Are TikTok and Reddit Replacing Google?

For decades now, Google has been widely considered to be the first stop that you make when you start to surf the internet. This has given the tech juggernaut disproportionate power, with many criticizing it for acting as the arbiter for what people can find online and what ends up getting restricted. Few if any search engines have been able to compete with Google, but it turns out that its biggest threat might not be a stereotypical search engine at all.

While the search engine platform’s dominance is not going to dissipate anytime soon, since it still holds a 90% share of all search traffic, it is facing competition from the unlikeliest of sources: social media. That’s not to say that Facebook or Twitter are replacing it, but rather TikTok might be the platform that topples Google from its once secure throne.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that TikTok has taken the top spot from Google in terms of being the most popular domain on the web once before in 2021. Nowadays, 40% of Gen Z say that they prefer to make searches with platforms other than Google, and TikTok is emerging as a strong contender on that front.

This is leading to a state of crisis for Google because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up reducing its revenues. In the US, Google earned 67% of its total revenue from search engine advertising in 2016. Based on data provided by eMarketer, Google now receives just 54% of its overall revenues from the same source.

One could argue that this is a byproduct of Google trying to diversify its income streams, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the threat of TikTok is difficult to ignore. In an attempt to keep this decline at bay, Google is trying to incorporate AI into its search engines in order to make the results more accurate and informative than might have been the case otherwise.

Users are frustrated by the startling prevalence of spam on Google’s SERP, with genuine search results often coming after a series of ads that are often not marked all that clearly. This is leading some users to believe that Google is trying to trick them into clicking on ads with all things having been considered and taken into account.

Another contender for the top spot might be Wikipedia, with the free source of information already providing a powerful search engine that allows users to take a look at all sorts of knowledge with zero ads in the bargain. TikTok and Wikipedia are joined by Reddit, with some users even specifying Reddit in their search queries in order to get better quality results.

It has come to a point where the top ranked results on Google’s SERP are actually the least likely to provide value. They mostly consist of spam and scams, and there is very little usable information that users can glean. Other platforms offer a much better user experience, which might result in the age of Google coming to a close after years of being unassailable.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

70% of Americans Say Beauty Filters On Social Media Reduce Self Esteem

Social media has in many ways allowed us to present our best selves to the world, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, these portrayals are very rarely accurate representations of who we truly are. Most social media platforms have a visual focus tend to offer filters that can beautify you, but they might also have the disadvantage of propping up completely unrealistic beauty standards with all things having been considered and taken into account.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that StyleSeat recently conducted a survey that asked 700 participants how they felt about the existence of beauty filters offered by social media platforms and other apps. It turns out that 70% of Americans are of the opinion that these filters can have a detrimental impact on self esteem. 60% also indicated that they can be bad for mental health overall, which points to a glaring issue with the state of social media as it exists today.

An interesting thing to mention here is that there are gender based and also generational divides in terms of how beauty filters are perceived. For example, 78% of women saw them as having a negative impact on their self image and self esteem, whereas just 59% of men said the same.

From a generational point of view, Gen Z was the most likely to indicate that they don’t like the way beauty filters make them feel uglier than they actually happen to be. As many as 72% of Gen Z agreed with this statement, with 67% of Millennials also saying the same.

On the other end of the spectrum, older generations were less likely to be aware of the negative affects of beauty filters than might have been the case otherwise. While 54% of Gen X stated that beauty filters can lead to poor mental health, just 32% of Baby Boomers felt the same way.

Members of the Baby Boomer generation are usually not cognizant of the pitfalls of modern tech because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up escaping their mental grasp. This might be why they don’t see an issue with how these filters can completely alter your physical appearance and encourage the adoption of beauty standards that are harmful to say the least.

These survey participants answered questions in the poll after using TikTok’s notorious Bold Glamour filter, which is arguably the most detrimental beauty filter of all. It is especially risky since it uses machine learning to constantly improve, which makes it harder to tell where the filter is propping up your looks. The lack of glitches may make for a seamless experience, but it can also lead people to believe that they are simply not attractive enough.

Social media platforms have a responsibility to solve at least some of the challenges that they have helped create. They can smooth out blemishes in one’s skin, alter the appearance of your eyebrows and even artificially lengthen eyelashes. The lack of skin whitening features make it even more nefarious, since the alterations it makes are less apparent and the subtlety might be the key to how dangerous the filter is.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Hackers Are Using Special AI To Produce Malicious Software And Deceptive Phishing Emails

A new alert by one of Canada’s leading cybersecurity professionals is shedding light on the use of special AI to spread mischief online.

Think along the lines of hackers using AI technology to design software that is malicious and can produce phishing emails along the way. Furthermore, we’re seeing the massive wave of disinformation being spread online through such means, he explained.

The report by Reuters is really making one realize that the tech sector is being attacked by cybercriminals who have found an easy way out to achieve their tasks by abusing AI for gains.

One interview that was launched this past week had the lead for Canada’s Cyber Security Center mention how his agency alone saw AI getting abused in various activities like the making of phishing scams in emails and adding malicious codes to various endeavors.

While there is yet to be any form of proof of examples provided, the assertion coming this way shows how cybercriminals are really causing massive concern with this use through actors.

In the past few months, we saw a number of cyber watchdogs explain through reports that there was a hypothetical risk for AI through LLMs that took on massive amounts of text to devise documents and other concerning paperwork.

Then in March of this year, a police firm in the European region released shocking documentation that proved how ChatGPT was enabling fraudsters to carry out impersonation in a real manner, despite being poor in English.

At the same time, another cybersecurity body in the UK announced how it was seeing a surge in crimes related to large language models who assisted in carrying out cyber attacks that were beyond what many felt they were capable of doing.

So many researchers are also raising the alarm about how they’re seeing a rise in such crimes and most of them are produced using AI technology. It’s sad to see language models getting trained on malware and it is ordered to draft out material that can easily trick another into doing things like lending money,

Things like requests for assistance to better solve the matter were talked about and how a proper solution needs to come into play before it’s too late.

For now, AI technology being used for purposes such as code drafting is in the initial stage but that does not mean such criminal activities are not picking up the pace as we speak, and that’s concerning for obvious reasons.

Read next: Malvertising Menace: Cyber Crooks' Sneaky Search Results Scheme!
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Cracking the Code: Assessing the Power of Social Media Ads

In the fast-paced digital world, social media has evolved into more than just a broadcast platform—it has become a thriving community where brands can forge genuine connections with their customers. The potential for brands to connect with consumers on social media is immense, but the challenge lies in standing out amidst the sea of advertisements inundating our feeds.

This article delves into the strategies that can help brands optimize their social media presence to inspire and engage their target audience. Let's explore some key insights:

The Growing Influence of Social Media

A staggering 94% of consumers regularly engage with social media platforms, offering brands an incredible opportunity to reach a vast audience. On average, consumers spend 37% of their online time on social media, making it a prime channel for connecting with potential customers.

Moreover, social media is increasingly becoming a hub for product discovery. Since the first quarter of 2020, the number of consumers discovering new brands and products through social media advertising has grown by 9%. Merely one percentage point separated it from being outperformed by advertisements on music streaming services.

The Rising Influence of Social Media on Gen Z and Product Research

Nearly 30% of Gen Z view social media as a source of inspiration, valuing the platform's ability to deliver inspiration rather than mere information. This generation increasingly turns to TikTok over Google for answers related to finances, travel, and beauty trends. With search engines and social media competing closely (50% vs. 45%) for product research dominance, brands should be attuned to this evolving consumer behavior in planning their social ad campaigns.

Gen Z Prefers Social Networks

Gen Z favors social networks over search engines, with 50% relying on them for product research compared to 45% for search. Millennials are not far behind in this trend.

In regions like Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, consumers show a strong preference for discovering new products and brands through social media ads, at rates of 37% and 38%, respectively.

Tailoring Social Ads for Success

Each social media platform attracts different generations and users, so brands must understand their audience and tailor content accordingly. Humor is a key element that resonates with younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while Twitter users prefer informative content.

Catering to Generational Preferences

Different generations have distinct preferences for social media advertising. Younger consumers desire a youthful vibe, while older generations value reliability, tradition, and authenticity in brand messages. Understanding these preferences is vital for crafting effective social media campaigns.

Navigating Personalization and Privacy

Personalized ads can be a double-edged sword. While over 6 in 10 consumers find personalized product recommendations helpful, just over half feel that targeted ads are intrusive.

Approximately one-third of individuals find personalized advertisements related to apparel and footwear valuable. However, their enthusiasm significantly wanes when it comes to housing and utilities, with only 9% expressing interest.

Adapting to Social Media's Ever-Changing Landscape

The social media landscape is dynamic, with trends and algorithms constantly evolving. Influencer marketing, once highly effective, has faced challenges due to de-influencing and authenticity concerns.

Initially, consumers relied on influencers for genuine brand and product endorsements. However, over time, authenticity has waned, with some influencers facing criticism for promoting products they don't genuinely use. Moreover, complaints have arisen regarding the lack of disclosure for paid social media ads, leaving consumers uncertain about whom or what to trust.

Moreover, algorithm changes on platforms like Instagram can impact creators' visibility, requiring brands to stay informed and agile in their approach.

In conclusion, brands must understand their target audience, choose the right platform, and adapt their content to remain relevant and engaging.

H/T: GWI

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by Syeda Maleeka Zehra via Digital Information World

Microsoft All Set To Expand Its Bing Chat Further To Other Browsers Including Firefox, Safari, And Chrome

A few weeks back, we saw the CEO of Bing announce how the company was paving the way for the launch of Bing Chat across different browsers.

In case you were not already aware, Bing is currently available only on Microsoft Edge but that’s about to change very soon.

We are literally just weeks away from the much-anticipated rollout, the CEO confirmed through Twitter and that means gaining access to the chatbot through any browser may now be made so much simpler.

When questioned about whether the tool was coming to all third-party browsers, Mikhail Parakhin confirmed yes but at the moment, it’s all in the testing phase. Clearly, it’s a really smart move on the part of Microsoft because being restricted to a single browser like Microsoft Edge means less usage. But an overall expansion across the board means paving the way to much more use.

Before this Twitter post by Microsoft’s CEO, we heard some speculations being made by viewers on Reddit but the news was only confirmed by the computational giant a few days back.

Third-party browsers such as Google’s Chrome and Apple’s Safari are definitely used a lot more frequently than Edge by Microsoft. The latter was launched a whopping 14 years back, around 2009, but it clearly struggled to compete against industry giants like Chrome and Safari. The former holds a whopping 85% share of the total browser market, just to put things into perspective, making it the number one choice for all.

But it must be noted that while Bing was solely limited to use on Microsoft Edge, people did find alternate means to use the powerful AI tool on other browsing platforms but now, they won’t be required to do that with this breakthrough change.

Read next: Microsoft's Mischievous Move: Bing AI Meets Google Chrome (Sort Of)
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Latest Beta Update for Android 2.23.15.18 Brings Exciting Feature: Introducing Message Reactions for Channels

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is continuously evolving to enhance user experience and introduce new features. In its latest update, version 2.23.15.18, rolled out through the Google Play Beta Program, WhatsApp is working on an exciting addition - the message reaction feature for channels.

Previously, WhatsApp introduced the text reaction feature for community groups. It allows users to express their reactions to texts posted within community announcement groups without disclosing their contact information to other members. Building on the success of this feature in communities, WhatsApp is now extending it to channels.

Upon examining the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.15.18 update, users can notice the addition of a novel section labeled "Channel settings." This section grants channel admins the ability to control various options for their channels, including reactions. With this feature, channel admins will be able to control which reactions followers can send to the channel.

The introduction of text reactions for channels was somewhat anticipated, considering its successful implementation in community announcement groups. However, the discovery of the "Channel settings" section provides additional proof that WhatsApp intends to add this function to channels.

This upcoming feature is seen as a useful addition in specific scenarios. In certain contexts, maintaining a particular degree of sobriety is crucial, and allowing certain emojis to be used on particular messages may cause inconvenience or annoyance to channel followers. To address this, WhatsApp is incorporating an option labeled "Default only," which forbids the utilization of any emoji other than the default one. This choice seeks to avoid confusion and promote a more focused discussion within channels.

Acknowledging that this option may restrict the plethora of emojis that can be employed, WhatsApp also gives channel admins the flexibility to toggle on the "any emoji" button. This way, channel managers can customize the level of interaction and expression allowed within their channels, providing a more personalized experience for their audience.

Moreover, WhatsApp offers channel admins the option to completely disable reactions for their channels, giving them full control over the interaction dynamics within their communities.

The message reaction feature for channels is currently under development, and WhatsApp plans to launch it in a future app update. As more details emerge, WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp news, will continue to provide updates on this exciting development.

For the latest news and updates on WhatsApp, make sure to follow WABetaInfo on Twitter. Stay informed about other new features coming to WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

In conclusion, WhatsApp's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is evident in its efforts to bring the message reaction feature to channels. This addition aims to enhance user engagement and communication while allowing channel admins to tailor the experience to their specific requirements. As users eagerly await the official release, WhatsApp enthusiasts can look forward to further updates and announcements from WABetaInfo, keeping them in the loop about the latest developments in the world of WhatsApp.

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by Syeda Maleeka Zehra via Digital Information World

Stealth Mode Activated: Twitter Blue Users On Web Can Soon Keep Their Blue Checkmark Under Wraps!

In a notable escalation of experimentation, Twitter is currently intensifying trials of an innovative profile personalization option exclusively available to Twitter Blue members. This new feature enables users to discreetly mask the blue verification badge on their profile, a prominent characteristic associated with the Twitter Blue subscription plan.

The development of this feature has been in progress for several weeks, and recent indications suggest that testing is intensifying. Lucas, a highly engaged contributor on the platform, stumbled upon the proof of the novel function while navigating Twitter on the web. The evidence pointed to a new segment known as "Profile Customization." There, the users can make adjustments to their profiles by choosing to hide various elements, such as their likes, subscriptions, and the infamous blue checkmarks.

#Twitter is working on the "Hide your checkmark" toggle for the web app! pic.twitter.com/AAjvBy6fAL

— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) July 20, 2023

On Twitter, the blue checkmark has garnered both attention and jest, with some individuals humorously poking fun at Twitter Blue members who paid for the subscription just to acquire the hard-to-get blue checkmark. However, the new toggle, set to release in the near future, may change the dynamics. By permitting people to subscribe to Twitter Blue in an anonymous manner, it enables them to discreetly access the subscription's perks without drawing attention from others. The only exemption is when they utilize facilities like tweet editing or lengthy posts, which will still reveal their Twitter Blue status.

The blue checkmark has long been recognized as an exclusive symbol of Twitter Blue. Furthermore, it aligns with Twitter's Chief Technology Officer, Elon Musk, strategy to combat fraudulent activity and bots on the platform while establishing a long-term business model. Previously, the blue checkmark was reserved for notable individuals. But with the introduction of Twitter Blue's $8 monthly subscription plan, any subscriber can apply for verification.

Beyond the coveted blue checkmark, the Twitter Blue subscription offers additional advantages. Subscribers gain the opportunity to make changes in their tweets for up to 60 minutes after posting, enjoy higher prioritization in conversations and search results, and access in-app customization options for the navigation panel and icon, among other benefits.

As Twitter continues to fine-tune its features, the Profile Customization option is poised to become a noteworthy addition, providing users with more control over their public image and social presence. With the forthcoming rollout of this feature, Twitter aims to strike a balance between user privacy and enhanced functionality within its subscription service.

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by Syeda Maleeka Zehra via Digital Information World