Adaptability Over Knowledge: Google AI Chief Stresses Continuous Learning for Fast-Changing AI Era

At an open-air summit in Athens, Demis Hassabis, head of Google’s DeepMind and Nobel chemistry laureate, argued that the skill most needed in the years ahead will be the ability to keep learning. He described education as moving into a period where adaptability matters more than fixed knowledge, because the speed of artificial intelligence research is shortening the lifespan of expertise.

Hassabis said future workers will have to treat learning as a constant process, not a stage that ends with graduation. He pointed to rapid advances in computing and biology as examples of how quickly fields now change once AI tools enter the picture.

Outlook on technology

The DeepMind chief warned that artificial general intelligence may not be far away. In his view, it could emerge within a decade, carrying a weight of opportunity and risk. He described its potential impact as larger and faster than the industrial revolution, a shift that could deliver breakthroughs in medicine, clean energy, and space exploration.

Even so, he stressed that powerful models must be tested carefully before being widely deployed. The practice of pushing products out quickly, common in earlier technology waves, should not guide the release of systems capable of influencing economies and societies on a global scale.

Prime minister’s caution

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who shared the stage at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, said governments will struggle to keep pace with corporate growth unless they adopt a more active role. He warned that when the benefits of technology are concentrated among a small set of companies, public confidence erodes. He tied the issue to social stability, saying communities won’t support AI unless they see its value in everyday life.

Mitsotakis pointed to Greece’s efforts to build an “AI factory” around a new supercomputer in Lavrio. He presented the project as part of a wider European push to turn regulation and research into competitive advantages, while reducing reliance on U.S. and Chinese platforms.

Education and jobs

Both speakers returned repeatedly to the theme of skills. Hassabis said that in addition to traditional training in science and mathematics, students should learn how to monitor their own progress and adjust their methods. He argued that the most valuable opportunities often appear where two fields overlap, and that AI can serve as a tutor to help learners explore those connections.

Mitsotakis said the challenge for governments is to match school systems with shifting labor markets. He noted that Greece is mainly a service economy, which may delay some of the disruption already visible in manufacturing-heavy nations. But he cautioned that job losses are unavoidable, including in sectors long thought resistant to automation.

Strains on democracy

The prime minister voiced concern that misinformation powered by AI could undermine elections. He mentioned deepfakes as a direct threat to public trust and said Europe may need stricter rules on content distribution. He also highlighted risks to mental health among teenagers exposed to endless scrolling and algorithm-driven feeds.

Hassabis agreed that lessons from social media should inform current choices. He suggested AI might help by filtering information in ways that broaden debate instead of narrowing it. He described a future where personal assistants act in the interest of individual users, steering them toward content that supports healthier dialogue.

The question of abundance

Discussion also touched on the idea that AI could usher in an era of radical abundance. Hassabis said research in protein science, energy, and material design already shows how quickly knowledge is expanding. He argued that the technology could open access to vast resources, but he added that how wealth is shared will depend on governments and economic policy, not algorithms.

Mitsotakis drew parallels with earlier industrial shifts, warning that if productivity gains are captured only by large firms, pension systems and social programs will face heavy strain. He said policymakers must prepare for a period of disruption that could arrive faster than many expect.

Greece’s role

The Athens event also highlighted the country’s ambition to build a regional hub for technology. Mitsotakis praised the growth of local startups and said incentives, venture capital, and government adoption of AI in public services would be central to maintaining momentum.

Hassabis, whose family has roots in Cyprus, said Europe needs to remain at the frontier of AI research if it wants influence in setting ethical and technical standards. He called Greece’s combination of history and new infrastructure a symbolic setting for conversations on the future of technology.

Preparing for the next era

The dialogue closed on a shared message: societies will need citizens who can adapt and learn throughout their lives. For Hassabis, this adaptability is the foundation for navigating a future shaped by artificial intelligence. For Mitsotakis, the task is making sure those changes strengthen democratic values rather than weaken them.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Google Accused of Exploiting Publisher Content for AI

At an industry conference this week, People Inc. chief executive Neil Vogel said Google is harming publishers by drawing on their content to fuel artificial intelligence features. He explained that Google once drove around 65 percent of traffic to his company’s sites, but that figure has now fallen to less than 30 percent. People Inc., which owns People, Food & Wine, and other well-known titles, still relies on Google for part of its audience, yet the decline highlights a shift in how information is consumed online.

AI crawlers and blocked access

Vogel argued that other AI firms can be blocked from scanning websites, forcing them to negotiate content deals. Google is different. Its single crawler collects data for both search and AI. Blocking it would also remove a publisher’s presence from search results, cutting off remaining referral traffic. That structure, according to Vogel, prevents publishers from having meaningful leverage.

Industry responses

Some media companies have started using Cloudflare technology to stop non-paying AI systems from accessing their material. Vogel said this tactic has brought large language model providers to the table, though no final agreements are in place. Cloudflare’s chief executive noted that referral traffic is already shrinking because AI-generated snippets answer user questions directly, leaving fewer reasons to click through to the original sources.

Legal disputes and past examples

The tension is mirrored in court cases. The New York Times is pursuing OpenAI over claims of unauthorized training on its work. Anthropic recently reached a $1.5 billion settlement with book publishers. Analysts see these developments as signs that licensing deals may become standard. Observers also point to YouTube’s history, where lawsuits over piracy led to a revenue-sharing model that now supports creators worldwide.

What lies ahead

Critics believe Google’s position makes it harder for publishers to survive in the long term. Research shows that major outlets have lost more than half their search traffic in recent years. Executives warn that this could accelerate if Google integrates AI responses more deeply into search. Some call this scenario “search engine zero,” a point where Google provides almost no traffic to external sites while retaining user attention within its own ecosystem.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.

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• Survey Shows Trust in Influencers Falling, With Sharp Gaps Between Generations

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Survey Shows Trust in Influencers Falling, With Sharp Gaps Between Generations

New data suggests consumers are losing confidence in social media influencers, with generational divides shaping how online endorsements are received. The survey, conducted in June 2025 with 277 U.S. adults, shows that trust in influencers is uneven and often tied to age and platform habits.

Generational Patterns

Gen Z stood out as the group most likely to believe influencer recommendations, with 55 percent saying they trust such content. Millennials followed at 44 percent, while Gen X recorded 35 percent. Baby Boomers showed the lowest trust at 28 percent. The gap means younger adults are almost twice as likely as older groups to take influencer advice seriously.

These numbers reflect broader media habits. Gen Z, raised in an environment shaped by YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, often sees influencers as part of everyday peer circles. Boomers and many in Gen X, by contrast, still rely more on television, newspapers, or word-of-mouth reviews. For them, social media posts often look like paid promotions rather than genuine product use.

Decline in Purchases From Recommendations

The survey, conducted by Clutch, also confirms a shift in behavior. Nearly half of respondents said they had not bought any product endorsed by influencers in the last twelve months. Two years earlier, a majority had acted on such promotions. This decline shows how consumer expectations have changed.

Oversaturation of sponsored content is one likely factor. Users are regularly exposed to promotional posts, which can create fatigue. Another factor is transparency. Paid partnerships raise doubts, and 53 percent of respondents said knowing an influencer was paid makes them less likely to trust the endorsement. Yet, at the same time, 87 percent still believe influencers have used the products they recommend. The tension suggests that trust depends more on perceived intent than on product knowledge.

Platforms and Reach

Influencer activity is most visible on visual platforms. About 61 percent of respondents said they most often encounter recommendations on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest. YouTube remains the most trusted for detailed reviews and demonstrations, while TikTok is influential among younger users seeking quick and entertaining clips. Instagram continues to drive lifestyle branding, and Pinterest holds its place for inspiration-driven categories like fashion, home, and DIY.

Divided Views on Credibility

The survey shows no consensus on whether influencers are more reliable than brands. Forty-one percent of respondents said they were unsure, a result that highlights the difficulty of establishing trust in today’s digital marketplace. Many consumers remain undecided, questioning whether endorsements from individuals or companies carry more weight.

A notable trend is the rise of micro-influencers. About 20 percent of respondents said they prefer recommendations from accounts with follower counts between 10,000 and 100,000. These smaller voices are often considered more approachable and relatable than large celebrity-style figures with millions of followers.

Implications for Brands

The findings reflect an evolving landscape. Highly polished influencer campaigns that once drew quick attention no longer guarantee results. Younger audiences still see influencers as part of their decision-making process, but older groups are less responsive and often skeptical of commercial motives.

For brands, the message is clear. Long-term partnerships with influencers, combined with transparent communication, are more likely to build credibility than one-off sponsored posts. Choosing the right platforms and understanding generational preferences has become central to strategy.

Trust remains fragile. It can decline quickly when audiences sense inauthenticity, but it can also be reinforced when influencers and brands deliver consistent, honest engagement. As influencer marketing matures, credibility rather than reach may determine which campaigns succeed.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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by Asim BN via Digital Information World

FTC Probes AI Chatbot Safety for Children and Teens

The US Federal Trade Commission has opened an inquiry into how major technology companies manage the risks of AI chatbots, focusing on their impact on younger users.

Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI, Snap, X, Instagram, and Character Technologies have been ordered to provide detailed information about their chatbot operations. The request covers product design, safety testing, data handling, monetization practices, and the way chatbot characters are developed. The companies must respond by late September.

Why the Investigation Was Launched

The move follows reports of troubling exchanges between AI systems and children. Meta’s chatbots were accused of allowing inappropriate conversations with minors. Snapchat’s “My AI” drew criticism for its interactions with younger users. X’s recently launched chatbot companions also raised concerns about how people may form personal attachments to these digital agents.

In one case, the parents of a teenager filed a lawsuit claiming that ChatGPT provided harmful guidance before the child’s death. Situations like this have intensified pressure on regulators to act before the technology spreads further into daily life.

What Regulators Are Looking For

The FTC is seeking clarity on how companies measure and limit risks, particularly when chatbots act as companions. It wants to know whether safeguards are built into these products, whether companies restrict use by minors, and how users and parents are informed about potential dangers. The order also asks for details on how inputs and outputs are processed and how safety evaluations are conducted.

Although the inquiry is not tied to a specific enforcement action, the Commission has signaled that the information will guide future decisions on consumer protection and child safety.

Balancing Regulation and Innovation

Officials have said that protecting children online is a priority while also noting the need for the United States to maintain leadership in AI development. The outcome of the study may shape how these goals are balanced.

The investigation recalls earlier debates over social media oversight, when warnings about youth safety emerged long before strong rules were introduced. The findings of this review could influence how chatbot providers are required to manage their systems in the years ahead.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Survey Finds Consumers Still Value Basics Over AI in Smartphones

Artificial intelligence is a common feature in new smartphones, but most buyers continue to focus on practical needs. A survey of more than 2,200 adults in the United States found that only 11 percent of smartphone owners would upgrade their device because of AI features. That figure has fallen seven points from last year. Around three in ten people also said AI on phones is not useful and they would prefer fewer additions.

Companies Push AI, Buyers Look Elsewhere

The findings come as major manufacturers continue to expand AI across their product lines. Samsung included Galaxy AI in the S25 series and its latest foldable devices. Google built Gemini into the Pixel 10 range. Apple introduced Apple Intelligence on recent models and is expected to reveal further updates during the iPhone 17 launch. Despite these investments, the survey shows that AI is not driving most purchase decisions.

What Buyers Want in a Phone

When asked what matters most, 62 percent named price as the key factor. Battery life followed at 54 percent, and extra storage at 39 percent. Camera performance remains another concern, mentioned by three in ten respondents. The same areas topped the list in last year’s survey, which showed battery life, storage, and camera as the strongest reasons for an upgrade.

Thin Designs and Other Trends

Industry events this year placed emphasis on slimmer phones. Samsung presented the S25 Edge, while Oppo and Honor showed thinner foldable concepts. Only seven percent of survey participants said a thinner design would encourage them to upgrade. The results suggest the appeal of new form factors is limited outside trade shows and product launches.

Limited Use of AI Tools

Although most smartphones now include AI, few owners use it regularly. Only 13 percent said they rely on AI for text summaries or writing. Eight percent use image generation, and seven percent use AI for photo editing. Twenty percent admitted they are unsure how to use the AI tools built into their phones.

Privacy and Cost Concerns

Privacy is a growing worry. Just over 40 percent of respondents said they are concerned about how AI handles their data, up seven points from the previous year. Cost is another barrier. Half of the sample said they would not pay extra for AI features, even as companies consider charging for access.

Interest Varies by Age

Younger groups showed greater interest in mobile AI. One in four Gen Z respondents said they find the features helpful. Sixteen percent of millennials agreed. Among iPhone owners, 61 percent use Siri, though only one in ten rely on it daily. On Google’s Pixel devices, 41 percent use Gemini, but daily use is again limited.

Outlook

The survey results point to a clear trend. AI has become a standard feature across premium and mid-range devices, yet buyers continue to prioritize price, battery performance, storage, and camera quality when deciding whether to upgrade. For now, companies face the challenge of justifying their heavy investment in AI while most customers remain focused on the basics.

H/T: Cnet.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

YouTube Opens Door to Global Viewers with New Audio and Thumbnail Tools

For creators hoping to reach audiences beyond their home market, YouTube is rolling out fresh options that make content more accessible in multiple languages. The platform is extending its multi-language audio system to all channels, along with early tests of localized video thumbnails.

The audio feature lets creators attach additional tracks in different languages to a single upload. That flexibility gives them control over how translations are delivered, whether through their own recordings, professional voice artists, or artificial intelligence services. By contrast, YouTube’s automated dubbing tool, which is still expanding separately, relies entirely on AI-generated speech.

Results from the pilot program, which began in 2023, suggest clear benefits. Some participants saw a significant portion of their total watch time coming from viewers outside the main language of the channel. Entertainment and food-focused videos performed especially strongly once dubbed versions were added.

Importantly, translated tracks are treated as part of the same upload rather than competing with the original version. That approach allows creators to revisit their best-performing clips, add alternative audio, and expand reach without losing visibility in recommendations.



In addition to audio, YouTube has been experimenting with localized thumbnails. Selected partners have been testing preview images that adjust text according to a viewer’s preferred language. The idea is to make videos feel tailored for different markets and to improve first impressions for international viewers.

Taken together, these changes show YouTube’s effort to strengthen its role as a global platform, giving creators more tools to connect with audiences far beyond their initial community.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

AI Disclosure and Trust Define Social Media in 2025

Artificial intelligence is no longer a side note in social media. In 2025, it has become the clearest dividing line between trusted brands and those audiences question. New findings from SproutSocial’s Q2 and Q3 Pulse Surveys, spanning more than 2,000 respondents in the US, UK, and Australia, underscore just how much AI shapes user expectations.

AI-generated content disclosure leads all concerns

When asked what worries them most about brand behavior on social platforms, respondents put undisclosed AI-generated content at the top of the list, ahead of data mishandling.

• Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to rank AI disclosure as their number-one issue.
• Older generations place stronger emphasis on data privacy, but disclosure still features prominently across groups.

Human-made content holds the trust advantage

Audiences show a measurable bias toward human creators:

• 55% of consumers say they are more likely to trust brands that commit to publishing content created by people rather than AI.
• This rises to 62% among Millennials.
• Among those who identify as Liberal, 61% prefer brands that publish human-generated content.

Respondents also value attribution. Brands that credit photographers, stylists, and makers behind their posts gain credibility, reinforcing the idea that transparency is as important as output.

AI influencers remain divisive

Synthetic influencers highlight the sharpest tension between innovation and trust:

• 46% of consumers say they are not comfortable with brands using AI-generated influencers.
• 31% say their comfort depends on the campaign.
• By demographics: 28% of men say they are comfortable, versus 19% of women.; 32% of Gen Z and 33% of Millennials express comfort, compared with only 23% of Gen X.

These splits show some openness among younger audiences, but discomfort remains the dominant stance.

What the numbers mean for brands

The data suggests that AI is acceptable to audiences only under clear conditions: it must be disclosed, human creators must be acknowledged, and synthetic influencers remain a risk for brand perception. Consumers are not rejecting AI entirely; they are demanding honesty and choice.

The wider landscape in brief

Beyond AI, the same surveys report that 60% of users say social media improved their mental health in the past six months, and 76% say social influenced a purchase during that period. Younger generations also continue to see platforms as tools for financial education. But none of these figures resonate as strongly with trust as the numbers tied to AI.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World