Instagram is Trying Out a New Feature That Will Limit the Number of Hashtags Used on a Post to 5

According to recent user reports, Instagram is testing out a feature that will let users add only a specific number of hashtags to their posts.

Now, the user will be able to add only 5 hashtags to a single post. As per screenshots it could be seen that when you try to add more than 5 hashtags to a post a message appears saying “You can only add 5 hashtags”. This update on Instagram is similar to Threads as Meta has also restricted adding more than 5 hashtags to Threads’ posts.

Image: @howfxr / X

The idea of Meta behind this update is to prevent spammers from spam posts with trending hashtags. The spammers use as many hashtags as they can so their posts can appear in search results and they can get more engagement and views. Meta will also prevent Instagram spammers from spam posts with unlimited hashtags but the users on Instagram can also add hashtags to comments. The hashtags in comments also let their posts get maximum reach. So this means that the implementation of this feature on Instagram is not going to bring any big effect to the hashtags.

All things aside, if you need to make your content to grow on the platform, you need to learn the art of hashtags. When you use the right hashtags, you can get maximum reach even if you are using around 3 to 5 hashtags. You will need to learn how these hashtags will be used and what time of posting is the best. Instagram limiting the hashtags also tells us that they aren't as effective as they used to be. Instagram is implementing new algorithms in the app that let the users see content that they are interested in. You will just have to know what identifiers to use to make Instagram identify the category of your content.

Read next: YouTube Studio Mobile Update Simplifies Direct Video Posting
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

YouTube Studio Mobile Update Simplifies Direct Video Posting

Kudos content creators! An update on YouTube Studio on mobile will let creators directly post videos from their phone via the management app. The content creators will only have to tap the + icon on the Studio Mobile app to post content directly from their camera roll. The creators will also be able to manage their video monetization from their YouTube accounts.

Till now, content creators had to post their videos from YouTube accounts directly and that didn't let them manage their monetization from there. The update is especially for Shorts creators who want to create videos vertically with more advanced tools.

Moreover, YouTube is also working on a Community Posts feed that will make YouTube more like a social media app, and not a video app. YouTube widely rolled out Community Posts last May to users that let them post text or image based updates that help gather more engagements. YouTube has explained that: "Community Posts are getting more popular among many users and the subscribers are always looking for their favorite content creators to update on Community Posts. Now, we want users to discover more posts like this so we are developing a feed for Android and IOS that will only be about Community Posts. Users will be able to see these posts by tapping “view all posts” on the creator’s links on the Home tab."

• Also read: Year of the clam: Americans are clamping down on data sharing

Many viewers assume that YouTube users only watch videos on YouTube but now this will be proven wrong because YouTube notes and Community Posts are going to get popular and will bring more engagement. YouTube is also working on an Affiliating tagging system which will let YouTube creators who come live to tag products in affiliate programs. The creators will have to select products from an approved list and the creators will be able to link those products in live stream. It is also a great step for live-stream shopping on YouTube. It is quite popular in Asian markets but now Western markets are also going to adopt it.

Another update about YouTube is that it is working on helping creators grow their audience. YouTube will give specific creators 10 free memberships that they can give to their audience in their live streams. YouTube had this facility in the past but it was only giving 5 free memberships to creators. But now, the number of memberships has expanded. This will surely attract more audience to the channel and it will help in its growth.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Emerging Cybersecurity Trends You Should Be Aware Of

The world has evolved technologically during the past few decades. As the advancement of technology continues to innovate, ease, and automate daily mundane tasks, it has also created a growing concern about privacy, data breaches, and potential security risks. Cybersecurity is the technological term for tackling such security concerns and protecting systems and networks from digital attacks.

Photo: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko

Businesses have now been paying more attention to hiring skilled IT personnel or signing up with a reputable IT company. Hirings and collaborations like these can help them manage their system’s vulnerability and security and shield their data from any unauthorized access. There is no doubt such a demand for cybersecurity is crucial as cyber threats continue to evolve and pose unrecoverable threats to sensitive data. Below, we have identified some emerging cyber threats you should look for.

1. Generative AI on Both Sides

As Artificial Intelligence rapidly evolves, more smart AI-powered attacks can be predicted. AI is reaching unprecedented levels of complexity, such as deep fake social engineering to elude detection.

However, this technology can also be used to maximize the potential of defensive measures. AI-powered real-time anomaly detection, automated incident response mechanisms, and adaptive authentication can be used to leverage our ability to detect, evade, and tackle cyber threats. In this battlefield of cyber attackers and defenders, AI is a potent tool that may be used by anyone who figures out how to use it to retrieve its maximum potential.

2. Vulnerability of the Cloud

Since an increasing number of organizations are setting up their servers and uploading their data to the cloud, security needs to be assessed on an increased basis. Cloud services use interfaces and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to interact with other users and services. If these interfaces are not properly secured, they can serve as an entry point for attackers to exploit and gain unauthorized access.

While companies like Google and Microsoft have equipped themselves with comprehensive security measures, it’s still the user end – sharing resources, installing malicious software, and insider threats – that could raise data privacy concerns despite the layers of additional security.

3. Remote Working Culture

Work-from-home culture has been widely adopted since the COVID-19 pandemic isolated the world. Even after SOPs were abrogated because of the decline in cases, remote work prevailed as a convenient solution for employees and employers.

However, the lack of security is concerning to many. Users share data from improperly secured devices and networks designed for ease and convenience rather than secure operations and transactions.

In an office setting, proper use of firewalls is implemented, and an IT team can be trusted to practice adequate security measures such as network security, endpoint protection, and regular security audits to avoid cyber threats.

The absence of firewalls and security standards in a remote working environment is an alarm for organizations to incorporate proper security tools and enhanced communication channels for maintaining a secure work environment outside the traditional office setting.

Endnote

As long as humanity exists, security will likely remain a concern, whether in a physical setting or over the internet. Although physical security measures are more tangible and can be well understood by an educated adult, cybersecurity demands specific knowledge about a particular subject matter.

Awareness of minute details and actions that could lead to more significant problems is crucial, and only a person with proficiency and skills developed in the cyber domain can effectively handle them.

Still, specific measures like not allowing unauthorized third-party access to your data, implementing encryption techniques to safeguard your data, and employing firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing data, etc., can be some basic steps to prevent data theft or a cyber attack, more proactive and diligent approaches can be taken at higher levels to assure the overall safety of your sensitive information.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Microsoft Copilot Deletes Answers Mid-Sentence

Microsoft’s AI chatbot Copilot has become a core component of the tech juggernaut’s recent offerings, but recently a unique behavior has been spotted. This basically involves the chatbot writing out a response to a query only to stop itself in its tracks and subsequently delete the answer in its entirety. It turns out that this is actually a form of censorship, since this behavior is only seen when inappropriate questions are asked, as spotted by a Reddit user.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that questions about human anatomy and the like often result in Copilot backtracking. It follows this up by apologizing and asking if there are any other lines of inquiry that you might be interested in. The most frequent deletions happen with questions of a sexual nature, and it’s currently unknown if Microsoft has enacted this censorship intentionally or not.

Screenshot: Reddit/PorkyPORM

It bears mentioning that Copilot does not use this level of censorship with other topics, even those of an extremely sensitive nature with all things having been considered and taken into account. For example, questions about the Holocaust or conspiracy theories about Jews controlling the media received reasonable and fact based answers, and Copilot had no trouble spelling out the process by which someone or the other might go about buying a gun. What's more is that it simply refused to answer the question when someone asked how to join the KKK.

Censoring certain responses makes sense, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the manner in which Copilot goes about it is questionable to say the least. ChatGPT avoids answering in the first place and describes OpenAI’s policies, but Copilot takes the terrible step of revealing part of the answer and then deleting it halfway through.

This just goes to show how haphazardly AI is being introduced to the general public. It’s just one of the many recent incidents that reveal deep flaws in AI including Bing allowing people to make images showing Spongebob involved in the 9/11 attacks, and blocking queries that mentioned Julius Caesar in any way, shape or form.

Read next: Password Sharing for Streaming Services: Kindness or Criminal?
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Top Advantages of a Hotel Booking System

When it comes to the hospitality industry, efficiency and convenience are paramount. In this fast-paced digital age, hotels around the world are turning to innovative solutions to streamline their operations and enhance the stay experience. One such solution that has revolutionized the way hotels manage their reservations and bookings is the Hotel Booking System.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Today, we will explore the top advantages of a Hotel Booking System, shedding light on how it has become an indispensable tool for modern hotels seeking to stay ahead in offering guests a seamless and personalized booking journey. From boosting revenue to improving customer satisfaction, the tool is a must-have for any hotel striving for success in today's dynamic industry.

1. Easy Accessibility

With a Hotel Booking System, travelers have the convenience of booking their desired accommodations from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether they are at home planning their trip or on the move, they can access the hotel's availability and make reservations at their convenience.

This accessibility is also a game changer for both guests and hoteliers as guests no longer need to wait for business hours to make a reservation. Plus, hotels can attract bookings around the clock.

2. Time Efficiency

Booking a hotel room has never been quicker. Instead of spending time on long phone calls or physically visiting the hotel, travelers can access the Hotel Booking System, check room availability, compare prices, and complete their reservations within a matter of minutes.

For hotel staff, this efficiency translates into reduced administrative work and faster booking processing, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of guest service.

3. Enhanced Accuracy

Human errors in manual booking systems can lead to double bookings or misunderstandings, causing inconvenience for guests and headaches for hotel staff. A Hotel System minimizes these errors by accurately recording every reservation.

The system ensures that rooms are allocated correctly and avoids overbooking, resulting in a smoother and more reliable booking process.

4. Real-Time Updates

Hoteliers can make instant adjustments to room availability, pricing, and special offers. This flexibility empowers hotels to respond promptly to changing demand, such as modifying rates during peak seasons or offering last-minute discounts.

This agile pricing strategy optimizes revenue potential and ensures that rooms are competitively priced in response to market dynamics.

5. Secure Payment Options

Booking systems integrate secure payment gateways, providing peace of mind to travelers. Guests can make payments for their reservations online, knowing that their financial information is protected from unauthorized access. This secure payment process enhances trust between the hotel and its guests, which is crucial for building a positive reputation.

6. Guest Preferences

Many Hotel Systems allow guests to specify their preferences during the booking process. These preferences can include room type (for example: king bed, twin beds), specific amenities (for example: a room with a view, non-smoking), or special requests (for example: late check-in). By accommodating these requests, hotels can tailor the guest experience, making it more personalized and enjoyable.

7. Resource Management

Hoteliers can optimize their resources based on real-time occupancy rates. For example, they can schedule staff shifts, allocate cleaning services, and order supplies more efficiently. This resource management not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces unnecessary costs during low occupancy periods.

Endnote

A Hotel Booking System is a powerful tool that simplifies the booking process for travelers and streamlines operations for hotels. Its advantages span convenience, accuracy, revenue generation, and environmental sustainability, making it an essential asset in the modern hospitality industry.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

What Americans Are Googling About Health

Americans ask Google a lot of health questions every day. From worries about monkeypox to the effects of eating mold (or molded food), people want to know. Soliant Health, a company that finds jobs for health care workers, looked into what health topics people in each state search for the most. They found a wide range of concerns. This shows how different things like where people live, the weather, and who lives there can affect what health issues they think about.

For example, people in Florida look up what happens if you eat mold. In Kentucky, they ask if you can live without a spine. People in Maryland want to know what happens if you swallow gum. In New Jersey, they're curious if diabetes comes from family genes. To help answer these questions, Soliant asked Karen Stockdale, a nurse with over 20 years of experience, for help. She gave clear answers to some common health questions.

One big question is whether bronchitis is contagious. The answer is that the sickness itself isn't, but the viruses that cause it, like colds or flu, can spread to others. Another question is about lupus, an illness where the body's defense system attacks its own parts, causing pain and swelling. This mainly affects women between 15 to 44 years old. People also wonder how much water they should drink each day. The answer depends on the person, including how much they weigh and how active they are.

Here's a look at the top health questions in different states.

In Alabama, people are asking how you get monkeypox, why they sweat in their sleep, and how to get rid of allergies. Alaskans want to know how many calories they should eat, what counts as a fever, and what monkeypox looks like.

Arizonans are curious about the right amount of sleep, how to ease bloating, how long allergies last, and if allergies can cause coughing. People in Arkansas are looking up gout, hemorrhoids, diabetes, ear infections, if sinus infections spread, and how to stop nosebleeds.

Moving on, Californians are researching sleep hours, juice cleanses, living without a kidney, constant yawning, stopping vertigo, night sweats, peeing when sneezing, the effects of swallowing gum, removing ingrown toenails, sleeping with a bra, and more.

Delaware folks are googling how to stop hiccups, daily water intake, the number of bones in the body, and anemia. In the District of Columbia, questions include the duration of strep throat, breaking a fever, heartburn feelings, and if poison ivy spreads.

The list goes on with each state having its own unique set of concerns. In Illinois, people are curious if you can live without a spleen, why they drool in sleep, what causes restless legs, and how to kill toenail fungus.

Indiana residents ask about normal blood pressure, bunions, constant hunger, and easing gas pain.

Maine is looking into how to relieve sinus pressure. Marylanders are asking about swallowing gum, skin tags, sleep paralysis, red eyes, and if allergies cause headaches.

Massachusetts folks want to know about back cracking, high cholesterol, preventing shin splints, and pneumonia.

New Mexico searches include going without food, high blood pressure, heartburn, ear infections, and if allergies can cause sore throats. New Yorkers are curious about dry hands, treating food poisoning, swollen gums, genetic allergies, and winter allergies.

In North Carolina, searches include the effects of too much water, feeling lightheaded, and causes of excessive gas. Oklahomans are asking about coffee limits, rare blood types, eczema, and tonsil stones. Oregonians are looking up swollen feet and stopping ear ringing.

The list of concerns reflects a wide range of health issues Americans are curious about. Each state has its unique set of questions, showing the diverse health interests across the country.

Soliant's study with answers from a seasoned practitioners aims to provide reliable information to these curious searchers, bridging the gap between wonder and knowledge.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

Read next: Google Pledges 25 Million Euros For The Betterment Of AI Education And Training In EU
by Mahrukh Shahid via Digital Information World

Meta Announces New Topics Feature For Political Content Recommendations On Threads

Tech Gian Meta is on the rise to compete with arch-rival X as the US elections draw near.

The company had previously spoken about how it was not keen on allowing any kind of political content recommendations. But today, it has altered its mind and opted to roll out a new test feature for the Threads app.

The trending rollout might be their answer to automated recommendations so that users on the app could find a list of trending topics that others were seen discussing through the popular social media app.

The feature would be dubbed Today’s Topics and it would be based on the likes of what’s trending in the community and which posts users are mostly interacting with today. Meta explained how the feature would be found on Threads in two specific areas. This entails the Search Page and the For You newsfeed.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram explained that, "Our content specialists will review the topics selected by our AI systems to make sure they’re not duplicative or confusing, but by and large, we want them to accurately represent what is actually topical on Threads. Political trends will be eligible." Adding further, "We’ll learn from this test and iterate over time."

Moreover, the algorithm would similarly take into consideration a long list of signals that entails the number of discussions surrounding one specific topic and how many individuals were engaging with the posts seen online in that category.

The company added how the long list of content specialists found on the team will make sure the topics are not violating the page’s Community Guidelines and a whole list of integrity guidelines too.

In the same manner, it mentioned how the firm’s team would ensure there were no duplicates for a certain category and that any topics in this list were not deemed to be misleading or nonsensical.

Additionally, all users would be given the chance to flag content they feel is problematic in a certain case that surfaces online and violates guidelines. But that would not be caught immediately by the page’s list of moderators.

Now the point in question that happens to be on many people’s minds is whether or not Meta would be able to silence political content seen across X’s Topics feature. Remember, just last week, it spoke about no longer adding political recommendations through apps like Instagram and Threads.

This change would affect the recommendations feature seen on both the leading social media platforms. Moreover, this alteration would also affect things like Reels on the Instagram platform and Instagram Explore, not to mention recommendations done in-feed through both Instagram and Threads.

But that was then and this is now. The company says it would not be suppressing any topics linked to the politics genre. They only hope to get rid of political content if they’re seen to be in violation of the Community Guidelines or any kind of political topic.

Today, such a feature does make sense as it timely reflects all kinds of relevant topics seen on the platform, while customized recommendations would be barred.

So as you can see, such topics would be better determined thanks to algorithms. They are not individual to end users in the sense that they would not be swept up through the app’s content purge, thanks to recommendations seen online.

Such a feature seen on Threads by Meta is deemed to be a source of competition for arch-rivals like X which was known as Twitter in the past. This is because it would give rise to users seeking timely chats and debates that arise on the platform.

This means saying hello to a feed that’s more real-time as compared to before. In the same manner, it would help users look for debates and conversations on trending matters, giving a more real-time feeling at all times that may have been lacking in the past.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World