eicker.media ❖ social media

AI job loss research ignores how AI is destroying the internet, according to 404 Media. Studies focus on whether AI can replace tasks but miss that people use AI to create porn and spam, destroying discoverability and killing website traffic. https://www.404media.co/ai-job-loss-research-ignores-how-ai-is-utterly-destroying-the-internet/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #404Media

Meta is reportedly considering layoffs affecting 20% of its workforce, nearly 16,000 jobs, as the company seeks to offset aggressive AI infrastructure spending. The Facebook parent employed nearly 79,000 people as of December. The report comes as many tech companies announce sweeping cuts they say are necessary as AI automates more work, though some executives have criticized this as AI-washing. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/14/meta-reportedly-considering-layoffs-that-could-affect-20-of-the-company/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Meta

The CEO of Krafton used ChatGPT to push out the head of the studio developing Subnautica 2 against the advice of his own legal team and failed miserably. A judge ordered the reinstatement of the developer. https://www.404media.co/ceo-ignores-lawyers-asks-chatgpt-how-to-void-250-million-contract-loses-terribly-in-court/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Krafton

Teens are suing Elon Musk's xAI over Grok's creation of millions of fake pornographic images of minors. The lawsuit claims the AI chatbot generated sexualized deepfakes of teenagers without consent, highlighting growing concerns about AI-generated abuse material. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk2lzmm22eo #Media #SocialMedia #AI #xAI

X is testing new AI content alerts that will warn users before they share posts that may contain AI-generated material. The in-stream pop-ups could have a significant impact on reducing the spread of AI-generated misinformation. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-tests-ai-content-alerts-in-stream/814889/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #X

Texting a random stranger reduces college students' loneliness by 9%, while chatting with AI chatbots only reduces it by 2%, a new study finds. Researchers from the University of British Columbia studied 300 students over two weeks, finding human connection more effective than AI for social wellbeing. https://www.404media.co/chatgpt-loneliness-study-college-students-random-strangers-texting/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

The US-Israel war with Iran is being called 'the first TikTok war', with the USA putting out memes online mixing footage of missiles with cartoons and game footage. https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c3ewg5vwyjzo #Media #SocialMedia #ShortFormVideo #TikTok

X is testing a new ad format that connects posts with products, promoting Starlink beneath original content. The test represents X's push into social commerce, letting advertisers link products directly to user posts. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/06/x-is-testing-a-new-ad-format-that-connects-posts-with-products/

TikTok and Meta knowingly allowed more harmful content on users' feeds to win the algorithm arms race, according to whistleblowers. Companies were aware their algorithms ran on outrage but prioritized engagement over safety. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqj9kgxqjwjo #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Meta

X has agreed to update its verification process in Europe following EU Commission guidance to avoid further penalties. The Commission fined X 138M USD in December for breaches including its misleading verification checkmarks that allow anyone to purchase a blue tick. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-revise-verification-x-premium-checkmarks-eu/814766/ #Media #CommunityPlatforms #X

X now enables Grok users to generate AI videos from up to seven input images, expanding its video creation tools for Premium subscribers. The feature allows users to upload multiple reference images to create scenes up to 30 seconds long. Elon Musk has also announced plans for 30-minute video generation. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-enables-multi-image-input-grok-video-generation/814767/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #X

Snapchat is hosting an AR art exhibition at SXSW with artist Jonathan Yeo, showcasing its Spectacles AR glasses. The 'Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality' exhibit runs March 15-17, letting visitors experience transformed artworks through interactive AR installations. The show serves as a promotional push for Snap's AR glasses ahead of their planned public release later this year. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/snapchat-to-host-ar-exhibition-at-sxsw-with-jonathan-yeo/814637/ #Media #SocialMedia #LiveAudio #Snapchat

Reddit has published a new report with SurveyMonkey exploring B2B marketing opportunities on the platform. The 22-page guide examines how B2B buyers use Reddit communities for product research, with over 200M unique Reddit posts clicked from Google search per quarter. Reddit's human-curated discussions are becoming key resources for B2B decision makers. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/reddit-publishes-report-on-its-b2b-marketing-opportunities/814506/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Reddit

The US Senate has approved ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot for official use, with the Sergeant at Arms set to provide free licenses to employees. The memo outlines how each AI tool can assist with routine Senate work including drafting, editing, summarizing and research. https://www.404media.co/heres-the-memo-approving-gemini-chatgpt-and-copilot-for-use-in-the-senate/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

LinkedIn has published a new guide helping users optimize their content for AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. The tips aim to improve visibility when AI systems pull information to answer user queries. As more people turn to AI for answers, the platform wants creators to understand how to maintain their reach in this new landscape. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-shares-tips-on-optimizing-post-content-for-ai-chatbots/814635/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #LinkedIn

YouTube allocates 20M USD toward a digital literacy education program for teens, partnering with Google.org and creators to bring the initiative to young audiences. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/13/youtube-allocates-20m-toward-a-digital-literacy-education-program-for-teen/814507/ #Media #SocialMedia #YouTube

The DOGE deposition videos a judge ordered removed from YouTube have already been backed up across the internet, including as a torrent and on the Internet Archive. The case illustrates the Streisand Effect - trying to suppress online content often makes it spread further. https://www.404media.co/the-removed-doge-deposition-videos-have-already-been-backed-up-across-the-internet/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

One third of Americans use TikTok, with users skewing younger, more liberal and higher income than non-users. Half of US teens use it daily. Most Americans (57%) support banning TikTok over data privacy concerns, though users themselves are more divided. The platform's future in the US remains uncertain despite its recent deal with non-Chinese investors. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/03/02/8-facts-about-americans-and-tiktok/ #Media #ShortFormVideo #TikTok

Social media has transformed real estate marketing, letting sellers reach buyers through algorithms without traditional platforms or agents. While it cuts costs and expands reach, it also brings risks including property scams that cost Australians 43.2M AUD in 2024. https://theconversation.com/social-media-has-supercharged-real-estate-marketing-and-made-it-cheaper-but-it-also-brings-risks-276155 #Media #SocialMedia #SocialCommerce

Meta is expanding its content protection tools to help creators report impersonators more easily. The new unified dashboard allows creators to flag when their reels are detected across Facebook after being published by impersonators. The company removed 20M accounts last year and saw a 33% drop in impersonation reports targeting large creators. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/13/facebook-makes-it-easier-for-creators-to-report-impersonators/ #Media #SocialMedia #CreatorEconomy #Meta

LinkedIn has updated its feed algorithm with advanced AI systems that better understand post context and user interests. The new LLM-based ranking can identify semantic connections between topics, like linking electrical engineering to small modular reactors, improving content recommendations. The system adapts to evolving user interests rather than relying on historical engagement patterns. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-updates-its-feed-algorithm/814638/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #LinkedIn

#Digg is #downsizing its team due to challenges in finding product-market fit, including a significant #botproblem and the strong pull of existing social platforms. Despite these setbacks, Digg is not shutting down and is reimagining its approach with the return of founder Kevin Rose. The company remains committed to building a trustworthy online community. https://digg.com/?eicker.media #media #socialmedia

A woman who spent up to 16 hours daily on Instagram is suing Meta in a landmark case that could affect 2,000+ similar lawsuits. She claims the platform's design caused her addiction and mental health harm. The case is being watched closely by parents who blame social media for their children's deaths. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mg3zd7xwpo #Media #SocialNews #Meta

Americans view data centers negatively: only 4% say they're good for the environment, 6% for jobs and 6% for quality of life nearby. A new Pew survey finds most believe data centers harm the environment, increase home energy costs and reduce quality of life in surrounding communities. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/03/12/how-americans-view-data-centers-impact-in-key-areas-from-the-environment-to-jobs/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Pew

Khaby Lame, the world's most followed TikToker with over 160M followers, sold his company for 975M USD to Rich Sparkle. The deal transfers rights to his image, voice and behavioral models to create an AI-powered digital twin for multilingual content and livestream e-commerce, potentially generating over 4B USD in annual sales. https://theconversation.com/khaby-lame-is-the-worlds-most-followed-tiktoker-the-story-of-a-senegalese-born-star-who-sold-his-identity-276910 #Media #SocialMedia #CreatorEconomy #TikTok

Snapchat users are twice as likely to sign up with a telecom provider after seeing content from creators, a new report shows. The survey of 800+ US consumers found that Snapchatters are more aware of their telco options and often switch plans after major life milestones. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/snapchat-influences-telecommunications-purchases/814634/ #Media #SocialMedia #SocialCommerce #Snapchat

LinkedIn is testing an AI-powered interview screening feature that lets hiring professionals use AI interviewers to manage initial candidate assessments. The platform is in early stages of implementing this candidate assessment tool. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-tests-out-ai-powered-interview-screening/814636/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #LinkedIn

Meta is adding AI tools to Facebook Marketplace that let users upload a photo and get an AI-generated listing with recommended pricing based on similar items. The update also includes prepaid shipping labels and AI-powered auto-replies to buyer questions. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-adds-ai-powered-updates-to-marketplace/814639/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Meta

Kenyan data labelers who train AI chatbots for major tech companies earn just a few dollars a day while suffering PTSD, insomnia, and other trauma from viewing harmful content. The Data Labelers Association is now fighting for better pay and mental health support. https://www.404media.co/ai-is-african-intelligence-the-workers-who-train-ai-are-fighting-back/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

Half of US adults say increased AI use makes them feel more concerned than excited, up from 37% in 2021. Only 10% are more excited than concerned. Americans are more optimistic about AI in medical care (44% positive) than education (24%) or jobs (23%). The public remains cautious about AI's impact on creativity and relationships. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/03/12/key-findings-about-how-americans-view-artificial-intelligence/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI #Pew

UK regulators have told Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Roblox and X to strengthen age verification for under-13s, saying the platforms are failing to put children's safety at the heart of their products. Ofcom said companies have not gone far enough to protect younger children. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn48n18pg1eo #Media #SocialMedia #UK #Ofcom

Meta has added new features to its Edits video editing app, including freeze frame to pause on specific frames, personalized sound effects that match video content, and a voiceover teleprompter. The updates aim to help creators produce better Reels and short-form video content. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-adds-new-tools-including-freeze-frame-to-edits/814508/ #Media #SocialMedia #ShortFormVideo #Meta

TikTok now lets Apple Music users play full songs directly in the app, overcoming the typical 30-second preview limit imposed by music licensing. Users can save tracks to Your Music and add them to Apple Music playlists, creating a seamless discovery-to-listening experience. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-adds-full-song-apple-music-streams-to-app/814503/ #Media #SocialMedia #ShortFormVideo #TikTok

AltStore PAL, the alternative iOS app store, has joined the fediverse using its own Mastodon server. This allows iOS developers to share app updates and alerts across platforms like Mastodon and Threads, advancing the open social web. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/11/alternative-app-store-altstore-pal-joins-the-fediverse/ #Media #SocialMedia #CommunityPlatforms #AltStore

#Oracle disclosed a $2 billion stake in #TikTok’s US operations, following a national security law requiring #ByteDance to sell its US operations. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX control the majority of the new entity, with Oracle housing all US user data and acting as the security provider. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/11/oracle-tiktok-us-stake-outages.html?eicker.media #media #socialmedia

Cognitive scientists warn that offloading thinking to AI risks eroding critical thinking skills and overall cognitive ability. Research shows high AI use linked to increased laziness, anxiety, and dependence. The key is remaining in control of what we choose to offload - not letting AI replace our thinking entirely. https://theconversation.com/its-tempting-to-offload-your-thinking-to-ai-cognitive-science-shows-why-thats-a-bad-idea-276766 #AIagent #AI #GenAI #AIEthics

Digital platforms deliberately amplify negative content to capture attention: Research shows users are nearly twice as likely to share news that evokes strong emotions, creating incentives for outrage-based engagement. The result is a feedback loop that spreads misinformation and conflict. https://theconversation.com/digital-media-is-using-negativity-to-steal-our-attention-heres-how-to-reclaim-it-274101 #Media #SocialMedia #AI

Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan says he is sympathetic to calls for a social media ban for under-16s, following Australia's lead. The DUP minister has been observing Australia's ban on platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Regulation of social media is not devolved to Stormont. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk20ngdx8no #Media #SocialMedia #UK

Indonesia has announced it will ban TikTok, YouTube, Roblox and other popular online platforms for children under 16, becoming the latest country to restrict young people's access to digital spaces in an effort to protect them from abuse. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg50168ddgo #Media #SocialMedia #Indonesia #TikTok

X (formerly Twitter) has removed the night mode setting from its app: Users now need to change their device settings to activate dark mode, rather than controlling it within X. The change aligns with TikTok and YouTube's approach. Some users are frustrated at losing in-app control. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-removes-dark-mode-night-mode-option/814011/ #Media #SocialMedia #DataPrivacy

Retail and grocery brands dominate ChatGPT ads: Since OpenAI began running ads four weeks ago, more than 100 individual brand promotions have appeared on the platform, with retail and grocery leading the way. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/retail-and-grocery-brands-dominate-chatgpt-ads/814008/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

South Yorkshire Police has increased patrols due to a 'school wars' social media trend: Posts dividing schools into teams and telling students to fight for 'points' have spread across the UK. Police say they have received no reports of criminal offences or injuries. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx4rnvnd10o #Media #SocialMedia

X is testing a new ad format that connects posts with products: An ad test on X promotes Musk's Starlink beneath original content, integrating e-commerce directly into the feed. https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/06/x-is-testing-a-new-ad-format-that-connects-posts-with-products/ #Media #SocialMedia #X

TikTok ads drive movie ticket purchases: New data shows TikTok ads for films drove a median +172% lift in ticket purchase rate compared to non-exposed users, across 38 theatrical campaigns from 2023-2025. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-ad-campaigns-drive-movie-ticket-purchases/814005/ #Media #SocialMedia #TikTok

Indonesia bans social media for under 16s: The country says it will ban TikTok, YouTube, Roblox and other popular online platforms for children under 16, becoming the latest nation to curb young people's access to digital spaces to protect them from abuse. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg50168ddgo #Media #SocialMedia

German publisher Axel #Springer acquired the #DailyTelegraph for $770 million, surpassing a rival offer from the Daily Mail and General Trust. https://www.wsj.com/business/media/axel-springer-strikes-770-million-deal-for-u-k-s-daily-telegraph-f6ac9073?eicker.media #media #socialmedia

Instagram addiction lawsuit goes to trial: For the first time, an American jury will decide whether platform design itself can give rise to product liability - not because of what users post, but because of how platforms were built. The case involves 1,600 plaintiffs. https://theconversation.com/how-instagram-addictiveness-lawsuit-could-reshape-social-media-platform-design-meets-product-liability-277066 #Media #SocialMedia #AI

Proton Mail helped FBI unmask anonymous Stop Cop City protester: Privacy-focused email provider Proton Mail handed over payment data to Swiss authorities, which gave it to the FBI to identify an anonymous account tied to the Atlanta protest movement. https://www.404media.co/proton-mail-helped-fbi-unmask-anonymous-stop-cop-city-protestor/ #Media #SocialMedia #DataPrivacy

Meta will let rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp in EU: The company was pressured by the EU Commission to allow competitors access in an effort to prevent regulatory proceedings. This marks a significant concession for the tech giant. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-to-let-rival-ai-chatbots-on-whatsapp-in-eu/814007/ #Media #SocialMedia #AI

Meta is facing UK and US investigations over its AI smart glasses: Contractors in Kenya have been reviewing private intimate content captured by the glasses, including bathroom visits and sex, for AI training data. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-faces-uk-and-us-investigations-over-ai-smart-glasses/814009/ #Media #SocialMedia #DataPrivacy