Kids' Career Dreams: Athletes and Online Stars Trumping Tradition

Imagine a world where kids dream not only of becoming doctors or astronauts but also aspire to be professional athletes or viral sensations on the internet. In the age of social media, the concept of 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' has taken an intriguing twist.

A recent YouGov survey, meticulously accounting for age and gender, has uncovered some fascinating insights into the dreams of American teenagers. Surprisingly, teenage boys and girls share some similarities when it comes to their dream careers, despite the stark differences in their top choices.

For boys, the allure of a professional athlete's life is undeniable, with a whopping 12 percent harboring dreams of sporting stardom. In a close second, 11 percent hope to join the ranks of online content creators, making it clear that being a YouTube sensation or streamer is not just a hobby but a legitimate aspiration. Traditional dream jobs like becoming a musician or a doctor barely clung to their positions, making up the top five.

On the other side of the spectrum, teenage girls seem to have a strong affinity for the medical profession, with a remarkable 13 percent aiming to become doctors or nurses. Following closely behind, 11 percent of them aspire to shine on the silver screen as actresses. While only 6 percent female teenagers plan to become a digital content creator, influencer or a streamer.

What's truly captivating is that, in an era of social media dominance, online fame is now on par with age-old professions. The survey highlights the increasing financial and societal influence wielded by online personalities.

In this age of boundless opportunities and ever-evolving dreams, the future holds limitless potential for these young dreamers. Who knows, the next global sensation might be brewing right now, be it on the basketball court, in a hospital, or behind the camera – the world eagerly awaits to see what these budding talents will achieve. Dream big, little stars, the world is your stage!

Read next: The Three Most Common Bitcoin Scams, and How to Avoid Them
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Social Media Marketing a Priority for Small Businesses, Survey Finds

Small businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of social media in their quest for growth, according to Verizon's State of Small Business Survey, conducted by Morning Consult.

The study reveals that 56% of small and mid-sized businesses are already using social media marketing to boost customer engagement and digital eyeballs, while 21% are considering to adopt social media into their marketing mix. Additionally, nearly 7 in 10 of these businesses express interest in accessing free social media marketing courses.

Furthermore, around 6 in 10 of these businesses see the value in consulting e-commerce experts to strengthen their digital marketing strategy. They recognize the significance of branding and social media engagement across various channels, including video and chatting.

When it comes to which social network is better for product promotions, Meta's Facebook remains the top choice for small businesses, with 49 percent indicating increased usage in the past year. Instagram, also owned by Meta, follows closely behind, with 39% of businesses expanding their presence on the platform. Other platforms gaining popularity include LinkedIn (27 percent) and TikTok (25 percent).

The survey also finds that AI adoption is not very high, but 36 percent businesses are most likely to consider using it for marketing and social media, while 14 percent are currently using it for some extent.

The report emphasizes the pressing need for social media marketing expertise and resources among small and mid-sized businesses as they aim to enhance their digital presence and customer engagement. It also highlights their adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues for growth and efficiency, particularly as they prepare for a dynamic holiday retail season that encompasses both online and in-store strategies.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

AI Misidentifies Authentic War Images: Undermining Credibility in Conflict Reporting

In a concerning twist, Artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition tools are erroneously flagging authentic images of the Israel-Gaza conflict as fake. This unsettling revelation raises questions about the reliability and impact of artificial intelligence in today's digital landscape.

Machine learning-based algorithms are tasked with discerning authentic images from manipulated ones, which for some is an essential tool in the fight against misinformation. However, these systems are far from infallible, as reports have emerged indicating that they are mistakenly tagging real and harrowing war images as unreal.

The ramifications of such errors are grave, as they can undermine the credibility of media outlets and dilute the gravity of the real horrors of war. Misidentified images can cast doubt on the legitimacy of well-documented events, eroding trust in the photo journalist's ability to provide accurate information to the public.

• Also read: AI Pioneer Says AI Will Become a Threat in 5 Years

While AI image detectors play a vital role in battling misinformation, the latest findings emphasize the urgent need for constant refinement and vigilance in their use. Striking a balance between combatting fake content and safeguarding authentic reporting remains an ongoing challenge in today's digital landscape.

As the line between real and fabricated content blurs, it becomes increasingly imperative to fine-tune these algorithms, ensuring they bolster, rather than hinder, our understanding of global events. The inadvertent discrediting of genuine war imagery serves as a stark reminder that AI, like any tool, requires thoughtful oversight to fulfill its intended purpose effectively.

Readers: Have you ever encountered misleading AI-generated content in your online experience? Let us know on social media by tagging us.

H/T: 404 Media / EMANUEL MAIBERG

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Digital Titans Under Fire: Australia Slams X (Formerly Twitter) with Fines Over Child Abuse Content Inquiry

Gather around techies! Australia's eSafety commissioner has slapped X, previously known as Twitter, with a hefty fine of 610,500 Australian dollars (approximately $385,000 USD) for its failure to adequately disclose its measures in combatting child abuse content. In a media release, Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that X's public declarations regarding their commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation must be substantiated by concrete actions, rather than mere rhetoric.

X now has a tight deadline of less than a month to either pay the fine amount or discuses the matter with the authorities. This fine, though modest considering X's massive financial stature, adds to the mounting criticism the company has faced for its content moderation strategies, especially following its acquisition and transformation by Elon Musk.

Australia invoked the Online Safety Act, established in 2021, to enforce this fine. The legislation mandates online service providers to transparently report their efforts in combating child abuse content on their platforms, with non-compliance leading to civil penalties "and other mechanisms".

"The proliferation of online child sexual exploitation is a growing problem both in Australia and globally", expressed Julie Inman, adding further, "and technology companies have a moral responsibility in protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse being stored, shared and perpetrated on their services."

Notably, X wasn't the sole tech giant reprimanded by the eSafety office, as they identified significant deficiencies in how these platforms handle child abuse content, including Google, which received a formal warning for delivering vague responses to specific queries. X's situation was more severe as it failed to meet Australia's reporting standards by neglecting to provide crucial information about response times, detection methods, and the size of their safety and public policy workforce.

In December 2022, inside reports revealed that out of approximately 1,600 staff members, only 25 held positions associated with "Trust and Safety" at X, further casting doubts on their commitment to combating child abuse content.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

The Three Most Common Bitcoin Scams, and How to Avoid Them

Scammers and hackers are coming for your Bitcoin. Whether it's a financially-motivated lone wolf attacker or state-sponsored groups linked to hostile nations, these bad actors are constantly looking for new and novel ways to move your Bitcoin into their wallets.

The key to staying one step ahead is knowledge. And that's what this latest study from CoinKickoff is all about. Using data collected from chainabuse.com and blockchain.info, they put together a series of charts highlighting the most common types of Bitcoin scams, and when they’re most likely to happen.

And to help you hold onto your precious BTC, we've added a short section highlighting the best ways to avoid being the next crypto victim.

Is Bitcoin a scam?

Bitcoin's legitimacy as a digital currency is a topic of debate. Supporters argue that its decentralization, transparency, and acceptance by mainstream institutions make it a viable store of value and an inflation hedge.

However, critics highlight the lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin's price volatility, its pseudonymous transactions, and its susceptibility to market manipulation as potential red flags.

Why do scammers target Bitcoin?

The Bitcoin ecosystem has many characteristics that are attractive to hackers and scammers.

Bitcoin transactions are not directly connected to people's real identities, so it's easier for them to hide their tracks or ill-gotten gains. And once you send Bitcoin to an address, it's impossible to claw back, and there are no Bitcoin regulators to complain to or fight your case.

Its global nature makes Bitcoin a useful tool for criminals moving stolen funds around the globe.

And finally, a lack of education and a younger user base means hackers view many Bitcoiners as naive and more likely to fall for scams, like phishing or giveaway frauds.

A list of Bitcoin scams

Here's a look at some of the most common Bitcoin scams:

Phishing Scams: Scammers create fake websites or emails that resemble legitimate Bitcoin services or exchanges to trick users into revealing their private keys or login credentials.

Ponzi Schemes: Fraudsters promise high returns on investments in Bitcoin, but they use funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors, creating a pyramid scheme that eventually collapses.

Fake Wallets: Fraudulent mobile or desktop wallets are created to steal the private keys and funds of unsuspecting users.

Fake Exchanges: Scammers set up phony cryptocurrency exchanges that look real but are designed to steal users' deposits or personal information.

Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters impersonate well-known figures in the cryptocurrency industry on social media, often asking for donations or investments in exchange for fake promises.

Tech Support Scams: Scammers claim to be from a cryptocurrency exchange's tech support team and ask for remote access to your computer to steal your funds.

Giveaway Scams: Scammers pose as celebrities or influential figures on social media, promising to send you more Bitcoin if you send them a small amount first. They never send anything in return.

Fake Mining Operations: Scammers offer cloud mining contracts or mining hardware at attractive rates but never deliver the promised returns or equipment.

Ransomware Attacks: Hackers use malware to encrypt a victim's data and demand Bitcoin as a ransom payment to unlock it.

Fake Airdrops: Scammers promise free cryptocurrency tokens in exchange for personal information or a small payment.

The three most common Bitcoin scams

Data collected by the CoinKickoff researchers reveals the top three most reported crypto scams since 2018. They are:

Blackmail (85,534 reported cases): Bitcoin blackmail involves threats to reveal compromising information unless a payment is made in Bitcoin. Scammers exploit the pseudo-anonymity of the cryptocurrency to hide their identity, making it difficult for victims to recover funds or trace the culprits.

Sextortion (61,298 reported cases): Sextortion scams involve threats to release intimate or compromising photos or videos of the victim unless a Bitcoin ransom is paid. Victims are often contacted through email, with scammers claiming to have hacked their devices or online accounts. Paying rarely guarantees safety from future extortion attempts.

Ransomware (61,018): Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their system. The attacker then demands a Bitcoin payment in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks target individuals, corporations, and public institutions, causing data loss and financial strain. Regular backups and robust cybersecurity measures are essential for protection.

The year of the scammer

The year 2020 was a good one for Bitcoin. The world's biggest cryptocurrency was in the middle of another bull run that would eventually push the price to almost $70,000.

But the increased attention and the allure of quick wealth attracted new and inexperienced users, and it didn't take long for the sharks to start circling. There were over 35,000 reported scams in 2020; that's more than any other period in Bitcoin's history.

Since then, the number of reported scams has been declining dramatically. In the first six months of 2023, there were less than 6,000 cases. But this could be the quiet before the storm. Another bull run is scheduled to start in mid-2024, so expect a rise in scammers trying to trick new investors out of their Bitcoin.

How much Bitcoin did scammers get?

Scammers are stealing eye-watering amounts from Bitcoin holders and investors.

In 2018, they pilfered over $2 billion in Bitcoin. That figure jumped to over $6 billion in 2019, followed by another spike to $18 billion in 2020.

But those are measly gains compared to the value of all the looted Bitcoin in 2021. Data analyzed by CoinKickoff shows that hackers and cybercriminals made over $55 billion stealing Bitcoin.

So where does it all go, and who has it now?

Nobody really knows.

Stolen Bitcoin typically goes through a complex web of transactions to disguise its origins. Cybercriminals who steal Bitcoin often use various techniques like mixing services, tumblers, and darknet markets to launder the funds and make it challenging to trace.

Identifying the responsible parties can be extremely difficult due to the pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger but linked to cryptographic addresses rather than real-world identities. Tracking the individuals behind these addresses is a formidable task, often involving cooperation between law enforcement agencies, blockchain analysis firms, and exchanges.

How to spot and avoid Bitcoin scams

Here are some tips to protect yourself and your Bitcoin stash:

Research and Verification: Before investing or transacting in Bitcoin, thoroughly research the platform, service, or individual you are dealing with. Verify their credentials, check for reviews, and seek recommendations from trusted sources.

Too Good to Be True: Be skeptical of offers that promise guaranteed high returns with minimal risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Secure Wallets: Use reputable cryptocurrency wallets with strong security features. Avoid sharing private keys or wallet recovery phrases with anyone, and store them in a safe, offline location.

Phishing Awareness: Be cautious of phishing emails, websites, or social media accounts impersonating legitimate crypto services. Always double-check URLs and verify the authenticity of the communication.

Cold Storage: Consider using cold storage options like hardware wallets for long-term Bitcoin holdings. These are less vulnerable to online threats.

Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too risky, trust your instincts and refrain from proceeding.

Read next: Security Experts Warn Android’s Financial Apps Pose Increased Risks To Privacy By Demanding Excessive Permissions
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Low Income Countries Pay More for Slower Internet, New Report Reveals

Access to the internet is about as important as access to any other essential utility, such as water and electricity. In spite of the fact that this is the case, internet access is not distributed evenly across the world. It turns out that people living in low income countries actually have to pay more for internet than might have been the case otherwise, and they also tend to get slower speeds than their counterparts in more developed nations.

This data comes from Surfshark’s latest Digital Quality of Life index, and it reveals that low income countries need to work 4.1 times the rate of higher income countries, and their internet is 3.3 times slower. For context, this means that someone living in a low income nation would have to work 12 hours in order to get 42 Mbps internet. In developed and high income countries, just 3 hours of work can be enough to obtain internet that can reach speeds of 120 Mbps.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that mobile internet appears to be somewhat more equal according to the findings presented in this report. In lower income countries, 2 hours and 37 minutes of work will get you internet that can attain 32 Mbps speeds, while in richer nations, 1 hour and 41 minutes of work is enough for 96 Mbps internet.

While the divide is smaller, it can still be harmful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up leaving low income nations behind. However, simply living in a high income country does not automatically grant you access to internet that can attain the fastest speeds with all things having been considered and taken into account.

For example, South Africa is a member of the high income club, but its average internet speed of 70 Mbps is half that of other countries in its group. On the other side of the spectrum, low income countries can have surprisingly high internet speeds. The Philippines is a great representation of this, since despite being a low income country, the Southeast Asian nation has thrice the average internet speeds of other low income countries, or 119 Mbps to be precise.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

AI Might Put People’s Job Security At Risk But More Positions Are Being Created To Review AI Models And Their Inputs

The thought of people’s jobs being at risk due to the advanced world of AI is a concern that has been debated on for months. After all, job security is a big deal and no one wishes to get replaced at the hands of technology.

But wait, we might be getting a little ahead of ourselves because while the threat remains, a new wave of jobs is actually getting rolled out. The latter is designed to only focus on tasks linked to regulating AI models and the various types of inputs and outputs they generate.

Ever since November of last year, we heard about tech giants, huge business leaders, and even those in the world of academia expressing fear that they will soon be extinct because AI is reigning supreme. After all, when you have technology doing a better job for free, why would you employ someone and pay them a share, right?

Remember, Generative AI is designed to allow algorithms based on AI technology to produce the most real or lifelike behavior. This could be pictures, text, prompts, and whatnot. Moreover, it’s trained on the best types of data so that again is a point worth pondering.

In the end, you get the most carefully and intricately designed presentations that are similar to what a qualified professional could produce. And therefore, the fear in place was justified for obvious reasons.

Analysts predicted how close to 300 million jobs may soon be taken up by the world of AI and that entails both office positions as well as administration. Other fields at threat included supportive tasks, engineering, law, and even architecture. Similarly, finance, business, and social sciences were also a part of the list.

Such inputs received by AI models and the outputs produced really do require guidance and must be reviewed by humans. In the end, it creates the best careers as well as side positions.

Now, new roles are rising up and they include the chance to review AI. The latest on this front happens to be linked to a firm called Prolific, a firm that links AI developers to those related to research. They are literally compensating people after hiring them to produce reviews of AI material.

The firm will pay all employees a salary to go through AI-based outputs and gauge whether their quality is up to the mark or not. And we’re talking nearly $12 per hour while the bare minimal payments are fixed at an hourly rate of $8.

Moreover, human reviewers receive guidance through clients at Prolific and they include some big names such as Oxford, Google, and UCL. The latter helps these employees along the way, giving them knowledge about the various kinds of inaccurate and harmful materials they might be coming across.

As expected, they will be required to give consent to taking part in such research practices. One such worker unveiled to the media outlet CNBC how he utilized Prolific on numerous instances to gather his verdict regarding the standard of work that AI models were producing.

Replying anonymously, he says there were multiple occasions where he stepped in because AI models went haywire and generated inaccuracies. Hence, they needed to be corrected to make sure replies weren’t unsavory.

Similarly, he spoke about more occasions where the models were rolling out things that created major problems such as AI prompting users to take part in the purchase and use of drugs. Wow, how’s that for a reality check?

Read next: AI Pioneer Says AI Will Become a Threat in 5 Years
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World