Sunday, January 7, 2024

The Authentic Edge: Why Human Influencers Outshine AI Influencers

There are many AI influencers available that advertise different brands on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. But a study shows that "the informative value of influencers’ content, authenticity, and homophily positively affect their parasocial relationships, which in turn, affects followers’ purchase intention and evaluation of brand credibility.".

There is an influencer Alix Earle on TikTok who has 6.3 million followers. An AI chatbot was asked if Alix Earle is beautiful and it answered yes. This doesn’t mean that Alix Earle is only famous for her looks. She has a large fan following because she is beautiful and has a great personality. That’s the reason why her followers are always curious to see which clothes she will wear and what brand of makeup she will use.

Now that AI influencers are in question, people are often wondering if these influencers will be able to take up the place of human influencers. The answer to this is that AI influencers taking the place of human influencers is impossible because humans are more authentic than AI. A few years ago, an AI influencer called Lil Miquela who was made to look like a fashionable woman went to Instagram and got herself some brand deals. Every company was interested in her because at that time AI influencers were rare so everyone wanted to see what it can do. Now, many AI influencers have come forward and most of them are designed to look like a ‘hot woman”.
John Herman of NewYork Times Magazine says that AI influencers are effective for brand advertising because the public remembers them for so long. It isn’t because the AI influencers advertise stuff better than human influencers, but it is because AI influencers are someone people remember for so long because they are unique. The real issue is that no one wants AI influencers to use or wear a product to advertise it. Human influencers often use subtle ways of marketing which AI influencers are not capable of doing. Adult content creators are also getting affected with AI influencers because these AI influencers can easily make images of themselves wearing specific outfits after the users pay them. Aitana is also an AI influencer and posts pictures of her in lingerie and bikini but many men cannot tell that she is an AI influencer.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Saturday, January 6, 2024

X's Battle Against Bots: Insights from $1 Experiment and User Engagement Trends

SensorTower data shows, X's $1 account creation experiment hasn't significantly impacted app downloads in the regions where the platform tested the feature. Despite fluctuations, the overall download figures in New Zealand remain stable. X, ranked 77th on October 17th, dropped to 89th but is now 91st, indicating a decline but not a collapse.

In the Philippines, X's iOS downloads increased from 70th to 32nd since the test began, with a similar positive trend in the Google Play Store charts. The Philippines, being an Android-dominant region, shows X moving up 50 points in free app rankings.

These trends suggest a positive outcome for X's effort to encourage more users to pay for the app. However, considering that 8 in 10 of users don't post, the $1 fee may not be a significant deterrent for most. Users can still download and use the app for free; the fee only applies to posting or interacting.

It remains unclear how many users are actually paying the $1 annual fee. The principle behind charging for an active profile aims to deter bot peddlers, but more sophisticated operations may absorb the cost. Alternatively, X may seek more users to connect bank details for future ventures into payments and commerce.

While charging all users may not be the optimal solution to combat bots, X's motivation to experiment and battle bots is evident. These figures suggest there might be some merit to the initiative, but its broader implications and user adoption of the $1 fee remain to be seen.

Analyzing X's App Strategy: Fluctuations and Growth Amidst $1 Account Creation Test

Read next: 91 Percent of US Publishers Are Selling User Data Without Consent

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Content Creators on Instagram Have a Lot of Complaints About Instagram Because of Its Useless Features

We all know how Instagram releases new features every other month but not every user on Instagram is happy with them. In the past few years, Instagram has added avatars, stickers and new verification methods for the ease of their users. But there are also some users on Instagram who are not happy with these features and think they are useless. Joel Bervell, who has a following of 260K on Instagram says that the people who run Instagram are not connected with the people who are using Instagram.

Instagram makes Meta a lot of money and there are also some users on Instagram who make money on the app. So, when Instagram keeps on adding new features, it becomes confusing for creators who want to interact with their followers to make money. Now, Instagram is all about algorithms because it’s competing with TikTok. Users do not get to see the content they are following but the content they are interested in on the app. This is the reason when a creator creates a content on Instagram, it doesn’t reach the target audience.

Another creator on Instagram, Yesenia Hudson, says that Instagram also offers Meta Verified features to creators that costs $15 a month. But 90% of the creators on the app haven’t joined it because they do not see any advantages of having a blue tick. The creators who worked hard to get the blue tick in the past are pissed now because now any user can easily get the blue tick. There is also a Reels Bonus program on Instagram that pays creators for making reels. But creators say that Instagram doesn’t pay them as much as it has promised. Similarly, Instagram also promised creators of brand sponsorships but no brands reached out to creators. Creators say that they are disappointed in Instagram as it isn’t even showing content from family or friends on the feed. Instagram isn’t doing its work properly and it’s about time content creators are showing their concerns.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Openly Shows Support For Palestine And Muslims, Earns Global Admiration

The CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, Sam Altman, is making it very clear that despite being an American Jew, he is all support for Muslims, Arab, and Palestinian workers in the world of tech.

The leading tech entrepreneur weighed in his thoughts on what he felt about the current war in Gaza and how it needed to stop. He failed to side with Israel, leaving many stunned with his bold statements on the subject.

It was also interesting for him to represent the voices of millions of suppressed individuals arising from the Muslim and Arab communities, earning him a new form of respect from fans around the globe.

These statements were recently published on the X platform and had plenty of people talking for obvious reasons. Altman mentioned how many are oppressed and therefore cannot even voice their thoughts on social media, fearing the consequences of their actions which he says is alarming.

He also appreciated how many arising from that part of the world continue to openly show him support and respect and for that, he’s always grateful.

But at the same time, he did agree that many Jews in today’s world turn into easy targets for the likes of antisemitism, and that continues to be a leading problem around the globe.


Just one month back, he published through his X account how wrong he was regarding anti-semitism, mainly due to American Left political opinions. He also mentioned how the matter was harder to put into words as the controversies surrounding this subject were immense.

ChatGPT was also a subject of his conversations including how strongly he felt about the AI tool not doing a great job at being fair in terms of showing accurate content alone. He delineated how it was alarming to see Jews as well as Muslims become targets of prejudice and how it needed to stop.

Even posts related to the subject of humor should no longer be targeting members of different races, ethnicities, or religions- he added. All of these remarks came after a certain query arose from one follower who asked the CEO his thoughts on the power of AI and how its influence is causing a rift in society.

This is not the first time that ChatGPT has been slammed by big names. A prominent journalist from Iraq also made it very clear how it was shocking to see the Chatbot make bizarre statements after being given prompts about the Gaza turmoil. “They favor Israel instead of printing the clear picture to the world”- Mona Chalabi added.

Seeing Sam Altman’s statements in defense of Palestinians at a time when the world is seeing the oppression take place daily in Gaza clearly leaves a lasting mark in the minds of fans. They feel someone of this caliber needed to put the truth forward and after this, it’s likely his fan base rising in the Muslim and Arab world would intensify in numbers.

This marks the first time that one leading and high-profile individual in the tech industry has put out their thoughts on the military campaign by Israel and how strongly he condemns the act as innocent loss of life is never acceptable.

But making one side of the world happy might not be taken too positively by the others in the West who continue to support Israel and the brutal acts of violence taking place daily.

Read next: 91 Percent of US Publishers Are Selling User Data Without Consent
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

91 Percent of US Publishers Are Selling User Data Without Consent

The selling of user data without first and foremost obtaining their consent is an extremely troubling problem that doesn’t seem like it will be going away anytime soon. According to a recent report published by Compliant, it turns out that 91% of US publishers are selling user data to third parties without their consent.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that these publishers are all using Consent Management Platforms. In spite of the fact that this is the case, they are still finding ways to deliver user data into the hands of those willing to pay for it. The CEO of Compliant went so far as to say that this is a dangerous situation akin to mass surveillance.

The study involved the analysis of a billion or so impressions which were acquired from around a thousand media campaigns. Such a trend is concerning because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up putting user privacy at risk, and most consumers aren’t all that aware of what’s going on.

Based on the findings presented in this report, it appears that each publisher has around 5 brokers buying data from it on average. The high number of vendors also puts these publishers at an increased risk of data theft with all things having been considered and taken into account.

The study found that 82% of publishers are at a higher risk of data theft than might have been the case otherwise, and it’s all due to the enormous quantity of vendors that they are servicing on a more or less regular basis. Unauthorized tags can be piggybacked on, thereby providing malicious actors yet another avenue through which they can harvest data which can then be sold on the dark web.

The report states that the vast majority of the advertising ecosystem simply isn’t complying with regulations laid out in California’s CCPA. This consumer protection act came with several stipulations, including allowing consumers to delete their data whenever they choose and also have the ability to opt out.


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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Friday, January 5, 2024

Instagram's Upcoming Profile Collection Feature Will Help You Curate Your World

Instagram is all set to broaden its Collections feature, offering users the ability to share curated posts on their profiles. This move aims to enhance user understanding of individual interests.

As spotted by Alessandro Paluzzi on X, the public Collections option allows visitors to explore a user's curated content within the app. This can serve as a useful tool for showcasing diverse interests such as celebrities, books, or movies, aiding visitors in their decision to "Follow."

Beyond the Feed: Instagram's Next Chapter with Profile Collections
Image: Alessandro Paluzzi / X

This extension follows Instagram's collaborative Collections feature launched in 2023, allowing users to initiate private discussions based on a post. Any chat user can contribute to the collection, fostering more engaging conversations around shared interests.

The new experiment, still in development since September 2023, focuses more on the individual, providing a potential avenue for like-minded users to connect.

While the option may not be ready for an immediate launch, it presents an intriguing opportunity. Brands, if included in profiles, could use it as an additional platform to showcase their products.

However, there's a possibility of it feeling cluttered, an issue Instagram has actively worked to avoid in its design and user experience. The success of this experiment will be revealed when Instagram decides to release the new profile Collections feature.

Read next: Essential Skills That Are Going to Help You Boost Your Income This Year
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Thursday, January 4, 2024

How to Prepare your Blockchain Marketing Strategy for 2024

In today’s age of digital transformation, innovative technologies like blockchain, web3 and cryptocurrencies are growing increasingly popular. Studies show that, by 2027, the blockchain industry will be worth a massive $94 billion, growing at a CAGR of 66.2%.

However, as the field continues to expand, so does the number of players. This fast-growing competition is compelling business leaders to invest in marketing campaigns that engage their target audience and draw on what makes their company stand out. The right blockchain marketing strategy is essential when it comes to capturing the attention of the right consumers, investors, and supporters.

So, where do you begin? Here are some of the most important steps involved in building an effective marketing strategy for your blockchain business this year.

Step 1: Understand Your Target Customer

In any industry, understanding your target audience is crucial to marketing success. Learning what kind of consumers will be interested in your product, and how you can address their needs or solve the problems they face, is essential to creating engaging campaigns.

While the market for blockchain is always evolving, studies show that younger generations are typically more interested in this disruptive tech than others. Of course, understanding your target audience goes beyond simply identifying their potential age range.

Building comprehensive customer profiles that outline demographic data (location, age, gender), interests (cryptocurrency, NFTs, etc), and pain points or aspirations will be essential. If your business is relatively new, researching your competitors, drawing information from blockchain-focused forums, and conducting surveys will help you collect relevant personal data.

Certain internet environments, like X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit, are particularly popular among web3 enthusiasts. Monitoring and interacting with users on these sites is likely to help you understand what they enjoy and are looking for.

Step 2: Research your Competitors

Researching your competitors isn’t just a good way to gain insights into the kind of audience you may want to reach. Competitive research can help you to understand what kind of challenges blockchain companies face when connecting with their consumers, and which problems you’ll need to solve.

Image: Digital Information World - AIgen

Researching your competitors can also help you detect gaps in your current market, where you might be able to differentiate yourself with new services or solutions. Start by identifying the top competitors in your space – those that offer similar solutions, or target a similar audience.

Next, examine their websites, read through their content to find out what topics they focus on, and evaluate their social media posts. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMRush can even give you an insight into the kinds of keywords your competitors are targeting.

It can also be helpful to look at reviews and testimonials shared by consumers online, to gain a deeper understanding of what customers like and dislike about other brands.

Step 3: Create SMART Marketing Goals

Once you have a clear understanding of your audience and competitors, the next step is developing goals for your marketing campaigns. SMART goals will act as a compass throughout your campaign, giving you the direction and inspiration you need. SMART goals are:
  • Specific: Don’t just say you want to attract new people to your website, say you want to increase website traffic by 25% in the next 3 months.
  • Measurable: Determine how you’ll measure the success of your campaign. Will you be tracking referrals, engagement, conversions, or something else?
  • Attainable: While your goals can be ambitious, they should also be realistic. Think about what you can reasonably accomplish this year based on your current marketing results.
  • Relevant: Are your goals in line with your overall business targets? For instance, if your overall aim is to become a thought leader in your industry, your marketing goals should help elevate your personal reputation and create credibility.
  • Time-bound: Ensure you have an “end point” in mind for your campaign. Decide when you should see the results you want to achieve from your marketing efforts.

Step 4: Choose Your Marketing Channels

With your goals in place, it’s time to think about where and how you’re going to connect with your audience. In the blockchain world, you can still use traditional marketing channels such as email and traditional search engines (content marketing). However, it’s also important to think about the unique environments frequented by your consumers. As mentioned before, X and Reddit are excellent locations for blockchain marketing campaigns, because they are where many go to find news and discuss trending topics.

You could even experiment with Discord and Telegram, building entire communities around your brand and offering. Plus, it’s worth looking for ways to develop social proof and credibility, by working with influencers on social media channels or partnering with leading publications.

Your chosen marketing channels will be closely aligned with what you know about your customers and their purchasing journey, so review your user profiles carefully.

Step 5: Experiment with Different Ways to Engage your Audience

Now you know which marketing channels you’re going to use, the next stage is deciding how you’re going to engage and activate your target audience. As a blockchain company, you may be heavily focused on educating your audience on this growing space, and demonstrating the potential of what you can do.

However, it’s also important to entertain your followers, and provide consistent value that helps pave the way for ongoing loyalty. Some excellent methods you can consider include:
  • Referral programs: Referral programs are extremely powerful in the blockchain and crypto field. Reward customers every time they introduce a friend, relative, or colleague to your business to keep your community growing.
  • Events: Events like airdrops and bounty campaigns are also very popular in the field. They engage customers by giving them an opportunity to win something, and provide you with valuable content to use in campaigns.
  • Influencer marketing: Working with influencers is another excellent way to improve your chances of success. Look for thought leaders who already have a strong connection with your chosen target audience.

Step 6: Track the Performance of Each Campaign

Finally, measuring the outcomes of your blockchain marketing campaigns is crucial to ensuring you get the best returns on your investments. When you set your goals at the beginning of your strategy, you should have defined clear metrics and KPIs that will offer insights into your success.

For instance, if your goal is to increase community engagement through social media marketing, you might monitor mentions, comments and likes on your posts, new followers, and even referrals or participation in events.

Don’t just check your metrics once or twice, keep a close eye on how they change throughout the duration of your campaign. Consider experimenting with different strategies through A/B testing, exploring different marketing messages or the impact certain channels have on your results. By enabling you to evaluate the success of your past and present marketing campaigns, this data will help you make more informed choices in future.

Getting Started with Blockchain Marketing

The blockchain market is currently exploding, with new innovators entering the landscape all the time. The only way to ensure you can connect with your target audience, facilitate growth, and earn the loyalty of your consumers is to implement the right marketing methodologies.

Use the strategies above to ensure you’re building constant engagement with your customers, and pay close attention to your metrics throughout each campaign. Remember, you can always seek out expert marketers and PR agencies for extra help if you need extra support along the way.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World