Twitter announced on Wednesday its plan to conduct an “internal review” after numerous attempts to try to enforce their new policy. The new privacy agreement would penalize users for sharing photos with the consent of those pictures. The platform plans on using this new feature as a way to combat the prevalence of harassment and bullying, two issues the world is all too familiar with in terms of social media. The issue with this new privacy agreement id that its something that is extremely hard to enforce for the fact that it leaves way for the enforcement team of this particular section to make mistakes and penalize the wrong people.There are some exceptions to the new privacy policy in that journalist or people who are reporting for “the common good” are considered to be exempt from the enforcement of this policies. Twitter has received a lot of push back from far right support groups such as “The Proud Boys”, who are using this new agreement to go after people who have criticized them in the past and posted pictures of them without their permission. I believe that this new agreement leaves room for a lot of misinformation to be published and create fake reports. Twitter needs to better job at combating bullying across their platforms, just by the pushback from this new agreement they need to think of a new one.
Continue reading “Twitter rolls out controversial new privacy agreement”Category: Uncategorized
The Good, the Bad, and the…Dirty? How the Internet Took Down an Obscure Multi Level Marketing Plan that Sold Bags of Soil for Health
What is an MLM?
Multi-Level Marketing Plans, commonly known on the internet as MLM’s, are nothing new to frequent users of Instagram and Facebook. Certain savvy users with a business idea can consistently utilize their platform to influence others to buy in to a product and sell it to others. The catch is that these products cannot be bought in-store- you must purchase them from a “friend”, or someone who already works for the business. This process ultimately makes the person at the top richer by leveraging field sales and marketing to the likely naive end of the line customer.
Images of creating an empire, working from home, and “being your own boss” are built around successful clients-turned-salespeople. The technique of roping internet users in can cause tremendous financial, emotional, and social damage in the long run. Whether it is hair products, clothing, or weight loss shakes, we have all been witness or potentially fallen victim to buying into an MLM. The most obscure scheme yet has been a business that sells bags of dirt for $110 each, claiming that they “cure” cancer and autism.
Getting Their Hands Dirty
Black Oxygen Organics, otherwise known as “BOO”, encouraged its users to bathe, wear, and even drink the dirt that they were somehow successfully selling. The dirt, or “magic mud”, was sold in capsules, powder and liquid through users who claimed its magical benefits. Claims were made that the substance from a trench in Ontario could potentially cure all known ailments. Tests were run on this soil through The Ohio State University’s labs in which high levels of lead and arsenic were found, leading to FDA investigation of the product. These elements are not rare to find in soil, which is a valid reason that we should not consume such a substance.
The Downfall of BOO
Groups of anti-MLM enthusiasts banded together through the internet and conducted an insider investigation in order to shut the brand down. Some members of these internet forums attempted to join the group in efforts to gather information that would help their case in spreading awareness of the harmful product. The group gained the attention of the FDA, FTC, and Health Canada, resulting in a recall of the product.
This story proves the power of the internet for uses that are both harmful and productive. The psychologically manipulative tactics that MLMs use to prey on consumers were shut down by regular people against such organizations. Without the internet this surely would not have happened, but there would have been less of a chance of it ending as well.
ISP’s want more money now!!
During early fall a little streaming program caused a fuss.
Maybe you’ve heard of it, Squid Games.
Familiar? Sure, you are. It is the program that has captured the attention of 142 million homes worldwide. And internet service providers are feeling the pain. As the exclusive culprit for the strain, ISPs are looking for the dinero, Cash Money, Benjamin’s, or the coins as the kids say.
What it boils down too is, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon etc. already pay for use of the broadband networks. And most have anticipatory safeguards in place for peak demand.
So why they mad?
Because of the unpresented usage Squid Games has caused it’s putting a greater stain on resources. Which is cutting into the ISP’s profit margins.
And who would less more money for more work?
A fool.
And this is why the ISPs are suing to try and recoup those funds.
To get more details see Vice News article below.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxdexb/isps-want-more-money-because-so-many-people-are-streaming-squid-gameYouTube Music introduces 2021 wrap up to compete with Spotify’s yearly personal song wrap up
Spotify’s yearly song and podcast wrap is something Spotify users across the globe look to in anticipation following a year of listening. Now with Youtube coming forward with their release of their new “Wrap up”, Youtube music listeners are giving spotify a run for its money as well as its listeners. The new feature shared on monday reveals who users favorite artist, genre, song, music video as well as their favorite playlist to round out 2021. Many of the features of the new Youtube music app closely resemble that of the Spotify yearly round up. The new wrap up allows diversity amongst streaming platforms to allow people who don’t just use spotify to express their favorite artist and playlist. Something that spotify users have been doing for years. So now is the time for all music fans to go out and share your yearly music favorite for the world to see!
Continue reading “YouTube Music introduces 2021 wrap up to compete with Spotify’s yearly personal song wrap up”Roku and Google owned Youtube strike deal to keep Youtube on newer Roku devices
The decision to keep the Google owned platform Youtube, on their newer devices comes with a multiyear distribution deal between the two companies. The decision to keep the app on the Roku platform comes just a day before Googles deadline to keep Youtube or cut off the main Youtube app. This agreement with Google and Roku also allowed Youtube to be restored to Rokus channel platform just a few hours after the decision was finalized on Wednesday afternoon. Youtube is known for being the world’s largest platform of digital videos with a total number of more than 2 billion monthly visitors to the site. The decision to allow the app back onto Roku streaming services will allow many to enjoy and watch Youtube all while still staying on the Roku platform. The Roku platform is also well aware of the fact that even though Google owns one of their largest used apps, Google is still a huge competitor in the field of streaming TV with some of the others being Android TV, and Apple TV.
Continue reading “Roku and Google owned Youtube strike deal to keep Youtube on newer Roku devices”Apple gets appeals court to delay App Store Changes to Epic Games Fortnite case
Apple scores a win in a long legal battle with the maker Epic Games, who is known for their game Fortnite. Fortnite which offers different modes to fit the player’s needs and wants for the game. These modes feature a battle royal feature that allows users to play against an upward of 100 other players. The lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games has been a long process over the years with the court of appeals finally coming to an agreement to delay the Judge’s order to make changes to the way in which app developers are paid though Apple’s App store. Apple and Epic Games are now in their own appeals process which is on track to take upwards of two years to see any sign of an agreement amongst parties involved. One Judge who spoke on the appeals process stated “Apple has demonstrated, at minimum, that its appeal raises serious questions,” If apple was not successful in their victory in the appeals court, users of the game would be forced to pay the developer of the app directly when trying to purchase things such as extra lives as opposed to just though the app itself.
Continue reading “Apple gets appeals court to delay App Store Changes to Epic Games Fortnite case”The Microsoft Metaverse
Microsoft has followed Facebook with the creation of their metaverse Microsoft Mesh. Last month the company announced its building of the metaverse. Microsoft Mesh will allow users to connect through interconnected virtual worlds however its main focus will be on work and corporate applications. The first phase of the metaverse is Microsoft Teams chat. This software will feature digital avatars and include office sharing capabilities such as sharing PowerPoint presentations. Microsoft Teams chat is in testing now and is set to release towards the end of 2022.
Microsoft has taken the corporate needs to a whole new level with their new product Dynamics 365. This will also be featured in the metaverse and allows users to virtually move through store recreations and facilities. So far Microsoft has used Dynamics to virtually visit a COVID hospital ward, a Toyota plant, and the International Space Station again. Microsoft doesn’t want to stop at the corporate level and has made the serious intention of entering the gaming world.
“If the metaverse is meant to be one immense, interconnected virtual space where brands, creators, and individual users can cohabitate, how will it work if every company wants to build its own metaverse…”. This is the main question in people’s minds, including mine. Due to the recent pandemic, I understand the urge companies have to embrace virtual reality. There is no doubt that virtual reality has the potential to bring mass amounts of people together, especially organizations. If we are trying to achieve a world in support of the common good then I worry about the effect that any localized metaverse will have.
With the rise of virtual reality (VR), I’m intrigued to see how media companies incorporate VR into their media strategies.
Sources:
https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-metaverse-announcement
Instagram is bringing back a chronological feed in 2022
After five years Instagram has announced its plan to bring back the chronological feed in a new and improved way. On Wednesday, Adam Mosseri confirmed Instagram has been working on a current version of the chronological feed for months. This feed will provide users with the “option to see posts from people you follow in chronological order.” Instagram is also experimenting with a “favorites” feed. This feed will show posts from selected friends appearing higher on your feed. The article mentions that both feeds will be optional. Instagram expects to launch the new feed options in the first quarter of next year.
Many people have been advocating for the return of the chronological feed. The chronological feed differs from Instagram’s current model based on algorithms. In a blog post, Mosseri claimed the transition into an algorithm-based feed would expose users to different content on their feed. Their current algorithm-based feed has received endless scrutiny over the years, specifically for its younger users.
As a long-time Instagram user, I prefer the chronological options over the algorithm. The algorithm is very forced and still limits the content on my feed. This new feed must provide Instagram with a return on investment(ROI). Unfortunately, this ROI is based on money.
This is why I respect public media companies over commercial ones. Since Instagram is a commercial media company they are motivated by money. In public media, the companies are mission-based placing their resources into serving their core audience. This means they make decisions based on what their core audience wants not what will make them the most money. It will be interesting to see the public reaction to the chronological timeline as well as the “favorites” feed option.
Sources:
https://www.engadget.com/instagram-will-bring-back-a-chronological-feed-in-2022-211232214.html
https://www.engadget.com/house-bill-justice-against-malicious-algorithms-act-162915185.html
Travis Scott Denies All Liability for Astroworld Deaths and Injuries
CREDIT: Erika Goldring/WireImage/Getty Images
Last month rapper Travis Scott’s highly anticipated Astroworld festival led to 10 deaths and left hundreds injured. On November 10, 110 people filed lawsuits. That number has increased to nearly 300. On December 7th, Travis publically requested to be removed as a defendant from many of the lawsuits. Travis and his team have stated they will continue to file for similar dismissals in the future. Amongst these dismissals is a case involving the death of 22-year-old Bharti Shahani. Although Travis was named in many of these lawsuits his team claims he “is not legally liable”.
Travis and his company Cactus Jack arent the only ones denying their legal liability. On Monday, concert promoters Live Nation and Score More denied all allegations and culpability for the event.
Law firm Brent Coon& Associates currently represent the most Astrowolrd concert-goers at a total of 1,547 individuals. They have filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Travis and Astroworld organizers. Brent Coon& Associates have requested the consolidation of all cases with a hearing set for December 13th.
This Astroworld situation reminded me of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This section is intended to protect social media platforms by removing their liability from the content their users’ post. If social media platforms won’t be held accountable for their user’s posts then who will? The same can be said for artists at their concerts. Hundreds are people were psychologically and physically affected by this event and yet no one wants to claim responsibility. Since I don’t know all of the legality issues I can’t say it was solely Travis and Live Nation’s fault. After doing my research I believe both parties are partially responsible. I’m going to continue following the story to see its resolution.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/08/business/astroworld-live-nation-safety-violations/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/08/business/astroworld-live-nation-safety-violations/index.html
United Arab Emirates Switches Weekend to Saturday-Sunday, Adopts 4 ½ Day Week
The United Arab Emirates(UAE) has shifted its weekend to Saturday and Sunday for government employees, the public sector, and private schools. This weekend shift will go into effect on January 1st. The current UAE workweek is Sunday through Thursday which has put them at a disadvantage in the global market. The weekend shift was done with direct intentions and, “will increase the number of days we do business with the rest of the world, which will boost trade” says Nabil Alyousuf, chief executive officer of a Dubai-based International Advisory group.
This new weekend gives private companies the flexibility to choose their weekend. The only contingency is that they must follow the countries labor laws. The UAE’s labor laws allow employees to work a maximum of 48 hours per week with one guaranteed day off per week. There is no doubt that the latest weekend change will make the UAE more appealing as a global hub for business, however, there are concerns regarding the freedom of these private sectors. Traders will also face new difficulties working with other countries in the region that haven’t adopted a Saturday and Sunday weekend.
This article interested me due to the constant discussion and recent legislation of adopting a four-day workweek in the U.S. I feel that a four-day workweek would increase people’s mental health and improve the quality of their work. This could greatly impact the media/entertainment industry. With less stressed-out media employees the amount of quality content could increase which I think is necessary. Leaders of media companies should always be thinking of ways to increase their employee’s mental health and the quality of their work. As a leader, it’s not enough to say you care about your employees. To me, a strong leader shows he cares through his actions as well as his words.
Sources:
Current Issues In Media Management 
