime soon, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, businesses appear to be undeterred when it comes to digital investment. The tech industry was recently rocked by massive layoffs that left tens of thousands of tech workers without a job, yet this has not stopped businesses around the world from investing into digital assets as and when possible.

Around 600 heads of IT departments were surveyed by Couchbase in order to understand what their thoughts are on the matter at hand. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that they are each planning to invest $33 million on average over the next 12 months or so. 78% of the people that responded to this survey stated that they have been forced to reprioritize their investments due to the events of the past three years.

54% claimed that most of these priority adjustments were a direct reaction to how things were going in markets around the world. Customer preferences are influencing these changes to no end, and marketers are trying to streamline things by basing decisions around how their preferences are evolving.

As new tech emerges, business feel the pressure to hop on the bandwagon because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up preventing them from getting left behind. Oftentimes, businesses are not fully aware of the consequences of adopting various forms of tech.

The rise of Large Language Models is bound to be an enormous influence on the type of digital investments businesses make. It seems like a much more robust trend than Web3, which was previously being hailed as the way of the future. It will be interesting to see what the aftermath of these investments look like, since they could pave the way for a completely different world of tomorrow. Customers are coming to expect tech fueled performance from businesses which may further exacerbate the trend in the future.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

This New Report Reveals the World’s Divided Opinions on AI

AI is likely going to be the single biggest tech trend in recent memory, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, different countries tend to have their own views on whether it is a positive force or a risk. The Lloyd’s Register Foundation revealed how 121 countries feel about the matter at hand, and it seems like East Asia tends to view AI more favorably than might have been the case otherwise.

The way the research worked is that countries received points based on how they perceived AI with all things having been considered and taken into account. A score of lower than 1 point meant that the outlook was mostly negative, whereas anything higher than a 1 indicated that the country in question was actually rather hopeful about what AI can do for them.

On average, East Asian countries received a ratio of approximately 4.4. Coming in second was Northern and Western Europe with a ratio of 1.8, followed by Australia and New Zealand with 1.7. Eastern Europe and Southern Europe rounded off the top five list with 1.4 and 1.3 apiece.

On the other end of the spectrum, Africa turned out to be the most pessimistic region of all in terms of AI. Eastern Africa occupied the very bottom of this list with a ratio of 0.4, indicating that most of the people living there feel like AI will do more harm than good. Southern Africa did not fare much better with a ratio of 0.6, with North and Central/Western Africa receiving ratios of 0.7 and 0.8 each.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that these are not the only regions whose ratios were lower than 1. South Asia and Latin America, which also includes the Caribbeans, had ratios of 0.9 each, thereby showing that AI outlook remains pessimistic in the less developed parts of the world.

There are a bunch of factors that might be influencing people’s perceptions in this regard. Having access to the internet obviously had an impact, with 44% of internet users saying that AI will be positive as compared to just 28% of people that don’t have internet access who said the same.

Religious affiliation also had a surprisingly significant affect on the findings. 48% of people that did not think religion was important said that AI will be a good thing for the world, versus 32% of religious individuals that agreed.

AI has the potential to completely and irrevocably alter the fabric of our society. Hence, its outlook is contingent on whether or not people want to maintain the status quo.

H/T: Lloyd’s Register Foundation / Visualcapitalist

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

The Future Outlook for Mobile Apps and Changes in Revenue Trends

The sky is the limit for the future of mobile apps market, as data predicts $189 billion in installs and $186 billion in revenue generation by the end of 2027. The incredible heights that mobile banking apps will reach in the future show the astounding potential for the banking industry. But more surprising is the entrance of a new giant player as Brazil takes over the United States and China in market size.

The yearly increase in growth for user spending is around 8.4% compounded. The unprecedented growth in user spending is likely to profit 50% in the generation of revenue in comparison to 2022, as it only had a total $124 billion revenue inflow.

App Store and Google Play are the 2 major players in the leap of growth for the mobile banking app sector. However, the App Store is expected to lead in the wave of economic trajectory revolution due to its comprehensive ecosystem of usage and user base, making it the true force behind the formation of the banking app empire. The key for the App Store to exert its dominance and reach unparalleled heights is to stay on the path to satisfy the customers' trends, enhance users' experiences, and develop pleasant and ingenious apps that function positively for the customers.

In recent years, mobile games have led the path for the most revenue generation. However, the categories related to entertainment media recently, particularly videos and photos, have taken over as the trend is shifted towards itself, surpassing mobile games in the race for more significant revenue. There are also reports of a decline in revenue generation by mobile games, from 58% in 2022 to 47% in 2027. This shows a major change in customer preference as now people prefer the source of entertainment through photos and videos rather than mobile games.

The most prominent reason why the trends of mobile games, being the public preference, shifted towards videos and photos is due to the impact of massively famous social media apps like TikTok. The format of TikTok, which is short videos in the form of reels, has put a spell on people being more and more engaged in viewing videos than any other source of entertainment.

In the coming years, Brazil will likely replace US and China regarding the market size. Additionally, Pakistan will climb to 8th by 2027, showing its dominance, potential, and influence in market sizeability. But for China, the news isn’t that good as it will fall to 8th place from its current position at 5th place in terms of having the most installs in the global market.

Mega App enterprises and other social media platform owners must keep an open eye on the shifting trends that will be happening in the following years so they can be ready with practical strategies to implement them right away and maximize their revenue.

H/T: Sensor Tower

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by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

Threads App's EU Odyssey: A Tale of Patience and Promise

The much-anticipated Threads app by Meta, a Twitter-like platform, is causing quite a stir worldwide, with one big exception: it is not yet available in the European Union (EU). Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri admitted bluntly that EU residents might have to wait many months to get their hands on the app owing to EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) restrictions.

The DMA seeks to protect user rights, maintain data management, and prevent digital behemoths from monopolizing the market. While the statute primarily targets Google and Apple, Meta has also been included since Threads is an extension of Instagram. As a result, before launching Threads in the EU, Meta must guarantee that it complies with all requirements.

Meta's Threads app, like a prized possession, is still out of reach for EU residents. Blame it on the strict EU Digital Markets Act, which was meant to protect user privacy and limit the competitive preferences of internet behemoths. While Meta works hard to meet all regulatory requirements, Adam Mosseri recognizes that the wait may be long.

Adam Mosseri stressed the team's attempts to become less US-centric and comply with future 2024 legislation, but the process would take time. This implies that certain EU users who previously used VPN to access Threads can no longer do so since Meta has put a stop to it.



Despite these obstacles, Threads is growing in other places, with 150 million users. However, the app's early buzz has worn down, with fewer daily active users and less time spent on it since its release. The app is still under development, and engagement may vary when Meta adds more features like a follow feed, a desktop version, and enhanced suggestions. Mosseri recognizes the app's potential, highlighting the need for follow feeds, a desktop version, and improved suggestions to level the playing field.

Although particular data is unavailable, Adam Mosseri stated that Threads' retention and engagement exceeded expectations. While it is too soon to draw solid conclusions, it is clear that the app's popularity represents a promising start for Meta.

Finally, while EU residents will have to wait patiently for Threads to become available, Meta's commitment to comply with legislation is admirable. Threads' outstanding user base and early engagement levels indicate promise, and as Meta adds necessary functionality, it is expected to become a formidable player in the social media world. For now, EU users may have to rely on Twitter, but the future of Threads is bright and exciting.

Read next: To Join Threads, Anticipate These Potential Risks on Your User Data
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Gamers on a Midnight Quest for WiFi: The Wild World of Video Game Addiction

In an odd and amusing twist, teenage gamers hooked to video games are going to extreme measures, such as running away from home in the middle of the night, all in search of that elusive internet connection. Yes, you read that correctly!

An expert from a UK facility that specializes in treating video game addiction shared some incredible stories. Despite its initial goal of serving approximately 50 individuals each year, the clinic has received over 850 referrals since its beginning in 2020. Who'd have imagined gaming could get so out of han?

The National Centre for Gaming Disorders' director, Henrietta Bowden-Jones, spilled the beans in a first-person story for The Guardian. She told heartbreaking anecdotes about youngsters seeking WiFi on odd doorsteps after their parents dared to disconnect their internet connection. It's like a real-life video game adventure, except without the dragons!

But wait, there's more! Some children claimed that they would sooner die than give up gaming. Talk about commitment! Unfortunately, the fury of gaming confrontations frequently results in shattered items and sometimes hurts gamers. Who knew pixels could be so destructive?

The title for this strange ailment is Internet Gaming Disorder, characterized by nine symptoms, such as losing interest in non-gaming activities and exploiting the digital world to avoid bad feelings. Sounds like a digital disaster waiting to happen!

To make matters worse, several games now include loot boxes, essentially surprise presents purchased with real money or in-game cash. Some are excessively expensive, such as an in-game axe that costs $178! Talk about a failed virtual buying spree.

With games devouring their cash, some youngsters turn to borrowing or even stealing money to support their gaming addiction. It's no surprise that Dr. Bowden-Jones noticed a link between video game spending and home instability.

The main question now is whether these prize boxes are gambling. The UK government has yet to make a decision, while other nations have taken stringent measures to protect young gamers. But rest assured, "almost no one" treated by the clinic showed signs of gaming and gambling disorders—so there's some hope.

Young patients at the clinic appear to be more interested in competing and mastering the games than in winning the lottery. It's all about the rush of success and the joy of progressing! While gaming may be a great entertainment and social connection source, overuse can have significant effects.

As the gaming world expands, it's critical to strike a balance between enjoying the virtual universe and remaining anchored in reality. The facility handles everyone from children to a grandmother in her seventies. It appears that gaming has no age limits.

So, the next time you see a youngster prowling outside your door in the middle of the night clutching a gaming controller, it may be a heroic quest for WiFi! Gaming may be an exciting experience, but let's hope we don't become engrossed in its virtual environment. Happy gaming, and please play responsibly!

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

ChatGPT Chronicles: A Hilarious AI Banter Blitz!

With so much chanting on the internet, ChatGPT is making its way into the news as usual. According to a new diverting investigation, people have been tapping into their inventiveness and humor when speaking using ChatGPT, the talkative language model. The bright guys at Semrush, who enjoy crunching data, examined 5,054 talks to unravel the secrets of human purpose and behavior in these AI encounters.

Semrush began the data dance by gathering publicly posted links to genuine ChatGPT interactions in May and June. They got their hands on this treasure trove courtesy of Datos, a worldwide behavior data supplier that acts as a virtual library.

This is when it gets interesting! Creating a prompt for ChatGPT is similar to doing word gymnastics. Some prefer short and quick explanations, while others channel their inner Shakespeare with lengthy descriptions filled with action-packed verbs and exciting nouns. It's as if they're casting a spell on the AI, hoping to discover the mysteries of the cosmos!

In these digital dialogues, users typically exchange eight messages. But wait, the narrative thickens—the most typical ChatGPT conversation duration is three messages. It's a short and sweet fight vs. lengthy and extravagant, and we're ready for it!

The crown jewel, ladies and gentlemen, was a massive 692-message discourse centered on the intriguing area of financial risk management. Move over, binge-worthy TV series, because we've got a true drama going on right here in the discussion!

Most preferred to ride the elevator to the top level with their questions, keeping them quick and sharp. The average message length, often known as the middle child, is only 15 words. But, hey, some people enjoy taking the scenic road, which raises the average to 86 words. After all, why be ordinary when you can be extravagant?

Did you also know? These internet conversations include a hidden society! Links appear in around 16% of ChatGPT talks. But hold your horses; just 6% of users utilize plug-ins to access additional features. Those plug-ins come with an exclusive ChatGPT Plus account—indeed, VIP service!

Undoubtedly, it is getting attractive as the layers take off. Let's take a look at the intriguing world of conversation starters. The magical words "write," "make," "create," and "provide" open the door to ChatGPT's AI world. It's like a secret password to get past a club's bouncer. You're in if you can demonstrate your writing prowess!

But hold on; there's more to the story! The specified actions and words are like an all-you-can-eat buffet of data and information. Users use their word wands to cast spells, such as writing code, making tables, and providing examples. Move over, novelists: these people are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for their programming and business management needs!

And prepare yourself: 64% of the time, the subjects mentioned were all about programming, as though wizards were approaching the AI oracle for coding assistance. Social media, information retrieval, business management, AI, and machine learning were all invited to the ChatGPT party.

And the icing on the cake? ChatGPT is being used for more than simply monotonous activities. They've used this virtual assistant like a pro. They are managers, specialists, and LEADERS! By taking on these roles, they unleash answer accuracy and relevance and ultimately dominate the game of human-chatterbot bonding.

So there you have it, the odd and intriguing world of ChatGPT discussions. People are discovering new methods to express their intents and want, from short and quick to extensive and expensive. You're invited to a virtual party! So go ahead and join the club and talk to ChatGPT—you might be amazed at what you learn.

Read next: 86% of Consumers Are Willing to Share Their Email Address, Here’s Why That Matters
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Here Are the 5 Most Stressed Cities in the US

It seems like there is a new cause for stress every day for people living across the US, with inflation, rampant rises in crime and many other problems coming to the fore. The team over at WalletHub recently analyzed 180 American cities because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up revealing which ones provide the most stressful lifestyle for its inhabitants.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Cleveland had the dubious honor of occupying the very bottom of the list. Not only does it have the highest divorce rate of the entire US, but it also has the second highest rate of poverty.

This makes life in Cleveland far more stressful than might have been the case otherwise, with inhabitants of this urban agglomeration also receiving the second least hours of sleep on a nightly basis. Cleveland received a total score of 62.62, which is the highest score in a list where lower scores were much preferered.

In terms of poverty and average sleep hours, Cleveland was second only to Detroit. Hence, it stands to reason that this manufacturing hub in Michigan will occupy the second worst ranking on this list with all things having been considered and taken into account. Detroit received a total score of 57.75.

Baltimore came in third, with the crime ridden city becoming famous for its drug wars and gang violence. This gave it a score of 57.43. Alabama and Philadelphia rounded off the top five list, occupying 4th and 5th places respectively. Their scores were 57.11 and 55.29.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, not everything boils down to crime. For example, the nation’s capital of Washington DC ended up ranking the highest in terms of the level of work stress that the people living there have to endure. Chicago was the second worst society when it came to how much work stress you might experience, with New York City occupying third place in this regard.

If we were to take a look at the specific type of stress that comes from family environments, Fresno, California came out on top. It was followed by North Las Vegas in second place, with Cleveland, Ohio getting ranked third.

As for the opposite end of the spectrum, namely cities that provided the best quality of life and the lowest levels of stress of all, South Burlington in Vermont got the highest ranking of all. It received a very low score of 23.43. Fremont in California also did quite well, with a total score of 27.04. Overland Park in the state of Kansas came in it a close third with 27.83.

Coming in at number 4 was Fargo, North Dakota. Its score of 28.6 reveals just how little stress people there experience as compared to other cities across the US. Lincoln, Nebrasks was ranked fifth, with a score of 29.63. It bears mentioning that the city that elected Bernie Sanders as mayor, Burlington, Vermont, occupied 6th place with a score of 29.69. No other city in the US was able to manage a score of under 30.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World