Gen Z Will Nearly Equal Millennials on Social Media by 2027

Gen Z is the fastest grown generation in the world in terms of technology adoption, but they are still at a relatively early stage of their journey. As of 2023, there are approximately 68.5 million millennials hailing from the US on social media, with around 56.4 million Gen Z. As for other generations, there are about 51.8 million Gen X on social media, and 36.9 million baby boomers with all things having been considered and taken into account.

However, it turns out that Gen Z will rapidly close the gap over the next few years. Millennial users are more or less stagnating, whereas Gen Z are growing by leaps and bounds. It is estimated that there will be 69.7 million Millennials on social media by 2027, and 65.8 million Gen Z. This just goes to show that Gen Z will nearly equal the number of Millennials on social media. Together, they will comprise over half of all social media users by 2027.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Gen X and Baby Boomer users are going to decline in this same period. The former will decrease to 50.1 million by 2027, with just 34.4 million Baby Boomers on social media by 2027.

As Gen Z reaches the age of adulthood and adopts more apps, their presence will become more pronounced than might have been the case otherwise. Apps that cater to Gen Z are set to win big because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing them to capitalize on the most valuable generation of all.

TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are the three most popular apps for Gen Z. Meanwhile, Reddit is currently the domain of Millennials who compose around 40% of its overall userbase. They also have a small foothold in TikTok, though it is far smaller than that of Gen Z. Facebook and X, which is the new name for Twitter, are set to see both generations depart from their platforms in the next few years.

H/T: InsiderIntelligence

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

New Study Reveals Critical Thinking is More Effective at Combating Misinformation Than Censorship

The battle against misinformation has been ongoing for quite some time now. For all of its benefits, the internet has also made it considerably easier for misinformation to spread around the world. Social media platforms are also a major culprit in this trend, and many platforms have tried to combat accounts that spread information through some form of censorship. They act by either banning the accounts or removing the information in question.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that new research has arisen which revealed that this might not be the best approach. According to a study conducted by experts working out of Michigan State University, a far better way to combat misinformation would be to inculcate critical thinking skills over a period of years.

As AI continues to progress and become ever more advanced, it will be imperative to figure out ways to keep misinformation at bay. Censorship does not have the desired effect because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up lending credence to the notion that the truth is being stifled. Critical thinking skills, on the other hand, make it so that the person in question can draw their own conclusions based on whatever seems most likely.

Teaching critical thinking skills also proved to be more effective than counter campaigns, which involves the spreading of information that can counter misinformation with all things having been considered and taken into account. With 10% of the population currently believing in some form of misinformation or another, policy makers can’t waste any time.

It is absolutely imperative that these skills be taught at a very young age since this will make critical thinking more ingrained than might have been the case otherwise. Eventually, people will be able to draw their own conclusions without anyone being able to claim that their voices were stifled. This might also align with the freedom of speech push coming from individuals like Elon Musk among others in the tech industry.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

38% of Parents Worry Their Kids Don't Understand Money

Over a third of parents, 38% to be exact, are concerned about their children having no knowledge or understanding of the importance of the dollar in the financial economy.

The results of a OnePoll survey for BOK Financial, conducted on 2000 parents with children between the ages of 5 and 17, stressed the importance of educating their children about finances at a young age. 82% of the respondents concurred that financial accountability begins at home.

The parents claimed that most responsibility regarding money starts at age 15. Therefore, 85% of the respondents believe that parents must educate their kids on the worth of the dollar currency, along with ways of managing their money. They believe it is essential to do so when their children are young so that they do not struggle with their finances once they become teens and later enter adulthood.

Additionally, 82% of the respondents believe that schools should step in and educate their children about financial skills and managing their money.

However, results also showed that about 29% of the respondents believe that their children are not taught about financial education in school enough.

To tackle this lack of financial knowledge, 62% of the parents decided to educate their children on ways to save money by introducing them to the concept of a piggy bank or a money jar. They gave their children allowances to teach them about budgeting.

More than half of the respondents, 57% of them, taught their kids how to manage their money by shopping, making them weigh up the differences in prices of various products or about 51% of them sat down with their children to help them understand finances better.

The survey results also revealed that, on average, the respondent believes that an individual must have proper and complete financial knowledge once they become 22 years old.

Consumer product strategy manager from BOK, Leasa Melton, believed that parents would leave everything up to luck if they weren't deliberate about giving their children financial knowledge. Knowing that financial stability is crucial in aiding an individual’s overall well-being in the long run, such steps taken by parents could be lasting and highly impactful. She further elaborated that teaching kids ways to simply budget can encourage problem-solving and thinking skills and develop their discipline.

84% of the respondents revealed that teenage high school students earning is a crucial part of their learning journey when it comes to being responsible about their finances.

More than half of the respondents, 51% of them, revealed to have children who were already working and earning money by exploring gigs such as selling their baked goods or lemonade stalls (63%) or selling handcrafted products. 57% of the respondents claimed that their children earned money through their weekly allowance. 42% of the respondents claimed that their children earned through their social media accounts.

Parents believe that setting up such a positive example regarding finances can be influential in helping their children become better with their money-spending habits as often, they grow up to have similar financial habits as their parents. 64% of the parents have made it essential that their kids have more financial stability than they did when they were their age by saving some money for them.

On average, parents have around $14,000 saved in their children’s names. 56% of the respondents already have a bank account made for their kid, but 28% do not and claim that they may regret it later in life. 79% of parents with no bank accounts for their kids claimed to wish they had one opened sooner.

Melton further encouraged parents that the sooner they educate their children about finances and open up their bank accounts, the better it will be for both the parent and the child. Teaching them how to save, spend, and budget very early on in life, answering their questions on how to spend money, and letting them practice those financial skills is crucial to help them grow financially stable.

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by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

Google Claims Human Oversight is Necessary for the AI Revolution

The rise of ChatGPT is leading many to conclude that we are living in the midst of an AI revolution, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, there are many moving parts that have their own unexpected consequences. With powerful AI allowing people to create all sorts of content far more easily than might have been the case otherwise, companies like Google are urging the world to recognize the importance of human oversight.

This comes from Google’s own search liaison, Danny Sullivan, who took to Twitter after appearing at the Google Search Central live event which was hosted in the city of San Francisco. According to Sullivan, AI generated content has an assortment of issues that can be rather difficult to predict. Sullivan and Google itself believe that human oversight will end up becoming a necessary part of the equation moving forward with all things having been considered and taken into account.

One of the many things Sullivan was attempting to do here was to clarify one of the statements he had made over the course of his speaking engagement at the Google Search Central Live event. Some questioned his statement that AI can generate content that is on par with some of the greatest experts in the world, including those that hold doctorates in their respective fields.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Sullivan wasn’t exactly saying that AI has surpassed human beings in every single way conceivable. Rather, he was simply trying to assert that AI has the potential to reach this level of advancement in the future, but until that day comes, human oversight will continue to be important for it.

Creating a culture of human oversight is useful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping some of the harmful side effects of AI generated content at bay. It can create misinformation and false narratives, which is why real people need to be enlisted to keep the information as accurate as possible.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Decoding YouTube's Secrets: An Insider's Guide to Winning the Algorithm Game

Do you run a YouTube channel and want to increase your subscribers, likes, and views? Do you want to know the secret ingredient of keeping the YouTube game strong? Then, my friend, you are just at the right place. Hold on to your smartphones because Rene Ritchie, YouTube's Creator Liaison, will reveal what makes those YouTube gears turn! Prepare to take a peak behind the curtain as we explore the world of YouTube's algorithm and its ever-changing game.

The algorithm is no longer the all-powerful magician of the YouTube domain. Let's dispel those rumors, shall we? Ritchie sets the record straight: it's not simply the algorithm at work. No, the dynamic partnership shapes the program between the producers and the audience. The algorithm? It's just the backstage crew responding to the audience's applause.

Picture this: You're a video creator and just hit gold with a viral masterpiece. Applause, applause! You're basking in the glory. But wait, what is it? When a video stumbles, does the algorithm become the villain? "Hold up, folks - let us give credit where credit is due," Ritchie says.

Remember the good ol' days when you used to tell stories? Storytelling has taken on new life in the age of swipes and scrolls. According to Ritchie, editors are the hidden superstars, generating stories that catch your interest faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. No more slow-burn starts; it's all about launching directly into the action. Imagine creating a movie with the climax – that's the YouTube way!

Time to ditch those yawns and snoozes. YouTubers are experts at pulling you in from the start, with viewers clicking away faster than a magician's disappearing trick. It's like starting a roller coaster with a loop-de-loop - no time to waste, fasten your seatbelts!

But here's the kicker: adaptability. Ritchie is raising the change flag, encouraging creators to be chameleons. Maintain those formats, viewpoints, and materials buzzing like a bee at a picnic. Are you staying in your lane? Absolutely. But throwing a curveball now and then? Priceless.

And let's talk suspense – cliffhangers, folks! YouTube creators are delving into the world of cliffhangers, much like your favorite TV program. Leave them hanging, demanding more, and they'll return for the next episode without popcorn.

The game's name is premium content; it's like ordering the chef's special instead of the usual. High-quality cinematic experiences will leave you speechless. It's the YouTube equivalent of a big-screen movie night.

Now, here's the secret recipe for success, served hot and fresh:

First Impressions Rule: stick to the first impression rule and understand the importance of making content that hooks your viewers at first glance. Grab your audience's attention like a magician's grand finale – make those opening moments count.

Audience Is Everything: make a list of the audience you want to target; now, shortlist their areas of interest and things they can relate to. Forget the vanity metrics – analyze your crowd, tailor your content, and watch those views soar.

The Great Repackage: While loyal to your vibe, sprinkle some magic dust and repackage videos to attract a more extensive fan base.

Surprise, Surprise!: Overdeliver, precisely like a magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat - exceed their expectations.

Cliffhangers, Anyone?: With tempting hints between episodes, you can keep them returning for more.

Lights, Camera, Action!: Amp up the production value – viewers want more than just a YouTube video; they want a cinematic adventure.

So, fellow video makers, there you have it - the inside scoop straight from the YouTube master himself. One thing remains consistent as platforms and technology evolve: the charm of narrative. So, take your wand (or camera) and prepare to cast your digital enchantment!

H/T: The Editing Podcast

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Is Rolling Out The Ability To Make And Share AI Stickers

The latest update for WhatsApp is bringing something exciting for users regarding AI technology. And that entails the ability to create and share AI stickers through the platform.

The innovative feature is currently going to be restricted to a few lucky beta testers but if things go as planned, we should be seeing it roll out to the masses very soon. To be exact, WhatsApp hopes to target the change in the next few weeks.

The news comes a few days after we saw the company launch another very exciting offer where users could add multiple accounts on a single device, which was never done before. But it was a change that was welcomed with open arms for obvious reasons.

As far as the creation of AI stickers is concerned, it starts for beta testers today.

The new feature would entail a button called Create that’s up for grabs on the Stickers feature. Here is how users can provide descriptions to produce stickers. And the app would set out a range of diverse AI stickers which would be produced via a description that was added in the past. After that, the user would be allowed to share the sticker in their chats.

Most stickers would be produced through this secure technology and the user would always be in the driver’s seat in regards to which stickers are made through AI.

If a scenario arises where a particular sticker seems unfit for use or is too dangerous, users will be given the chance to report them to Meta. Furthermore, this feature is an optional one and all stickers would be recognized with ease. So in case you’re wondering, any recipient would be able to recognize which sticker was made using AI technology.

We feel such an option puts out a leading number of advantages for the user. Through the addition of descriptions for sticker generation, anyone can produce a sticker that’s deemed to be personalized and as per their specific interests and journeys.

Such an endeavor can do wonders in terms of bettering the complete texting experience while making a chat super engaging. Moreover, you do not even require any type of high-level skills or design experience or even some sort of access to any other type of tool. All you need to do is add a description that would promote the production of stickers via the few selected terms added.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Recently Developed Technology Identifies Prejudice in Advanced Generative Artificial Intelligence Model

As technology advances, new helpful and powerful tools come to the forefront.

A recent example of one is T2I (Text-to-image) generative AI tools that have been adopted by many as they possess the impressive capability to generate images after giving them just a few words as prompts. Text-to-image generates videos and photos that appear so genuine that people may find it difficult to figure out whether they are real or AI-generated. Those generated images and videos offer use in many areas, such as advertising, electoral campaigning, and art.

But prejudices have been reported after viewing the images these tools generated as developers developed them on data taken from humans. These prejudices surround the color of skin and gender.

The tools may be helpful and massive but may also be prone to causing harm to marginalized groups by increasing discrimination and boosting stereotypes.

Researchers from Baskin Engineering at UC Santa Cruz teamed up with Xin Eric Wang, an assistant professor of CS and Engineering, to develop a tool they named, Text to Image Association test. The tool quantifies and identifies those complex prejudices related to humans that the text-to-image generative AI tools have integrated, and the researchers tested it with Stable Diffusion, the advanced generative model. The tool analyzes these biases that encompass various aspects such as faith, ethnicity, gender, and occupation.

Jailu Wang, the leading writer of the paper and CS and engineering Ph.D. student from UCSC, states that both owners and users of the model are concerned about those biases, such as the high possibility of the model only generating images of people from privileged communities to a user from a marginalized community.

The tool that the researchers developed requires the user to instruct the model to generate an image based on a neutral prompt. It could be a prompt related to anything, like a child learning math. After that, the user provides instructions on gender, such as boy learning math and girl learning math’ As a result, the tool compares the disparity between the generated images from the neutral prompt and the specific prompts. Then the tool measures how different these pictures are from the model, quantifying the extent of bias.

Researchers concluded that Stable Diffusion repeats and intensifies these human biases by incorporating them into their generated images. They further tested the tool to draw the connection between two ideas, such as arts and science, along with two characteristics, like female and male. Once it examines it, the tool reveals a score that represents the connection linked to the idea and the characteristic, along with a value to showcase how sure the tool is about the provided score.

To further test the tool’s ability, the team made the model to examine six sets of contrasting ideas by relating them with positive or negative features. The ideas included musical instruments and weapons, insects and flowers, dark skin and light skin, African American and European American, Christianity and Judaism, and gay and straight.

Results showed that the model complied with the harmful stereotypes associated with the concepts but surprised the team by relating dark skin as pleasant and light skin as unpleasant. The model revealed to associate art more with females, science more with males, family more with females, and careers more with males.

This new tool is an advancement after comparing it to a previous technique for assessing prejudice in T21 models, which involved annotating the results after instructing a neutral prompt. The researcher would have to give a neutral prompt, such as a student studying math’ and then identify it according to the image generated by the model, whether it is of a boy studying math or a girl. This technique proved to be inefficient as it was prone to biases relating to gender and was costly.

Xin Wang reported that they aim to replace the annotating technique done by humans with a quick and efficient digital tool that assesses these prejudices. Moreover, the team’s tool also takes note of the background of the generated images, such as the tone and colors used.

Furthermore, the team incorporated Implicit Association Test in their tool, a test to assess stereotypes and human biases. The team hopes that their tool can help software engineers during the development process of their models to address and prevent such biases.

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by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World