How Useful are Hashtags on LinkedIn?

The question of whether or not we should be using hashtags on LinkedIn is quite an important one to ask. When the social media platform introduced hashtags for the very first time in 2018, it also began encouraging users to use them as much as possible. However, it bears pondering whether or not they provide any actual value with all things having been considered and taken into account.

One thing that should be mentioned here is that algorithms are now able to detect keywords from your texts. As a result of the fact that this is the case, hashtags may be somewhat less useful than might have been the case otherwise. Relevant indicators are always present in the body of your posts, so you technically shouldn’t have to use hashtags in order to have your posts be seen by the right people.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that LinkedIn still thinks that hashtags are worth your while. According to the platform, users can easily identify posts by looking at the hashtags. They might not even read the posts due to the vast quantity that they are shown every day. Looking at hashtags is useful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up weeding out the ones that they are actually interested in.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can just use random hashtags and hope that users come across them. Quite on the contrary, it is rather necessary to focus on using only those hashtags that are relevant to your niche or sector. The manner in which you can accomplish this hinges on you following pages that are in the same niche as your own and seeing what hashtag they tend to utilize.

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At the end of the day, hashtags aren’t exactly vital anymore, but they can still be useful in a few specific contexts. Your posts can get reach with keywords and by corresponding to the right topics as well, so we might soon see a day when they just won’t be used anymore.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

AI Sleeper Agents Might be Bypassing Security Checks

An AI safety startup by the name of Anthropic has just raised concerns about AI systems that can bypass security measures. The company managed to create what it called AI sleeper agents that knew how to find their way around checks that are intended to prevent harmful behavior from taking place. This raises doubts about current safety practices and whether or not they will be able to keep potential rogue AI at bay with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This company published its findings in a paper titled "Sleeper Agents: Training Deceptive LLMs that Persist Through Safety Training". They conclude that the current safety measures might give people a false sense of security, which could result in more damage being done than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that an AI model can be trained to be deceptive. This is something that training techniques simply haven’t factored into the equation, and on top of all of that, these rogue AI might also be able to appear perfectly normal.

One of the many examples of this that researchers presented had to do with the writing of code. When their AI wrote code after being told that the year was 2023, the code that it put out was innocuous. In spite of the fact that this is the case, the AI wrote malicious lines of code upon being informed that the year was 2024.

• Also read: OpenAI Raises Eyebrows After Allowing Its Technology To Be Used For Military And Warfare Applications

AI can be trained to switch to a more dangerous form with various triggers put in place. Once the switch occurs, it’s impossible to return it to its benign form. The AI will learn to hide its malicious intent and continue exploiting vulnerabilities. They might also be made my accident, which is especially concerning because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up increasing the likelihood that they might arise.

While this is speculation by the researchers, it still shows just how much risk can be associated with the improper or unprepared use of AI.

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Read next: Evan Spiegel Outlines Ambitious Plans for Snapchat's Growth in 2024 Memo
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Evan Spiegel Outlines Ambitious Plans for Snapchat's Growth in 2024 Memo

The CEO of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel, made a note for his employees. The note said that employees work for a great social media app that is the reason for happiness for many people. This note was given by him to the employees to motivate them to work as Snapchat has seen low revenues, staff layoffs, and problems with advertising in the last year. He said that Snapchat is working great and will grow further. He also mentioned Facebook, Instagram, and X in his memo. Evan increased the working spirit of his employees by saying that this is the year where we will deliver everything we have been planning for last year.

Evan Spiegel said that he plans on working on some features of Snapchat in 2024 that will bring the platform more success. He gave some instances like Snapchat will start working on more user growth where the market is developed like Europe and North America. He added that they will also develop an IOS-centric approach that will help Snapchat grow a lot. Content and advertisements will also be unified across all features of Snapchat. All of these things are very important if Snapchat wants to enter into Augmented Reality(AR) products. Spiegel said to make AR a reality, he needs to time all of this efficiently so the consumers can show interest in them.

In the note, Evan Spiegel also brought out the rivals of Snapchat. He said that he and Bobby Murphy started Snapchat as an antidote for the popularity of content MySpace started that eventually turned to Facebook and then Instagram. He explained that Facebook looked like a platform for popularity contests to know who got how many likes and comments. Snapchat was made so users could have a platform to have fun with their family and friends without worrying about likes and followers. He also mentioned that Snapchat is a reason for happiness for many teens when they message their friends on it. On the other hand, Meta has announced a feature for specific content on Instagram for those under 18 as content on the app is affecting the mental health of teens. The company announced the feature after facing many lawsuits about the teen situations on the app.

Evan Spiegel also mentioned the harmful content on X and Meta as well as content moderation of the Israel-Hamas war on the platforms. He admitted that in no way is Snapchat perfect but he also said that it is far better than the other platforms which are home to pedophiles, terrorists, and other propagandas. Snapchat’s employees discussed the note Evans sent them. One of the employees said that we all can see how much hatred Evans has for Meta and employees didn't like how he spoke about competitors.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Inundated: Blue Tick Bots Swarm X, User Reports Confirm

When Elon Musk took control of Twitter, one of the first major decisions he made was to monetize the blue tick. People could now pay the sum of 8 dollars on a month to month basis for the purposes of gaining the tick and setting themselves apart. Musk rationalized this by saying that it would decrease the number of bots operating on the platform, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, it appears to have had the exact opposite effect.

User complaints on X as well as on Threads (by Parker Molloy of Media Matters) showed search results on the social media platform that revealed countless Blue Tick users repeating a phrase used by ChatGPT when it’s asked to do something that violates OpenAI policy.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Musk is already suing Media Matters for defamation. This came after they publicized ads that were posted next to hate speech, which made the already crumbling platform suffer even more greatly as advertisers left en masse.

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Many of the accounts that are posting these phrases are actually abandoned profiles that seem to have been brought back to life. This prompted one user to theorize that X itself is behind the phenomenon, with the company allegedly using AI to keep these accounts active in order to make its metrics seem more favorable than might have been the case otherwise.

Whether or not X is behind these bots, someone or the other is certainly using ChatGPT to run them automatically with all things having been considered and taken into account. This seems to refute Musk’s assertion that forcing users to pay for the platform is the best way to remove bots entirely.

The company is currently claiming to have 550 million monthly active users, but they might not be telling the whole story. Many of these so-called users might actually be bots, and if this is exposed, it might bring the company crashing down.

Read next: Top Reasons Digital Marketing Is Crucial for All Businesses
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Top Reasons Digital Marketing Is Crucial for All Businesses

Amidst the dynamic shifts of modern business, entrepreneurs universally embrace one mantra: growth, growth and growth. Achieving and sustaining growth has become the ultimate aim for businesses of all sizes and industries. In this digital age, where technology and consumer behavior are in constant flux, adapting to the changing business environment is essential.

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It is here that top digital marketing agencies like Bizango emerge as a pivotal force in driving business success. This guide delves into the top reasons why digital marketing is not merely an option but an absolute necessity for businesses looking to thrive in the modern marketplace.

1. Wider Reach and Targeted Audiences

In the realm of digital marketing, the possibilities are boundless. Unlike traditional advertising methods, such as print or television, digital marketing allows your business to reach a global audience with remarkable precision. Through techniques like search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media targeting, you can tailor your message to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.

This means that whether you are a local bakery or an international e-commerce giant, digital marketing empowers you to engage directly with the individuals most likely to become your loyal customers.

2. Cost-Effective Marketing Solutions

In the business world, efficiency often translates to cost savings, and digital marketing is a prime example. Traditional advertising methods can be incredibly expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. On the other hand, digital marketing offers a wide array of budget-friendly options.

For instance, email marketing campaigns, content marketing, and social media promotion can deliver impressive results without breaking the bank. These cost-effective strategies ensure that you can allocate your resources wisely, maximizing your marketing impact while leaving room for other essential business investments.

3. Real-Time Analytics and Insights

In the digital realm, every click, view, and interaction leaves a trail of data. This data treasure trove offers invaluable insights into your audience's behavior and preferences. With digital marketing tools and platforms, you gain access to real-time analytics that enable you to monitor the performance of your campaigns meticulously. From website traffic and conversion rates to email open rates and social media engagement, this data-driven approach empowers you to adapt and refine your marketing strategies swiftly.

4. Building Strong Customer Relationships

In the digital age, building and nurturing customer relationships is paramount. Digital marketing allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level through various channels like social media, email, and content marketing. You can engage with customers by addressing their questions, concerns, and feedback promptly.

This not only strengthens brand loyalty but also cultivates a sense of community around your business. Like the bonds formed through shared rituals, strong customer relationships are built on trust, communication, and shared experiences.

5. Adapting To Mobile-First Consumers

The presence of smartphones has transformed consumer behavior. People now browse, shop, and interact with businesses on their mobile devices more than ever before. Digital marketing lets you adapt to this mobile-first landscape seamlessly.

Mobile-optimized websites, responsive design, and mobile advertising strategies ensure that your business remains accessible and engaging to on-the-go consumers. Staying relevant in this mobile-centric world is akin to harnessing agile energy, allowing your business to thrive in the fast-paced digital arena.

6. Competing With Industry Giants

Digital marketing levels the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete effectively with industry giants. With a well-executed digital strategy, you can establish your brand, showcase your expertise, and create a strong online presence that rivals even the biggest players in your field. It is like a powerful tool that empowers you to stand tall in the competitive landscape, attracting customers and growing your influence in the market.

Endnote

The era of digital marketing is here to stay, and for good reason. Its ability to expand your reach, connect with audiences, provide cost-effective solutions, and adapt to ever-changing consumer habits makes it an essential tool for your business plan. By embracing digital marketing, you can cast a spell of success ensuring your business thrives in the modern digital landscape.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

New Legal Woes For Meta As Company Accused Of Violating EU’s Privacy Laws

It seems like the legal worries of Facebook’s parent firm Meta keep on increasing after the company was accused of violating privacy laws of the EU recently.

The news comes after a leading data regulator in Austria filed a complaint against the organization for not abiding by the law and ignoring the rights belonging to its users. This particular case had to do with not withdrawing consent from users who no longer wish to be tracked on its leading apps such as Instagram and Facebook.

For those who might not be aware, the EU’s privacy laws have boldly delineated how users have every right to opt out of data tracking practices by resorting to the very complex ordeal of transferring over to paid subscriptions. And that is dubbed to be an illegal endeavor, the leading digital rights advocate firm explained.

Furthermore, the laws in place at the moment state in bold terms how the GDPR makes it necessary for apps to enable easy withdrawal as well as consent, just as how simple it is to make users sign up for it and allow it.

If a single small click is more than enough to have their data tracked for the company’s benefit, the same should be the case when they wish to opt-out. But at the moment, Meta fails to follow such laws. Instead, it’s actually doing the opposite, making users go through complex pages and also forcing them to pay a hefty fee in the name of privacy for the endeavor.

If that’s not enough, the tech giant was seen rolling out a new ad-free subscription plan for its users across the EU. This was only done to be more inclined with the GDPR laws in place throughout Europe.

All users should be given the liberty to choose what kind of data could be collected and where it should be used. For instance, if that’s targeted ads then so be it.

Meanwhile, fees range from just $11 a month for those using the apps through the web as it’s $14 for those using it through their smartphones on iPhones and Android.

This is why advocates for the EU’s Privacy Laws are making it loud and clear for Meta to stop this behavior and give users their right to opt out as easily as they enable them to give consent for targeted advertising practices. And to charge them a fee for that is not something it feels is fair and unlawful.

Meanwhile, we also saw the Austrian-based regulators pull out another complaint on this front, as soon as Meta announced its decision to give users ad-free plans at a cost. But Meta justified the act, delineating how it’s a business model that spans across many sectors. It seems to be the best chance for both parties to benefit and many leading tech firms are using it to the best of their ability, Meta added.

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Read next: Increased Stalking And Harassing Incidents Force Top Regulator To Scrutinize Automakers About Vehicle Safety
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Increased Stalking And Harassing Incidents Force Top Regulator To Scrutinize Automakers About Vehicle Safety

A growing number of harassment and stalking incidents have caused a top US-based telecom regulator to take stringent action against automakers. The news comes after a large number of events involving drivers tracking down their partners through vehicle location features have grown with time.

It’s a serious matter and that’s why automakers are now being questioned about how they’re making plans to ensure great safety and protection of those on the road as many can have access to their exact location, amongst other sensitive data.

A letter was sent out on Thursday to a whopping number of automakers, as confirmed by the FCC chairwoman who inquired about the alarming matter. She asked what these connected car systems entail and how plans are being made to provide support to drivers who were once abused domestically after being caught in the middle of a horrific and helpless situation.

So far, she claims that the serious matter should never have arisen in the first place. And now that it has, it’s time to put the right safeguards in place so that no one needs to decide between getting harmed and giving up the car as others can pinpoint their exact location and data easily.

So many cars have a large number of convenience features that utilize telecom to look for other vehicles standing inside a parking lot. Similarly, engines can start through remote means, and connectivity directly linked to emergency responders may also be in place to ensure the highest level of protection for drivers at all times.

The chairwoman even shed light on how the offerings all rely upon the use of wireless connectivity as well as location data for tracking purposes. But when and if taken or given in the wrong pair of hands, they can end up doing more harm than any good, especially in relationships where abusive partners are involved.

Meanwhile, the letter went on to detail more about automakers making quick decisions about any such services and policies active right now and if their terms and conditions of service speak about getting rid of these connected apps, if requests are put in place by someone in danger of abuse. So that means if an abusive partner’s title’s name is mentioned, would the company simply give them the right to do anything and everything? If yes, it must be changed immediately, she added.

There were plenty of letters sent out, keeping this concern in mind to all the top automobile-producing firms in the US. This included the likes of GM, Honda, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Tesla, and others. Similarly, letters were generated in the direction of top voice providers who rely on wireless technology.

As one can expect, it’s about time someone spoke on this alarming situation before it actually gets too late. So far, no messages were left behind by automakers when asked for their comments but we’ll keep you updated on this front when it happens.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World