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This week it’s all about Meta and Twitter (no surprises there then).
Twitter
A mass exodus of staff after an email giving them the ultimatum of committing to ‘extremely hardcore’ work or getting out. Many chose out. This prompted some to predict the platform will be gone pretty soon. Time will tell.
Trump came back, assumedly to the tune of Eminem’s Guess Who’s Back.
Look the whole thing is a mess, ok? Don’t blame us, we’re just as baffled as you are.
What does this mean for me?
We’re issuing the same advice as last week folks – if you rely on Twitter as your main platform now’s a good time to start looking at alternatives. Soz.
Facebook/Meta
From December 1st religious, political, and sexual preferences as well as addresses will be removed from profiles. Apparently, this is to “streamline the platform” but whether that’s the real reason, we’re not sure. We suspect it has more to do with GDPR compliance than anything else.
Ah the World Cup – an event that’s faced more controversy than ever. In an attempt to limit the trolling of players and fans, Meta has outlined a number of tools they’re using to keep people safe on the app. This includes Hidden Words, a feature that automatically sends DM requests — including Story replies — containing offensive words, phrases and emojis to a hidden folder so you don’t have to see them. Limits are also highlighted, as is blocking, and nudges to encourage people to pause before posting something potentially offensive. Here’s hoping it makes a difference.
The platform showcased a not-at-all-terrifying AI system that can use strategic reasoning to solve problems. They stated that potential future uses include holding real conversations and influencing behaviour. Excellent. There’s no way this can go horribly wrong. Has no one at Meta ever seen I, Robot?!
In much better news the platform outlined a new set of updates aimed at better protecting younger users from predators and harmful behaviours in the app. This includes stricter privacy controls as a default for all users under 16, notifications encouraging kids to use protective tools and features, and working with National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the US to expand efforts to help teen users stop the misuse of intimate images (a program they launched in the UK last December). They’re also testing a new process to limit the ability for kids to make contact with ‘suspicious’ adults in its apps.
What does this mean for me?
Professionally, the removal of profile fields makes little difference because Meta removed Detailed Targeting options for ads relating to sensitive information such as that listed above earlier this year. Personally it feels like a good thing though – less alienating for many.
Tools to keep people safe are always welcome. It’s well-worth checking them out as there could be some good applications for businesses.
We’re ignoring the horrifying dystopian AI stuff for now.
Again, more ways to keep people safe are always welcome. If you have or work with kids familiarise yourself with the tools so you know what they do.
That’s it for this week folks! Remember to sign up for weekly updates direct to your inbox and connect with Jordan on her LinkedIn for more tips. See you next week!