Silicon Valley Crisis of Conscience: Where Big Tech goes to ask big questions.

On By andreabecassisIn Online Safety1 Comment

Article and image: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/08/26/silicon-valleys-crisis-of-conscience

I’ve had my eyes on this New Yorker article since it was published a few days ago. I’ve been reading it in chunks since ‘A Reporter at Large’ is a particularly long and dense type of New Yorker article. As I am finally done with it, I would like to comment on the importance of being aware that the tech world is controlled by humans. We all understand that our lives rely blindly on a small number of tech giants in Silicon Valley and other parts of the world, and that our information is being stored in order to keep the system going the way it is. What most people fail to grasp, however, is that this media empire is run by people that are just like us. It is run by parents, recent graduates, grandmas, widows, etc. 

The author talks about a retreat in Big Sur called Esalen, where top executives from Silicon Valley are known to go spend their weekend in relaxation, reflecting on their impact on the world. The article points to the massive wave of discontent that has washed over tech people over the past couple of years “as people recognize that their conventional success isn’t necessarily making the world a better place.” Given that reality, there has been a lot of fuss about how the human side of tech giants manifests itself as technology becomes a threat to employees’ mindfulness. Through yoga practices, mental exercises, aimless social interaction, and other activities, a portion of the world’s most powerful people are treated almost like misunderstood artists trying to find themselves. 

I find it really interesting to explore the inner workings of tech giants in reference to the human capital they hold, and seeing how their top executives deal with the major consequences of their work, be they good or bad. It intrigues me how easily people in power are able to accept headlines such as New York Magazine’s Trump Won Because of Facebook, and claims that the latter was fuelling the genocide in Myanmar. It is great to see how many employees revolt along with The Great Tech Backlash, and we can also look at another recent article from Wired on the Three years of misery inside Google to understand that better. At a time in which the technology industry is constantly targeted by governments and the rest of society, it is nice to see whether the people controlling it feel like heroes or villains.

Forever 21 facing Copyright Infringement from Ariana Grande

On By KendelIn Partnerships & CopyrightLeave a comment

Recent allegations of Copyright infringement against Forever 21 have begun to surface the internet. Over the winter Forever 21’s beauty line, “Riley Rose” had been discussed with Grande’s team. The logistics of a marketing partnership between the artist and the new brand was a concept in mind by the daughters who launched the beauty line. Unfortunately, the price of this campaign was deemed too high for Forever 21’s projected budget.

According to sources, Forever 21 continued to use 30 unauthorized images and videos for their marketing campaign without the consent of Ariana’s team. The images that are shown above replicate Ariana Grande’s appearance in her “7 Rings” music video and the campaign also included lyrics from the hit song as well. Additionally, the marketing caption used in the Twitter post replicated both song lyrics and false endorsement of their product. Grande’s team claims that permission was not granted for the marketing campaign nor does Ariana endorse the company’s products.

This lawsuit comes at a very difficult time for Forever 21, as they approach a possible bankruptcy filing. The company is working with its advisors to recoup their build-up of debt however, the recent rise of this lawsuit may decline the company’s financial improvements. With over 600 stores located throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines Forever 21 faces a large loss if these stores begin to close. Ariana is suing the company for 10 million dollars in copyright damages. We may see the future of Forever 21’s stores become at risk of closure.

https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/ariana-grande-suing-forever-21-trademark-infringement 

A Box Office Bummer Summer and Netflix’s Impact

On By Maura GallagherIn Netflix1 Comment

This summer has been anything but extraordinary for the film industry, as box office hits aren’t making the same numbers as in pervious summers. The summertime is supposed to be a buzzing time for the movie scene, as it normally accounts for almost 40 percent of the total years ticket sales, but there has been a 2 percent drop from this summer to last. The New York Times also reported that there has been a 5 percent drop in overall attendance versus last year. While the box office has seen successes in movies such as “Avengers: Endgame”, which made over $2.8 billion worldwide, there is a lack in ability to get audiences in all year round.

I personally still enjoy going to theaters and seeing movies, I find it to be a fun activity to do with friends and family, also there is something special about watching film on the big screen. That doesn’t appeal to everyone though, as the price many people can’t be justified and why leave the house when you can stream unlimited options at home. That is where streaming services like Netflix and Hulu come in.

Netflix and other services are able to score major films for their platforms just months or even weeks after these movies leave theaters and many consumers are able to wait it out rather than take the trip to the cinema. But this isn’t the only impact Netflix has on film, with the abundant high quality original content these services put out, now movies don’t need theaters to have success.

While researching this topic I found out Netflix will be releasing an original called Between Two Ferns: The Movie, a movie adaptation of the hit web series with Zach Galifianakis and I immediately watched the trailer. The movie is jam packed with well known actors and musicians ranging from Matthew McConaughey and Will Ferrell to David Letterman and Chance the Rapper. Bigger name stars are now working on original content with streaming services, so you can see a movie that is strictly on Netflix have your favorite actors.

I think this is where a lot of the movie theater appeal is lost for some people, now you can pay a monthly fee and get unlimited access to movies both old and new, so why spend $30+ on just one.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/01/business/media/summer-box-office-movies.html

https://www.engadget.com/2019/09/03/netflix-between-two-ferns-movie-trailer/

Dating Apps Paying Fraternities To Throw App-Sponsored Parties To Improve User Engagement.

On By tuj52701templeeduIn Consumer behavior, Partnerships & Copyright, UncategorizedLeave a comment

As the title suggests this is a new approach bumble and tinder are using to market their apps to students on college campuses. Dating Apps are partnering with fraternities in various universities (Oklahoma University, Tulane University and Northwestern University) and having them sign contracts, which ask that they align their house with either tinder or bumble.

When it comes to the parties, app companies are responsible for covering production costs and offering branded merchandise. Some frats are stretching the theme even further by requiring attendees to show their dating profiles at the door as a ticket into the party. The more attendees a frat can get signed up for tinder, the more cash bonuses they’re rewarded with. Overall, the goal with this content strategy is to receive guaranteed growth in tinder and bumble’s target demographics of 18 to 24 year olds.

Of course, the idea of a fraternity throwing a tinder or bumble themed party is not in the least bit intriguing or surprising to me. It strikes me as a kind of partnership that you’d expect to exist in today’s digital age.

When it comes to my thoughts regarding the potential effectiveness of employing such a strategy, I think there is little for tinder and bumble to gain, and the reason I say that has to do with how prevalent and widely used dating apps already are amongst college students.

Which begs the question, what would be the pay off in pushing dating apps on college students if many of them are already on dating apps? Perhaps the answer has nothing to do with dating apps trying convince people to sign up, but to convince current users to remain on their apps and keep users endlessly swiping.

To further explain, people often up and abandon a certain app if it’s not delivering any convenience in their lives. If not for this reason, then it is sometimes because the app has fulfilled some purpose at some point for the user, but not so much anymore, prompting them to uninstall the app.

Now, I may be speaking based off my own assumptions here, but I think when people are consistently sold the idea that an app has worked for others and continues to work for others, then it keeps them from uninstalling the app regardless of their experiences. I find this idea to be generally true when it comes to dating apps.

Therefore, having fraternities sponsor dating apps, and throw app-sponsored parties, makes for an interesting tactic as it gives Tinder and Bumble a large platform to further sell the idea that their apps are working for a large party of people.

Additionally, an ideal consumer for Tinder and Bumble is a dating app user who isn’t looking for anything serious or long-term. This is because in order for dating apps like Tinder and Bumble to truly thrive, “hookup culture” must flourish, as the more prominent hookup culture is, the more dating apps can profit off of it.

Therefore, it makes sense that they’re marketing their apps to young people and college students (tinderU) as opposed to people who are at the end of their 20s and early 30s. The latter is the more likely of the two age groups to want a steady partner rather than a series of short term flings.

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/8/20/20814152/tinder-bumble-dating-apps-frat-parties-college

https://www.papermag.com/tinder-bumble-fraternities-2639838092.html

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Cyberpunk 2077; Was the deep dive too deep?

On By Chris ColeIn Video GameLeave a comment

Last week CD Projekt RED, the development company behind games like The Witcher 3 and the upcoming, Cyberpunk 2077, released a demo video showing Cyberpunk fans the new additions the game has to offer. In this “deep dive” demo, we can see more of the character/class creation, learn about one of the cities located in the game and we get a better explanation of Keanu Reeves’ character, Johnny Silverhand.
So far, we know that Cyberpunk 2077 is going to be a big, story-driven open-world role-playing game that encourages players to make a variety of dialogue/character choices that not only impact your character and your story but also impact the world your character lives in. Cyberpunk follows the story of a character named V, a mercenary/outlaw looking for the key to immortality. Players seem excited about the game and are interested in seeing how unique each playthrough of the game can be. However, like all big games with a lot of hype, there are many speculations that Cyberpunk will not be able to live up to all the expectations. Games like Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 remind me of the situation that Cyberpunk developers are in. RDR 2, like Cyberpunk 2077, is an open-world role-playing game that emphasizes customization and survival (eating, sleeping, and hunting in the game to increase health/stats). Even though RDR 2 is a great game and is respected as such, many fans did not like the many nuances that made the game seem alive. They did not like having to micromanage the variety of day to day activities like eating and sleeping in the game because they felt as if it was time-consuming. People want a game that feels real but doesn’t inconvenience them with real-life mechanics. Hopefully, Cyberpunk will give fans the game that they want, while also keeping things fresh and innovative. If you are interested in seeing what Cyberpunk 2077 will look like, check out the Deep Dive video and look for the game when it releases on April 16, 2020.

https://www.cyberpunk.net/us/en/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/10/29/the-5-biggest-problems-with-red-dead-redemption-2/#1738495d15d4

What’s the Real Deal with Netflix?

On By aalesanIn NetflixLeave a comment

As a Netflix consumer and customer, I believe that Netflix is at a dangerous spot. This article discusses the challenges and effects that could take into play on how Netflix will do in the upcoming years. What caught my attention about this article is the fact that Disney+ could become a big competitor with Netflix. When I first heard of the new Disney+ streaming service, I believed that it was an absurd idea. Why? I grew up with having to watch Disney Channel on cable TV, thinking about Disney having a streaming services kills the idea of Disney Channel continuing to exist on television. Now that I am aware of what it has to offer, I think Netflix is going to need to take a Netflix chill pill. Disney+ is incorporating media from National Geographic, Marvel, Pixar, and even Star Wars. These companies have a wide audience do to their movies, streaming all of the options is a gamechanger.

As stated in the CNN article, not only was 13 Reasons Why a topic of discussion but another show called Friends (2003) caused some bickering. Netflix decided to keep Friends on their platform for $100 million. Some people were happy that this was their strategy, others found it a waste of money. Personally, I could be included in the group of people who believed that it was a waste of time and money to keep Friends on for another year. There are plenty of other shows that consumers Tweet about having on Netflix, but its always up to Netflix to decide.

Ultimately, I can agree that Netflix has some deep competition with Disney+. With the number of fandoms and audiences that Disney+ targets towards, I can already feel the intense amount of fiery that Netflix will sense once they see how many people have #Disney+ trending!

“Netflix could face trouble ahead. Here’s why” by Brian Lowry, CNN.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/media/netflix-challenges/index.html

“Netflix Reportedly Paid $100 Million to Keep Friends for Another Year After Fan Uproar” by Aurelie Corinthios, People Magazine.

https://people.com/tv/netflix-paid-100-million-to-keep-friends/

Detecting False Information and Hoaxes Online About Hurricanes: Dorian Was Just Another Example

On By William HauserIn Online SafetyLeave a comment

Tropical Weather

Image Source: (NOAA Via AP)

https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2019/a-quick-guide-to-avoiding-hoaxes-and-false-news-about-dorian-or-any-other-hurricane/

As many of us know, advancements in the digital media world and technology has given us the opportunity to stay ahead/aware of natural disasters. Not only are meteorologists able to effectively track and study the path of an oncoming hurricane, but social media has raised an increased awareness for those who may be affected by the extreme weather. Yet, as more people begin to depend on social media and online resources to stay safe from these potentially fatal storms, many are not aware of the increasing hoaxes and false information that can appear online.

Wednesday, Hurricane Dorian was barreling towards Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a powerful category 1 hurricane. While most of the world was aware of this storm through social media and online news reports, researchers began to notice content appearing online that was far from the truth. Through popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram many people began to share posts, videos, and images coming from non-reliable sources. As a result, whether on the path of Dorian or not, individuals began receiving fabricated information about the hurricane potentially putting them at risk in terms of safety.

It is also important to note that media companies can also be responsible for these hoaxes whether intentional or not. When Hurricane Irma was on it way towards Florida in 2017 the Tampa Bay Times published a list of 5 myths in terms of hurricane preparedness.

“That one about cracking your home’s windows a little to prevent them from breaking with all the wind pressure, for example, was rated false. By doing so, people only create more problems and probably let water in their houses” (Tardaguila 2019).

Organizations such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are standing up to this epidemic, in efforts to encourage the public as well as local news sources to be selective on the information they are sharing about hurricanes, earthquakes, floods etc. NHC’s hurricane specialist unit constantly monitors potential tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic/Pacific region making them one of the most reliable online sources for information with “analyses and forecasts in the form of text advisories and graphical products.”

the-weather-channel.jpgThe Weather Channel is also advised for journalists and the public to use as a safe source to share weather updates and safety information on storms. Organizations like this are heavily involved in social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and even their own app which you can easily download.

Digital media has revolutionized the way we are able to track and spread awareness about storms such as Dorian. Now it is in the hands of the public and media sources to make sure they are not contributing to the problem of online hoaxes and false information about these potentially deadly disasters. When reported/shared correctly, digital media can save lives from these storms all over the world.

 

 

 

 

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash Pledge $90 Million to Fight Driver Legislation in California

On By Patrick CabahugIn Consumer behavior, UncategorizedLeave a comment

=Travelers waiting for rides to arrive at San Francisco International Airport. Uber and Lyft are fighting a bill in California that would change the legal designation of their drivers.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/29/technology/uber-lyft-ballot-initiative.html

CreditCreditAileen Son for The New York Times.

A bill in California’s legislature could soon force the likes of Uber to be treated as employees instead of contractors. A plan both companies are totally against and have over 60 million dollars on a ballot initiative to have their companies exempt from the law. Door Dash a food delivery is contributing 30 million dollars on the ballot. This law will give fair treatment to Uber drivers and left drivers as well as getting paid above minimum wage. This article interests me because it deals with customers like me who use uber and left services in the local Philadelphia area. I think this will eventually make its way to Pennsylvania Area. To counter such an initiative, the ballot that both companies propose would have the driver set their schedule. The companies hope to preserve their concession wages, which set in the ballot initiative. Lyft plans to take their plan directly to the voters to combat the California bill which would make services such as Uber and Lyft to change the status of their drivers from contractors to workers which both companies vehemently opposed. As Lyft spoke person Adrian Durbin stated, “We are working on a solution that provides drivers with strong protections that include an earnings guarantee, a system of worker-directed portable benefits and first-of-its-kind industrywide sectoral bargaining, without jeopardizing the flexibility drivers tell us they value so much,”

This article is interesting to the reader such as me because thousands of riders in Philadelphia uses services such as Uber and, Lyft as well as the fact their type of service continues to grow. A similar initiative such as those in California might pop up in our region as well

 

 

Delivery Service Apps Cause Revolt Amongst Restaurant Industry

On By dylanmajerusIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Image result for delivery apps

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/29/technology/india-restaurants-logout-delivery-zomato.html?ref=oembed

The digital age we live in functions to serve at one’s greatest convenience. This extent has most recently gone as far as mobile delivery apps taking the restaurant industry by storm. Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub are popular United States media companies that enable an awareness for a brand and also functions as a cost effective option to the average customer. Most recently, the discounted rates and promotional offerings through these apps have negatively affected many restaurants financial stability.  

While consumers may feel as if their easy access to take-out food is of benefit, what many don’t realize is the amount of commission these apps are taking away from the business. The #Logout campaign is a movement created by the National Restaurant Association of India, where over 1,200 restaurants across the country pulled out of online food tech platforms, claiming how significant discounts hurt their businesses. 

Aakanksha Porwal, the owner of a diner called Vahnilla & Company, stated that Zomato (an Indian delivery service) users who pay $14 for a year of buy-one-get-one-free dining at 6,000 restaurants has cost her about 20 percent of the company’s revenue. And Vahnilla pays Zomato 28 percent on every order that is delivered. To put in perspective how this translates to U.S companies, restaurants such as Uber Eats and Grubhub charge companies up 15 to 30 percent in fees for each order customers place through their platform. 

The recent campaign thousands of Indian restaurants have supported has persuaded Zomato to limit its discounted rates and invest in alternative options to keep its subscribers satisfied. While these efforts may provide some minimal stability in the meantime, the long-term effect of these delivery apps foreshadow an unclear future for the restaurant industry globally.

I have never used a third party delivery service so I was fascinated to learn more about how these apps can benefit, or in fact hurt a business. The information provided by the article certainly demonstrates how effective media companies can be in any capacity. Just as we have most notably seen how streaming services are causing some to cut the cord with cable eventually the restaurant business may not be too far off. 

 

 

Disney+ Media Convergence

On By marlaynebIn Media CovergenceLeave a comment

Article: https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/6/20757626/disney-plus-espn-hulu-bundle-price-date-streaming-service

Image source: X

1c8ace8f-every-company-disney-owns-13_pageversion-lgDisney has been a very popular source of media for decades, creating family friendly stories and shows that has shaped childhoods throughout multiple generations. Disney has also bought a lot of media companies and the size of what they own is being added to their own streaming site, Disney+. Disney+ is a prime example of the issues with media convergence. Julia Alexander reported on Disney’s new “$12.99 bundle for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+”. The article discusses how Disney is buying up media, as they already own multiple large movie franchises and have stocks or ownership of 12 television channels. With Disney taking their own content away from HBO, Netflix and even Hulu, they have created a massive streaming source that will fight against competitors and the streaming platforms they have stock in. Alexander discussed how the “$12.99 bundle offers consumers tremendous volume, tremendous quality, and tremendous variety for a good price” (Alexander, 2019). For Disney to become this large of a content provider is staggering because they already touch so much in media. This convergence with other networks makes them untouchable by any competition, especially when they withhold the content they own. Disney is also dabbling in the sports realm, working with ESPN to ensure Disney+ is a one-stop-shop for the family and other viewers. The problem with Disney owning so much is there isn’t any diversity in their media. Having only one source of media creates a monopoly on what information and entertainment audiences receive. This poses a problem because Disney gets a say in anything that is affiliated with them. Touching so much of the media industry makes it very difficult for new content to come through because it must go through Disney first and if a creator’s content isn’t approved by Disney, it may never gain the popularity it deserves.

Included in this post, is a diagram of how much Disney owns or is affiliated with.