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Week Summary
Technology
  • Earth has captured a temporary 'second moon,' a small asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will orbit until November 2024.
  • Research indicates that larger AI chatbots are increasingly prone to generating incorrect answers, raising concerns about their reliability.
  • Meta's Chief Technical Officer discussed advancements in AR and VR technologies, particularly focusing on the Orion AR glasses.
  • The author reflects on their experience with Rust, proposing several changes to improve the language's usability and safety features.
  • The Tor Project and Tails OS have merged to enhance their efforts in promoting online anonymity and privacy.
  • OpenAI is undergoing leadership changes, with key executives departing amid discussions about restructuring and the company's future direction.
  • Git-absorb
  • The concept of critical mass explains how significant changes occur when a threshold of acceptance is reached, impacting technology and society.
  • WordPress.org has banned WP Engine from accessing its resources due to ongoing legal disputes, raising concerns about security for WP Engine customers.
  • PostgreSQL 17
  • Hotwire Native is a web-first framework that simplifies mobile app development, allowing developers to reuse HTML and CSS across platforms.
  • Radian Aerospace is progressing on a reusable space plane, completing ground tests and aiming for full-scale flights by 2028.
  • A groundbreaking diabetes treatment using reprogrammed stem cells has enabled a patient to produce insulin independently for over a year.
  • Apple is developing a new home accessory that combines features of the iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod, expected to launch in 2025.
  • SpaceX's Starlink service is set to surpass 4 million subscribers, reflecting rapid growth and significant revenue projections.
  • TinyJS is a lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies dynamic HTML element creation and DOM manipulation for developers.
  • Google integrates social media posts into business listings for enhanced visibility.

    Google has added a new section within its business listings in Search that displays recent social media posts from connected profiles. Social post previews are populated automatically based on the social profiles linked to the business. This update is aimed at generating more interest in products/services.

    Md Impact
    GoogleSocial Media
    Tuesday, March 12, 2024
  • Pinterest introduces 'body type ranges' for more inclusive and personalized search results.

    Pinterest’s new body type ranges empower users to tailor their search results for women’s fashion and wedding ideas. It aims to foster inclusivity and representation online. Users can personalize their browsing experience to reflect their unique preferences and identities, with the option to select from 4 body type ranges. This AI-powered innovation offers Pinterest users greater control over their visual discovery and shopping journey.

    Md Impact
    PinterestSocial Media
  • Small businesses fear losing TikTok as a key marketing platform.

    Small businesses are worried about losing a vital marketing channel if TikTok faces a ban. Bigger brands appear less concerned, but some have started planning alternative promotional strategies. Marketing agencies are advising clients to diversify their influencer spending across platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

    Hi Impact
    TikTokUSSocial Media
  • LinkedIn introduces Pages Messaging, allowing direct communication between users and company pages.

    Pages Messaging is a feature that organizations can activate on LinkedIn to enable users to communicate directly with their Pages. You can configure different conversation topics that your LinkedIn Page is open to receiving, including demo requests, customer support, or career inquiries. The feature offers integrations with Bird CRM, Brandwatch, Hootsuite, Oktopost, Sprinklr, and Zoho.

    Md Impact
    LinkedInSocial Media
  • LinkedIn introduces games and short-form content to attract users between TikTok and Twitter.

    By introducing games and short-form content, LinkedIn seems to be strategically targeting users who find themselves lost between TikTok and the transformed Twitter. It is trying to position itself as a unique blend of professional networking and engaging content for a broader audience.

    Hi Impact
    LinkedInSocial Media
  • Facebook introduces a vertical video player to compete with TikTok.

    Facebook rolled out a vertical-first video player in a move to attract younger users while positioning itself as a potential alternative in case of a TikTok ban in the US.

    Hi Impact
    Facebook
    TikTok
    Social Media
  • AI's potential to diversify travel experiences contrasts with social media's influence on popularizing specific destinations.

    The travel industry has been embracing AI to streamline bookings and personalize itinerary planning. Concerns arise about AI homogenizing travel experiences. However, social media has already been influencing travelers to flock to popular destinations, potentially diminishing unique cultural experiences. Some travelers base their whole itinerary off of a trip they see an influencer do on TikTok or Instagram. On this front, AI might actually prevent tourism from bottlenecking. AI is designed to consider the entirety of available data and provide personalized suggestions that reflect each traveler’s unique preferences.

    Md Impact
    AI
    Travel
    Social Media
  • Innovative interactive content ideas to enhance social media engagement and community building.

    This article shares how to create interactive content that resonates with audiences on a deeper level than traditional social media posts. From quizzes and polls to user-generated content campaigns and giveaways, these innovative approaches not only boost visibility, but also foster a sense of community and brand loyalty.

    Hi Impact
    Social Media
    Interactive Content
  • Wizad introduces a tool for effortless creation of consistent social media posters, maintaining brand identity.

    Wizad generates consistent social media posters, keeping your brand's color scheme, tone, and elements.

    Md Impact
    WizadSocial Media
  • Study reveals Gen Z's openness to AI-generated influencers despite authenticity concerns.

    Gen Z's perception of influencers is evolving, as shown by a recent study indicating their willingness to engage with AI-generated influencers. Despite concerns over authenticity, with 37% expressing distrust towards brands working with AI, 46% of Gen Z respondents are intrigued by such collaborations. They prioritize metrics like follower count over traditional authenticity markers.

    Hi Impact
    AI-generated influencersGlobalSocial Media
  • Pinterest is celebrated for its positive, stress-reducing environment amidst the social media landscape.

    Pinterest stands apart in today's social media landscape as a refuge from drama and opinion overload. It offers a serene haven focused on self-care and positivity. Studies have shown its positive impact on reducing stress and burnout. Users appreciate its inward-facing nature, devoid of vanity metrics and negative discourse. Pinterest's algorithm prioritizes saved content, providing a relaxed browsing experience. It doesn't reward a “more is more” mentality, and creators feel less pressure to constantly update their audiences in real time.

    Hi Impact
    PinterestGlobalSocial Media
  • Instagram launches new interactive stickers for stories.

    Music, photos, and videos can now be shared more interactively on Instagram. A new feature called Reveal blurs the contents of a story post, preventing viewers from seeing it unless they DM the person who shared it. Another feature, Frames, overlays Polaroid images on grayscale images that turn into pictures when you shake the phone. Instagram will add a music template feature that lets users post songs directly to their stories using prompts.

    Hi Impact
    InstagramSocial Media
  • Instagram advises against posting Reels over 90 seconds to avoid negative distribution impacts.

    Instagram's content team has warned marketers about posting Reels longer than 90 seconds, citing potential negative impacts on distribution within the app. The platform's evolving stance on content length optimization highlights the need for creators to pivot their strategies accordingly to ensure maximum visibility and engagement on Instagram.

    Hi Impact
    InstagramSocial Media
  • Social media significantly influences online shopping, with over 110 million Americans engaging in social buying.

    Over 110 million Americans (42% of internet users) were social buyers this year. The majority of brands believe that social selling has been effective for their businesses. Social media platforms are prioritizing seamless in-app shopping experiences. Brands have been seeing the highest ROI from IG and FB. Short-form product demos and teasers have been key to driving sales for brands.

    Hi Impact
    Social Media
    United States
    IG
    FB
  • Instagram introduces a new interview series to provide insights on growth strategies from top creators.

    Instagram launched a new informational interview series featuring a range of creators talking with Instagram development leaders about the platform and their concerns and challenges. The series is designed to provide insights directly from creators on all aspects of growing on Instagram. Topics include effective monetization approaches, community engagement, and AI advances. The first video in the series is included in the article.

    Hi Impact
    InstagramSocial Media
  • TikTok experiments with 60-minute video uploads to compete with YouTube.

    A limited group of TikTok users in select markets are now able to upload 60-minute videos onto the platform. The feature marks a shift from TikTok's original format. While the company rose to popularity due to its short-form video format, it has been slowly embracing long-form content to compete with YouTube. The platform has also been testing a horizontal full-screen mode and video-scrubbing thumbnails. It is unclear if or when TikTok plans to launch the 60-minute video upload option widely.

    Hi Impact
    TikTokGlobalSocial Media
  • 71 templates to streamline social media content creation across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

    71 social media post templates that can help streamline the content creation process, ensuring visually appealing and consistent posts across multiple platforms. Covering Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more, these templates help maintain brand cohesion and engage audiences effectively.

    Md Impact
    Social Media
    Instagram
    Facebook
    LinkedIn
    TikTok
  • TikTok Studio, a new management platform, offers creators tools for performance analysis and content management.

    TikTok Studio is designed to help creators analyze their performance, track improvements, and make more informed decisions. Creators can manage all aspects of their presence, including video uploads, editing, performance analytics, and more. TikTok Studio replaces Creator tools within the TikTok app as well as the Creator Center web app, but creators can continue to access the full suite of tools and resources on a desktop web browser.

    Md Impact
    TikTok
    Social Media
  • Facebook shifts focus to young adults with AI-driven recommendations.

    Meta is refocusing Facebook to appeal to young adults by shifting the platform towards recommendations rather than posts from friends. It is focusing on attracting the next generation of social media consumers. The company is using AI to improve recommendations for Reels and the feed.

    Hi Impact
    MetaFacebookSocial Media
  • Snapchat's user base matures, with 25% over 35 years old.

    Snapchat isn't just for kids - close to 25% of its users are 35+. The company recently reported 422M daily active users. Its new ad features aim to differentiate it from other platforms and attract more advertisers. These include enhanced Dynamic Ads, generative AI and AR tools, state-level targeting, and easier app installation.

    Hi Impact
    SnapchatSocial Media
  • Shifts in influencer marketing towards more authentic engagement and niche targeting.

    Quick point-and-shoot product placements and fast fashion hauls are becoming outdated in the influencer industry. This post predicts upcoming shifts, including increased investment in influencer marketing by 75% of B2B marketers. They will likely engage key leaders and experts in niche industries and host campaigns on platforms like LinkedIn. Brands will use their employees as brand ambassadors to better connect with consumers. As social media usage declines, influencers will gather loyal fans into more intimate digital spaces, like brand forums or broadcast channels.

    Hi Impact
    Marketing
    Social Media
  • Friend Tech's DAU drastically falls to 177, questioning the viability of hyper-financialized social apps.

    Friend Tech's daily active users (DAU) have plummeted to 177, raising doubts about the sustainability of hyper-financialized social apps.

    Hi Impact
    Friend TechSocial Media
  • Cara, an anti-AI app for artists, rapidly grows as a safe space against Meta's AI policies.

    Cara, an anti-AI social app for artists, surged from 40,000 to 650,000 users in a week as artists fled Meta's exploitative AI policies, seeking a safer space to share their work. Founder Jingna Zhang, a renowned photographer and advocate for artists' rights, has positioned Cara as a haven for creatives to display their portfolios without fear of AI misuse.

    Hi Impact
    CaraSocial Media
    MetaAI Policies
  • Instagram focuses on video content and prioritizes creators with its algorithm updates.

    More than half of Instagram usage is now video-based. Content that encourages sharing among friends drives the most value and engagement on the platform. Instagram is prioritizing short-form videos to foster private interactions and discussions. The app's algorithm now ranks content based on “shares per impression”, making sends a key metric for evaluating post success. Half of all video impressions are viewed with sound off. Meta is prioritizing creators over publishers to shift power towards individuals.

    Hi Impact
    InstagramSocial Media
  • X to hide likes to prevent user attacks, allowing visibility of likes and counts to post owners.

    X is rolling out private likes - what users like on the platform will be hidden by default. Owner Elon Musk said that it was important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so. Users will still be able to see who liked their posts and the like count for all posts.

    Md Impact
    XElon MuskSocial Media
  • Compilation of effective social media posts from Instagram, Notion, Hootsuite, and Rhode.

    A collection of inspiring, on-brand, and relatable social posts by Instagram, Notion, Hootsuite, and Rhode.

    Md Impact
    InstagramSocial Media
    NotionSocial Media
    HootsuiteSocial Media
    RhodeSocial Media
    Social Media
  • Challenges faced by new social media platform Cara.

    Artists are flocking to the new social media platform Cara as an alternative to Instagram due to its anti-AI stance and focus on protecting user content. However, Cara faces challenges common to new creative platforms, such as achieving mass appeal and attracting diverse audiences, which are crucial for its long-term success.

    Md Impact
    CaraSocial Media
  • Experts debate the need for social media warning labels proposed by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, citing inconsistent evidence on its impact on mental health.

    Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, has proposed warning labels for social media due to its supposed impact on teenagers' mental health. However, experts argue that social media should be understood rather than feared. The science on social media's harmful effects is not settled, with critics emphasizing the lack of consistent evidence linking social media to poorer mental health. Murthy cites studies showing adolescents who use social media heavily are more prone to anxiety and depression, but newer research indicates it can also improve mood.

    Hi Impact
    Vivek MurthyUnited StatesSocial Media
  • Pinterest introduces a feature allowing users to turn boards into videos for sharing on social media.

    Pinterest is embracing the TikTok era by letting users turn their boards into short videos to share on social media. Inspired by Gen Z's love for video content, this feature allows users to share their creative collections with links to Pinterest, promoting increased engagement and traffic. This new functionality is especially aimed at enhancing the sharing experience for Gen Z, the platform's most engaged generation.

    Hi Impact
    PinterestSocial Media
  • Supreme Court ruling extends First Amendment protections to social media content moderation.

    A decision issued by the Supreme Court on Monday explicitly extends First Amendment protections to how social media platforms organize, curate, and moderate their feeds. The compilation and curation of others' speech into an expressive product of its own is entitled to First Amendment protection. Platforms are making expressive choices when they use their Standards and Guidelines to decide which content to display or how the display will be ordered and organized. The government cannot get its way just by asserting an interest in better balancing the marketplace of ideas.

    Hi Impact
    United States
    Social Media
    Content Moderation
Month Summary
Technology
  • OpenAI is considering a new subscription model for its upcoming AI product, Strawberry, while also restructuring for better financial backing.
  • Telegram founder
  • The startup landscape is shifting towards more tech-intensive ventures, with a focus on specialized research and higher capital requirements.
  • Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator aircraft successfully completed its second flight, testing new systems for future supersonic travel.
  • announced the uncrewed return of Boeing's Starliner, with future crewed missions planned for 2025.
  • OpenAI's SearchGPT aims to compete with Google Search by providing AI-driven information retrieval, though it currently faces accuracy issues.
  • Tesla is preparing to unveil its autonomous robotaxi technology at an event in Los Angeles, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full autonomy.
  • The US Department of Justice is investigating Nvidia for potential antitrust violations related to its AI chip market dominance.
  • Apple plans to use OLED screens in all iPhone 16 models, moving away from Japanese suppliers and introducing new AI features.
  • Amazon S3 has introduced conditional writes to prevent overwriting existing objects, simplifying data updates for developers.
  • Chinese scientists have developed a hydrogel that shows promise in treating osteoarthritis by restoring cartilage lubrication.
  • Nvidia's CEO is working to position the Nvidia as a comprehensive provider for data center needs, amidst growing competition from AMD and Intel.
  • OpenAI
  • Nvidia Blackwell
  • Amazon is set to release a revamped Alexa voice assistant in October, powered by AI models from Anthropic's Claude, and will be offered as a paid subscription service.