94% of Gen Z Are in Favor of Location Tracking

Location tracking is generally seen as a great societal ill, with many seeing it as an invasion of privacy. However, the most tech savvy generation of all, Gen Z, is actually quite favorable of the practice, with tens of millions using location tracking and sharing apps. These include Apple’s proprietary Find My feature, as well as apps like Life360.

This comes from a recent survey conducted on 1,200 US adults, and it reveals that a surprising shift might be occurring as far as location tracking is concerned.

All in all, 94% of Gen Z said that there are many advantages to sharing their location with others, even their parents. 87% stated that it can come in handy during long distance drives, with 80% specifying that it helps them feel safer when they are visiting risky or new places.

Location sharing has also become a central feature in the average Gen Z’s personal life. 78% said that they use it when they are going on a first date or to a party at a stranger’s house, with 77% using it while attending concerts, festivals and other large scale events. Perhaps the biggest proponents of location sharing turned out to be Gen Z women, with 72% saying that it gives them an improved sense of physical wellbeing.

• Also read: Cracking the Mystery of Digital Distractions: Our Love for New Things

One thing that must be said is that most Gen Z share their location with their friends, but 56% said that they feel comfortable letting their parents track their whereabouts as well. This further solidifies the shifting landscape of smartphone usage and perceptions of data tracking in general.

Dr. Michele Borba, a noted psychologist, suggested that teenagers are experiencing more anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic. Social media and the nonstop flow of news coverage had already sparked a decline in mental health, and it appears that Gen Z crave even more interconnectedness for security. The value of location sharing might be that it allows them to control who’s able to see them, instead of being at the mercy of social media platforms that might not always have their best interests at heart.

Read next: Trust Deficit in American Media: An Alarming Trend
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Elon Musk's new rule: Corrected posts lose revenue share, boosting facts over sensationalism on X

In a game-changing move, Elon Musk just dropped a bombshell: if your posts get corrected by the Community Notes fact-checking squad on the platform, you can kiss your revenue-sharing dreams goodbye. But why, you ask? Well, Musk's all about boosting accuracy and kicking sensationalism to the curb.

He's not playing games, either. Musk wants everyone to know that trying to misuse Community Notes to demonetize folks will be about as subtle as a bull in a China shop. That's because all the "code and data" are out in the open for everyone to see.

What's really cool about this is that anyone (where the Community Notes feature is available) can jump in and be a part of Fact-Checking volunteers. You can toss in a little nugget of info to add context to a post or help out by fixing a mistake. Then, the wisdom of the crowd kicks in, and folks with different perspectives can vote on how helpful those notes are. The cream rises to the top!

This move is part of a bigger plan to tackle the flood of fake news and disinformation, especially during times like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Musk and the team at X have been making some other tweaks too. They've sped up how fast fact-checks get rated, so the good stuff can go live quicker. Plus, they're sending notifications to people whose posts got fact-checked, hoping to nudge them into setting the record straight.

But, let's keep it real, this new rule might rain on the parade of some creators who love stirring up the pot for a quick buck. On the other hand, it's just a Band-Aid solution for the misinformation pandemic, especially with crises like the Gaza-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts still unfolding.

• Also read: Ad Revenue Alarmed: Twitter/X's Staggering 75% CPM Plunge Under Elon Musk

So, how many creators are we talking about here? Well, X hasn't spilled the beans on that, but it's tied to how many people pay for X Premium. As of August, there were less than 950K X Premium subscribers, a tiny slice of the 500 million monthly active users. Since only Premium users can be creators, that slice is even smaller.

There's one more mystery here: how unbiased are the folks on Community Notes? X claims they're a diverse bunch, but we haven't seen any numbers to back that up. Linda Yaccarino, X's CEO, said there are over 100K of them from 44 countries, so it sounds like a global squad, but we're still in the dark about the details.

Photo: Unsplash

Read next: Cracking the Mystery of Digital Distractions: Our Love for New Things
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

5 Creative Ways to Track Inbound Leads

Lead generation is the lifeblood of any startup or small to medium-sized business. Especially when it comes to inbound leads, potential customers who are actively raising their hand to buy from your business are highly valuable. Businesses also have many different marketing and advertising channels to lean on, from out-of-home billboards to search ads to display banners. It’s tough to figure out what channels to invest in and prioritize and how to track inbound leads accordingly. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few ways to creatively track inbound leads.

5 Ways to Track Inbound Leads

Lead tracking is extremely important because it tells marketing leaders and small business owners exactly where to allocate their budget. When leads are tracked correctly, brands can better manage prospects, categorize customers based on their interactions, and establish which demand generation channels have the highest value.

1. Phone Tracking

Even in the days of social media, customers are still calling businesses. 65% of consumers have called a business within the last month. Inbound phone sales have a significant impact on your business, so a trackable phone system is a critical tool.

Buying a 1-800 number is one way to take advantage of robust call-tracking features. Call tracking records, categorizes, and specifies information like which sales and marketing channels drive the most leads, how much time customer service representatives spend talking to customers, and where leads are coming from. This is a must-have knowledge to figure out where inbound leads are coming from. Using a 1-800 number also allows for a memorable, easy-to-dial number when it comes to calling your business and call forwarding, so sales teams can communicate with prospects at any time of day.

2. Social Media Listening

While many potential customers are probably calling your business, another percentage might be talking about you on social media. Social media is a great way to showcase your products, connect with customers, offer sneak peeks, and drive sales through shopping capabilities.

However, through social listening software, you’re able to see who’s talking about you online. Customers might be tagging and mentioning your brand, or they might be writing your brand name in an Instagram caption. If customers are tagging you on Instagram Stories or talking about you on TikTok, this can be valuable information to know. Social listening tools like Sprout Social or Meltwater identify keywords and brand names online, so you can consistently monitor the chatter online. Social media listening also allows for inbound lead generation to interact with potential buyers, learn from what competitors are doing, and even identify potential brand ambassadors and fans.

3. LiveChat

60% of millennials have used chatbots, and 62% of consumers preferred to use live chat versus waiting for live help. Live chatbots embedded on websites provide real-time visitor monitoring and support. For example, artificial intelligence-enabled chatbots can monitor website pages like product pages to ask pointed questions, and surface help articles or valuable content.

Plus, artificial intelligence-enabled chatbots collect key customer and demographic info such as location, name, email address, and more to categorize and segment customers even further. They can also monitor how long users are spending on what website pages and where exits occur, allowing marketing teams to see what could be improved. Also, chatbots can integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) and analytics platforms, so you can turn website visitors into warm leads.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools

CRM tools are often the backbone of both traditional and creative inbound lead tracking. A sophisticated CRM sorts, analyzes, and prioritizes customers and sales leads, so all teams can directly focus on the highest value opportunities. CRMs often provide valuable tools for continued engagement like email, marketing, messaging, customer service, support, and more. CRMs act as the core workflow tool to help increase sales, generate detailed analytics reports, and overall improve customer retention.

5. Content Performance

Content is often the first thing potential customers see when browsing online, searching for their next purchase. Whether that’s social media content, blog posts, or customer reviews, content powers awareness, consideration, and purchase intent. When businesses can accurately track and pinpoint high-performance content, they can double down on those messaging points and channels. Content performance tracking might happen across tools like Hubspot or Google Analytics, and businesses can set up content tracking by what matters to them — whether that is a demo request, request for pricing, download, pageview, and more.

Improve Inbound Lead Tracking

Lead tracking involves all monitoring and relationship building with potential customers, and there are tons of tools and creative strategies at your disposal. Inbound lead tracking offers the capability to segment potential customers so sales and marketing teams can more accurately deliver pitches and valuable content. From robust call tracking through 1-800 numbers to monitoring content performance, creative inbound lead tracking unlocks new opportunities for small business growth.

Illustration via Freepik
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Trust Deficit in American Media: An Alarming Trend

In a world where a free press is like the North Star guiding us through the complexities of government accountability and information sharing, the trust in American media seems to be a bit wobbly these days. An annual survey conducted by Gallup, which they conducted in September, and what it revealed is a bit of a head-scratcher – only 32 percent of Americans are like, "Yeah, we trust the media, kinda." Surprisingly, it's pretty much the same as what they found in 2016, back when President Donald Trump was all the buzz.

Now, remember 2016? It was a wild ride! Trump was throwing around accusations of media bias and outright fibbing left and right during his campaign. But back then, even with all that drama, only 27 percent of Americans were like, "Nope, no trust at all in the media, folks." However, fast forward to today, and we're in a different ballgame – a whopping 39 percent are feeling that media distrust. So, it's fair to say that 2023 is not the best year for trust in American media industry.

Gallup's been keeping tabs on media trust since 1997, and when you take a peek back in time, it's like opening a treasure chest of historical data. In the early '70s, Gallup asked the same question in 1972, 1973, and 1974, and it's like night and day. Back then, around 70 percent of folks were like, "We trust the media!" and only 4 to 8 percent were giving it the side-eye.

So, these findings tell us one thing – trust in American media has taken a rollercoaster ride over the years. The decline in trust is a reflection of our crazy-divided media landscape. It's a wake-up call for media professionals to step up their game, embrace journalistic integrity, and be as impartial as your grandma's apple pie. Rebuilding trust is doable, but it's gonna take some teamwork to bridge the gap that's grown in recent years.

As we all grapple with this trust issue, it's not just about the media; it's about our democracy too. A well-informed citizenry is like the secret sauce that makes a democracy work. Without trust in the media, that secret sauce gets kinda bland.

Read next: 23% of Blogs Receive Top 5 Rankings on Google SERP, New Research Reveals
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

The Surprising Secrets Your Smart Gadgets Share

Picture this: you stroll into your kitchen and, without lifting a finger, your coffee maker starts brewing your morning joe. The thermostat adjusts to your ideal temperature, and your printer, like magic, restocks its own ink. Welcome to the world of smart home gadgets, a life of ultimate convenience.

But here's the twist – while these devices make life a breeze, they come with a sneaky side effect, as pointed out by David Choffnes, the computer whiz from Northeastern University. You see, these gadgets, also known as IoT (Internet of Things), chat away over the internet in ways we can't quite see. They might seem innocent, but they're sharing some rather personal info.

First off, they're leaking their location. That's right, your devices spill the beans on where they are in your home. And guess what? This helps other devices in your house track them down. Not very discreet, is it?

But that's not all. These devices share other personal tidbits unique to your home. So, even if you've gone all out trying to protect your privacy, thinking you've got your phone's tracking and snooping under control, well, think again. Online trackers can piece together your identity by simply peeking into the collection of gadgets in your home. It's like a digital fingerprint they can use to ID you.

Choffnes and his team did some digging to uncover these privacy and security flaws in IoT land. They looked at 93 smart gadgets and found some eye-popping stuff. These devices play detective on your local network, snooping around to find out who else is hanging out in your house. So, your Amazon smart speaker could end up knowing more about your place than you'd like, even your name.

But it's not just the devices themselves; the mobile apps that talk to them have issues too. If you're on Android, these apps can cleverly bypass permission restrictions, like accessing your location or unique identifiers. They just chit chat with other devices on your home network, and voila! They get the info Android was trying to keep from them.

Choffnes and the co aren't just here to drop upsetting news; they're pushing for change. Google's paying attention and is teaming up with them to fix these problems. They believe there's a way for these devices to play nice without exposing your privacy to nosy neighbors.

Their research isn't just about spotting problems; they're suggesting solutions. Standardizing how these devices work is a big one, like the Matter smart home protocol. It's not perfect yet, but it's a step in the right direction. Plus, having rules and government oversight can help keep these devices from running amok.

So, next time your coffee maker starts brewing like a mind reader, remember that it's not just making your day, it might also be whispering some secrets you'd rather keep to itself. It's up to us, the savvy users, to make sure our smart homes stay safe and sound, giving us the convenience we love without the privacy pitfalls.

Photo: DIW

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Elon Musk's Starlink Steps In: The Gaza Conflict's Communication Lifesaver

Amidst the relentless conflict in Gaza, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Elon Musk, the brain behind SpaceX, is stepping up with a lifeline: Starlink internet support for aid groups.

The situation in Gaza is dire. Israeli bombardments have wreaked havoc, leaving a trail of destruction. But the real catastrophe struck when the region plunged into a communication blackout. The blackout made it nearly impossible for humanitarian agencies like the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, the World Health Organization and Red Crescent to stay connected with their teams on the ground.

Musk's offer came in response to a cry for help on social media. He pledged to provide internet access to internationally recognized aid groups and the United Nations. A gesture that could change the game.

Yet, here's the hitch: Musk needs ground terminals to make Starlink work. These ground terminals are essential for receiving the satellite internet service. The question remains: Can they get those terminals in place quickly?

Why is this pledge so pivotal? In a war zone, communication is a lifeline. Aid groups depend on it to deliver assistance, and journalists rely on it to report the ground truth. Without internet access, their vital work significantly loses its impact.

The blackout occurred due to Israeli bombardments, causing a complete breakdown in communication and internet services. The Israeli military has ramped up its activities in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of restoring connectivity for humanitarian efforts.

Over 8,000 lives have been lost in the Israel-Palestine conflict in this month. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll exceeding 7,000, while approximately 1,400 Israelis were reportedly killed during Hamas' attacks.

Musk's offer to provide internet support could be the lifeline the region needs. It highlights the indispensable role technology plays in war zones.

In conclusion, Elon Musk's commitment brings a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. Communication is a weapon against chaos, and in the heart of the storm, Starlink may become Gaza's beacon of hope.

Photo: maria_shalabaieva/unsplash

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Google's Monopoly Power Exposed: $26 Billion to Be Your Default Search Engine

Google reportedly opened its coffers in 2021 and spilled a staggering $26.3 billion to maintain its coveted position as the default search engine on mobile phones and web browsers in a jaw-dropping display of benevolence. It's as if they decided to toss their change around for fun, but this large sum reveals more than just their desire to be the top dog in search; it's also the stuff of courtroom drama.

So, what's all the fuss about? The curtain was drawn back in a federal antitrust trial against Google, revealing this staggering expenditure. We're talking about a sum of money more significant than most countries' GDP! And why is this so? So, let us find out.

This colossal payout is like Google's VIP ticket into the world of web and mobile search. It's a fee to ensure that whenever you grab your smartphone or open your web browser, Google is there, front and center, ready to answer your burning questions. It's like a relentless butler who never gets tired of hearing you ask, "Hey Google, what's the weather like today?"

Don't get us wrong: Google didn't just hand this money to one lucky entity. They distribute the wealth, or more precisely, the payment, to their partners. Apple deserves a special mention because, let's face it, they'll be getting the lion's share of the $26.3 billion pie. Google pays them to keep a spare room available for their luggage.

But why is the US Department of Justice so agitated? They, along with a slew of state attorneys general, appear to believe Google is abusing its dominance in the world of general search. They argue that Google uses its dominance to ensure its rivals can't even get a whiff of the key distribution channels.

Now, $26.3 billion is not insignificant. It's the kind of money you'd expect to find in a Scrooge McDuck money pit, not as part of a contract to be the default search engine. But Google insists that they aren't forcing anyone to do anything. Users, they claim, can change their default search engine with a few clicks. "Hey, it's your choice, but wouldn't you rather Google it?" they seem to be saying.

The slide shown in court was titled "Google Search+ Margins." We don't know what sounds more like an exclusive club than that. This club's revenue in 2021 will be a staggering $146 billion! That's a substantial sum of money. But that's not all. They also had to spend a considerable $26 billion on what they call "traffic acquisition costs."

But here's the fun part – the slide takes us back to 2014 when Google was just a rookie in the big game, booking a mere $47 billion in revenue and paying out a meager $7.1 billion for default status. By 2021, Google's revenue from Search+ has more than tripled, while its costs have nearly quadrupled. It's a classic rags-to-riches story but with a lot more zeros.

While Google is open about its overall traffic acquisition costs, there is a catch. The figures also include the money Google pays network partners for the advertisements you see on their websites. So, Google is essentially like that friend who always insists on picking up the dinner tab even when you don't ask.

Now, we mentioned that the slide from the courtroom only referred to Search+ revenue. But Google's pocket change isn't just limited to search.

Despite the courtroom drama and jaw-dropping figures, Google has remained silent. No comments from Google; it's as if they're saving their words for more clicks. And what about Apple? They, too, are quick to share their thoughts. Perhaps they need to be more preoccupied with counting the billions pouring in.

Read next: Amazon and TikTok Are Keeping This Top Google Exec Up at Night
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World