36% of Content Marketers Are Using Generative AI

Content marketing is the type of field that stands to gain a lot from the use of generative AI because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up helping professionals climb up the career ladder. According to a survey, over half of all works say that the career ladder in the field of content marketing is inherently unfair, with 58% of men and 63% of women stating this. Hence, using generative AI can make things easier than might have been the case otherwise.

It turns out that 36% of the people working in content marketing have already begun using generative AI to make the content that they have been assigned. Usage remains high even among those that make their own content, with 47% stating that they use generative AI to help them come up with ideas. 46% also used it for research purposes such as figuring out keywords and the like.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 29% of the people that responded to this survey also indicated that they use generative AI to aid them in their attempts at proofreading. In spite of the fact that this is the case, there are some major concerns as well.

45% are of the opinion that the influx of generative AI will result in a paucity of job options for content marketers. 55% feel like it will reduce their writing to just a commodity, with 46% raising concerns about how it might potentially reduce their earnings down the line since they will be less competitive and will therefore not be able to ask for the same salaries.

The only way to prevent such an occurrence is to build up as many skills as possible, with 43% stating that learning new tech is the way to go. It will be interesting to see how generative AI ends up impacting job markets in the future, since it will undoubtedly be a very challenging thing for content marketers and indeed any employed individual to compete with.

Read next: The Intriguing Link Between AI Art and Self-Relevance: Unveiling the Psychological Underpinnings
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Over a Quarter of CEOs Believe There’s A Shortage of Talented Professionals

CEOs prioritize inflation and talent significantly more than the concerns such as increasing interest rates or a recession. The issue of a shortage of skills and lack of sufficient professionals has been a prominent worry for these top executives for over ten years. As time passed, the concern only intensified.

The results revealed insightful data upon analyzing two surveys in a report provided by Gartner that were each conducted a decade apart.

In a 2013 survey where about 391 senior business executives and CEOs were recruited as respondents to share their opinions on the talent crisis, the data revealed that 60% believed that talent scarcity was reaching crisis proportions, and 40% believed that talent shortages were just a business myth.

However, in 2023, ten years after the first survey, the survey was conducted again with a number of 415 senior business executives and CEOs. The results revealed that 78% of them believed that there was talent scarcity and that it was reaching crisis proportions. The survey revealed a drop as 22% of those professionals held on to the belief that talent shortage was just a myth.

There have been calls for functional top professionals to quickly manage their energy, time, and resources in an effective way to gain business and personal success, especially during unprecedented times like this contemporary era where cost pressures are apparent as well as the fact that there is a shortage of skilled personnel with talent being more expensive.

Upholding conventional business objectives is straightforward: increase revenue, reduce costs, and boost margins. Immature innovators tend to opt for that idea in order to save costs. However, top innovators in executive positions place more preference on non-monetary goals such as mitigating strategic risk and attracting talent by giving their business’ image a fresh look, which in turn drives more talented personnel toward them, therefore bringing in their skills that are a requirement and an absolute necessity for digital transformation.

Read next: This Freelance Writing Job Lets You Earn $250 an Hour Remotely Without a Degree
by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

Google's Response to PMax and Brand Safety Concerns

Privacy breaching could be the most inappropriate crime to do. People will prefer to secure their privacy over everything. What if your Google safety is compromised? In light of recent concerns surrounding its Performance Max (PMax) product, Google has taken steps to address safety issues and privacy violations. The controversy erupted when YouTube, a platform owned by Google, faced allegations of improper tracking of children for targeted advertising, potentially violating privacy laws. Adalytics conducted research that brought these charges to light.

The allegations sparked concerns about whether companies that used Google's PMax product accidentally violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This regulation requires internet services to acquire parental authorization before collecting data from children under the age of 13 for targeted advertising. Adalytics researchers claimed to have discovered instances of tailored adverts from over 300 firms appearing on "made for kids" films, potentially violating privacy laws.

The potential consequences of such violations are significant. Brands found in violation of COPPA could face substantial financial penalties, much like YouTube did in 2019 when it paid a record $170 million to settle similar charges. This alarming prospect prompted Google to take swift action in addressing the concerns.

Ginny Marvin, Google Ads product liaison officer, reacted to the claims by providing a full description of PMax's brand safety procedures and reporting processes. PMax campaign-level brand limitations, according to Marvin, might prohibit advertising from showing alongside certain brand inquiries in search and commerce. Additionally, account-level negative keywords may block advertising from appearing for certain queries. PMax offers a variety of content appropriateness options in display and video, allowing marketers to adjust their ad placements to line with their brand's values and target demographic.

One of the key content suitability controls highlighted by Marvin was the ability to narrow the maturity level of content where ads are shown. This feature includes a "content suitable for families" option, ensuring that ads align with family-friendly content. On sites like YouTube, advertisers may also select the sort of content—expanded, standard, or limited—that best fits their brand. The ability to exclude specific content keywords prevents advertising from appearing alongside material relevant to those terms.

As a result of the allegations, IPG Mediabrands, a prominent marketing investment management, launched its inquiry. They allegedly discovered instances of adult-targeted adverts appearing on "made for kids" networks. This aroused worries regarding the possible collection of data from youngsters, as clicking on these adverts may result in the exchange of sensitive information with Google's PMax.

The issue at hand underscores the importance of complying with COPPA guidelines. Brands must navigate a complex landscape to ensure that their advertising efforts do not inadvertently infringe on the privacy rights of young audiences. The Federal Trade Commission enforces COPPA, overseeing the collection and use of personal information from minors under the age of 13.

IPG Mediabrands published an internal email in reaction to the problem, urging customers to temporarily suspend ads that utilized Google's PMax. The firm later explained that the email was an early, unapproved draft and did not reflect its official position. The email asked recipients to analyze possible data exposure and investigate techniques for detecting and erasing data obtained from youngsters.

As Google deals with this issue, it serves as a warning that the digital advertising ecosystem necessitates close attention to privacy standards. Brands must emphasize not just successful advertising techniques, but also the privacy rights of their viewers, particularly youngsters. The unfolding events emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions that strike a balance between advertising effectiveness and ethical practices in the digital age. Otherwise, people might leave using social media sites if their privacy is at stake.

Read next: Google Ceases Testing Links in Search Generative Experience Snapshot Answers
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Elevates Communication Experience with Enhanced Message Editing Feature

WhatsApp has rolled out an improved message editing function that allows users to fine-tune subtitles for various forms of audiovisual material, marking an exciting step forward in boosting user interaction. This significant enhancement applies to iOS and Android platforms, demonstrating WhatsApp's constant commitment to providing a smooth and enhanced communication experience.

The WhatsApp for iOS 23.16.72 update, currently available for download on the App Store, brings this newest feature addition. A quick glance at the update's official changelog reveals that the message editing tool has improved much, allowing users to adjust captions for their media files.

While this enhancement was eagerly anticipated, the rollout process was expected to occur gradually over a few weeks post the update's launch. However, recent experiences with WhatsApp updates on iOS via the App Store and TestFlight app, as well as on Android via the Google Play Store, confirm that WhatsApp is actively pushing out this feature to its user base.

Using this functionality is simple and straightforward. Users may quickly tap and hold on to a recently sent message with a caption to see if the editing option is available for their account. The most significant innovation, however, is expanding this capacity beyond text-only communications to include media messages. Users can edit captions for numerous media forms, such as photographs, videos, GIFs, and documents, as a result of this invention. It is critical to remember that caption changes must be made within a 15-minute interval following the initial message's broadcast.

This enhancement to the message editing capability aligns with WhatsApp's larger objective of enabling users to maximize their communication experiences. By modifying captions even after the content has been sent, WhatsApp acknowledges the significance of maintaining clear and contextually accurate messages. It's worth clarifying that the editing feature applies solely to the device used for the initial message dispatch.

Adding media caption editing aligns with WhatsApp's continued commitment to improving user engagement and communication effectiveness. This innovation not only allows users to correct message problems but also allows them to improve the clarity and consistency of their media material. This move demonstrates WhatsApp's willingness to strengthen its platform in response to user feedback and changing demands.

Currently, the caption editing tool is only available to a restricted set of WhatsApp users who have updated their apps to the most recent versions available on their respective app stores. WhatsApp hopes to progressively spread the availability of this functionality to a larger audience by employing a logical rollout plan.

By incorporating this feature, WhatsApp strives to provide users with a more dynamic, instinctive, and efficient messaging journey. In doing so, it cements its standing as a premier global communication platform.

In conclusion, WhatsApp's introduction of a sophisticated message editing function is essential in providing users with improved communication capabilities. WhatsApp is increasing the possibilities for communication clarity and understanding by permitting caption modifications for varied media items. This advancement is consistent with the platform's dedication to customer pleasure, innovation, and continuous improvement. Users may expect further innovations to take their communication experiences to new heights as WhatsApp improves.

Read next: WhatsApp Tests New Features Including Pending Groups For Communities And Enhancements To Calls
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

The Intriguing Link Between AI Art and Self-Relevance: Unveiling the Psychological Underpinnings

Art can drag you to itself, even if you are not an artist. But have you ever wondered what if art and AI combine? What would be the output? In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the allure of AI-generated art has taken center stage, prompting curiosity about its captivating effect on people. But what is the source of this fascination? A newly published paper sheds light on an essential factor: self-relevance, which is critical to understanding why people are drawn to AI art.

This study was conducted by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA), the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Frankfurt, Germany, and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

AI innovation is reshaping creative fields, with tools like DALL-E enabling the development of detailed visual art, such as bespoke self-portraits that adapt to particular tastes and conceptions. These technological strides underscore art's potential to resonate with our unique life experiences, offering transformative aesthetic encounters that reshape our perceptions of self and the world.

The study, published in Psychological Science, reveals the fundamental process that makes AI-generated "mirror images" so appealing. The researchers used a technique known as Style Transfer to create custom artwork for study participants. To do this, participants completed a questionnaire covering aspects of their self-concept, such as childhood recollections, recent trips, and personal and social identities.

Using this data, the researchers used Style Transfer to create artwork customized to each individual's profile. Participants were exposed to art created not only for them but also for others, as well as a varied range of AI-generated and human-made artwork unconnected to their identities.

The results were striking. Artworks tailored to individual participants were consistently deemed more aesthetically pleasing than those intended for others. Moreover, self-relevance emerged as a powerful predictor of aesthetic preference, enabling the researchers to predict which pieces participants would find most appealing accurately. Surprisingly, the characteristics generating self-relevance were not universal, with viewers identifying diverse aspects of the art with their personalities.

However, the attractiveness of art is not simply based on matching our experiences. It sometimes permits us to see into the lives of others. According to Edward A. Vessel, the study's principal author and research associate at MPIEA, "Art that introduces us to the unfamiliar doesn't necessarily alienate us. If the work incorporates elements that establish or enhance self-relevance, it can yield a deeper understanding and greater enjoyment."

Cem Uran, co-author and doctoral student in Martin Vinck's research group at ESI, elaborates, "While our study showcased artworks containing self-relevant elements, real art invites us to uncover these visual cues ourselves—or perhaps we unconsciously appreciate certain art without discerning the precise reasons."

The study emphasizes the importance of "individual self-relevance" overbroad concepts such as aesthetic design or the golden ratio. To some extent, these characteristics contribute to loving art, but they do not give a comprehensive explanation.

This study lays the path for researchers to understand better the psychological processes underpinning the appeal of AI technologies that create personalized information. These products leverage the power of self-relevance to attract users, from bespoke superhero avatars to storylines linked with personal interests.

Nonetheless, the powerful allure of self-referential content raises worries about its potential abuse. As tailored content becomes more prevalent via recommender algorithms on sites such as TikTok and YouTube, the possibility of subtle manipulation using AI technology grows. Often unnoticed by users, this trend is accelerated by AI advancements, emphasizing the need for awareness and responsible use.

In a world where technology rapidly intersects with human experiences, understanding the relationship between self-relevance, AI art, and individual perception provides vital insights for producers and consumers.

Read next: Generative AI is About to Reach the Trough of Disillusionment, Will It Survive?
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Click Through Rates Increased 10.7% YoY According to This Study, But Conversion Rates Dropped

Marketers are experiencing a dramatic change as the world grapples with the effects of upending events like the rise of AI, economic turmoil and other such occurrences. It turns out that conversion rates have seen a considerable dip from 0.8% in 2022 to 0.7% in 2023. This might not sound like a lot, but it is essentially a 12% drop which just goes to show that the industry is not faring well right now.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, there is another metric that is seeing a surprising amount of momentum with all things having been considered and taken into account. This metric is click rate, which increased by 10.7% year over year to reach 1.32%. Click to open rates also went up from 5.2% to 5.42%, and open rates in general reached an impressive 24.08% as well.

This data comes from a recent study published by Omnisend. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the books and literature industry saw the highest click through rate of 2.63%, with hobbies and leisure coming in second with 1.6%. The auto industry saw an above average click through rate as well with 1.53%, as did Toys and Games and Pet Supplies albeit at a smaller margin with 1.4% and 1.39% respectively.

When you take a look at click to open rates, Books and Literature once again come out on top with an impressive 7.65%. However, Toys and Games came in second place with 5.92%, followed by Auto with 5.44%. Pet Supplies were close behind with 5.38%, and Health and Wellness rounded off the top five list with 5.32%. This indicates that the while fewer Hobbies and Leisure emails get opened, they still have a higher click through rate suggesting an extremely impressive conversion rate.

As for the industries with the worst conversion rates of all, Apparel came in dead last with just 0.05%, which was equalled by consumer electronics. No other industry came close to their terrible conversion rates.

Read next: Generative AI is About to Reach the Trough of Disillusionment, Will It Survive?
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Container Security: Understanding Common Threats

Container environments are digital counterparts of physical containers. Just like physical containers have revolutionized global trade, container environments have revolutionized application development. Container environments have emerged as a go-to solution in the fast-paced technological landscape.

Photo: Pixabay / TheDigitalArtist

These days, industries extensively use container environments. This widespread usage necessitates robust security measures, and neglecting them can have severe consequences. This article looks at some of the most common threats to container security.

1. Unauthorized Access and Container Breakouts

By default, containers function in isolation. They operate independently and encapsulate their dependencies and applications. The unauthorized access compromises the container’s isolation. After breaching its environment, the malicious actors exploit its resources.

Unauthorized access has severe consequences like data breaches, service interruptions, manipulation of applications and codes, and lateral movement. One particular type of unauthorized access is container breakout. In a container breakout, the attacker gains control over the host system.

2. Insecure Container Images

Container images are the foundational units of containerized applications, so securing them is essential. Unfortunately, there are several ways through which attackers exploit the vulnerabilities in them. Let's have a look at some common loopholes:

• Outdated or unpatched software within container images are weak points that are easily exploited.
• Images from credible sources are harmful because such sources don’t have proper security measures.
• Non-credible container images can also contain malicious payloads, a harmful code embedded in an image or digital content.
• There is a high probability that these images might have been tampered with.
• Images with poor configuration will likely grant excessive permission, allowing unauthorized actions. So, organizations that do not scan container images before deploying them create an opening for attackers.

3. Misconfigurations and Security Gaps

Despite the agility and scalability of the container environment, misconfigurations often create loopholes. Let’s look at some essential misconfigurations and security gaps that you need to watch out for:

• Network misconfigurations: Misconfigurations in the network create unintended communication channels between containers, exposing them to external networks. It creates an opening for the attackers to infiltrate the container environment or move laterally within it.
• Privilege escalation: Granting excessive privileges to the containers increases the chances of privilege escalation attacks. When a container has excessive privileges, it has more access to the host system's resources. And when compromised, it leads to more significant damage as the attacker gets a higher access level through that container than it would from the other ones.
• Inadequate resource limits: Resource exhaustion makes containers vulnerable to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. This happens when the containers don’t have set resource limits. Without them, containers compete for resources and degrade critical applications’ performance. Low performance creates instability, facilitating a denial-of-service (DoS) attack.

4. Exposed Secrets and Configuration Data

A secret is any sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, encryption keys, authentication tokens, and other confidential data used to access external services or secure communication between components.

On the other hand, configuration data includes all those settings and parameters that control the application’s behaviors, interactions, and connections with other services. There are many causes of exposed secrets and configuration data, like human error, malware, exploits, hardcoded secrets, and privilege escalation. Exposed secrets and configuration data have substantial consequences, such as compromised systems and instability.

5. Runtime Attacks

Runtime is the time during which an application actively runs on a computer. In a runtime attack, the attacker targets all the processes and components involved in running containers. The attackers specifically target certain weaknesses like buffer flows that only appear during the runtime. Buffer overflow happens when a program writes more data to a buffer (a temporary storage area in memory) than it can hold. This causes the excess data to overflow into the neighboring memory locations. These locations provide an opening for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Endnote

With continuous technological advancement, cyber threats also progress and become more complex. Staying updated with the latest threats and implementing appropriate security measures is crucial. Robust security measures and regular assessments not only safeguard your container environments but also empower you to confidently navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World