Archive for the ‘Social Networking’ Category

Web2 Social Media Sucks. Can Web3 Break the Disillusionment? – BeInCrypto

Web2 social media sucks. But decentralization of social media is going to change how we all think about social networking, says Rick Porter of DSCVR.

Social networks were the flagships onboarding many new users to web2 in its early days. They became central to the way we connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Today, theyre the prism through which we see ourselves as a society.

Big Tech behemoths have tipped the scales too far in their own favor with walled gardens and exploitive terms. All while reaping enormous returns from our personal data. But disillusionment is growing.

Were waking up to the realities of one-sided bargains struck with centralized social platforms. Chinks in their shiny armor are becoming visible. Meta, Facebooks parent, recently experienced a revenue decline for the first time, while profit has fallen off for the third straight quarter. And, Meta shares have dipped, part of a downturn that began when it reported a drop in Facebook usage at the end of last year.

Finally, Meta users and media partners are realizing that they cant rely on these platforms. Instagram recently made a sudden change to its feed format to become more like TikTok. Users were outraged. Celebrity creators that rely on the platform like the Kardashians even protested. Intrusive advertising and lack of transparency further contribute to the dislocation now felt by many users.

Twitter is faring worse. Elon Musk has openly talked about changing the core dynamics of the platforms functionality. The saga of Musks stalled acquisition is headed for court. Conflicting claims and counterclaims are doing little to enhance Twitters reputation, or reassure account holders that their best interests will be served.

These are just some of the problems weve come to associate with centralized social media. Data leaks, such as the one experienced by 533 million Facebook users across 106 countries, have exposed vast amounts of personal information. The sharing of troves of full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and profile details leaves victims vulnerable to criminal attacks. And most of us now realize that platforms themselves harvest and sell user data for it to be raked over and exploited by advertisers. For many, this feels like a breach of trust, as well as an unacceptable infringement of privacy.

Control of content or lack of it is another drawback. Creators opening an account with Instagram must allow it to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, publicly perform or display, translate and create derivative works of their content. Feeds curated by platform algorithms are increasing bias and polarization.

What if there was a viable alternative? One where users could stay safe and retain ownership of their content or even of the platform itself?

Blockchain-based technologies have now advanced to the point of providing viable solutions for these web2 pain points. Decentralized social media offers the chance to rethink the relationship between social networks and their users, from the ground up rather than the top down.

Decentralized architecture means there does not have to be a single platform owner. Web3 can also enable users to guide the platforms they use and own their social communities. These facts result in a totally different dynamic. It obliterates any requirement to sign away content distribution rights. Or, one day find the platform where you publish has transformed into an entirely different product. Web3s unique ability to define and protect ownership now empowers creators to share and monetize their work as they see fit.

Web3s perceived complexity has, until now, inhibited mass adoption. But companies able to build easily navigable bridges from web2 will be well placed to attract the flow of new users. My co-founders and I created DSCVR (pronounced Discover) with exactly this principle in mind. Our axiom being, If youre capable of using social media in web2, youre capable of using DSCVR. Another hurdle for mainstream adoption has been user experience (UX). Im confident we now have the tools to address that.

Changing social communities, based on blockchain, have inbuilt opportunities for monetization. Most blockchain-native applications require a web3 wallet, for instance, in order to access goods and services. New wallets come with hard-to-remember addresses consisting of long strings of letters and numbers. They also generate a seed phrase (the equivalent of a master password) that must be kept safe or memorized for future reference. So creating a wallet and then linking it to a new social profile can be a challenge for those new to web3.

DSCVRs frictionless sign-up process includes a native wallet that can be used straight away. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) can be airdropped directly into a users profile, or transferred out of it, with no additional setup required.

DSCVR rewards great content with NFTs, which can be retained and enjoyed or traded for profit. Blockchain infrastructure enables communities to operate tipping, gifting, gating and even commerce functions. For the latter, NFTs are used as a pass to paid-for events, or as a paywall for exclusive content. Afterward, they remain valued collectibles.

Token gating, whether free or monetized, can be used to secure community privacy and confidentiality if thats the preferred option. In the future, communities could even choose to operate marketplaces, auctions, or run promotions collectively. Monetization can thus be shared with the users that fuel the platform, not just those that build and operate it.

All social media platforms serve intrinsic human desires to build communities, join networks and feel connected. How we manage those connections, set rules and responsibilities should be a matter for each community, not a centralized overlord.

Web3 social platforms foster discussion and debate based on an ethos of transparency and collaboration far removed from web2 manipulative oversight. They should also offer the chance to divert from straitjacket templates.

At DSCVR we agreed it was important to have a comprehensive set of community management tools that can be used or not to customize community areas (known as portals) to a high level. This personalization applies to function as well as form. Portal members build together, with the ability to take on specific membership roles and easily assign the relevant permissions to carry out agreed functions.

Web3 alternatives are empowering users to take back control. Building and growing new communities takes time but the seeds have been sown. We have new visions of what successful communities look like and can become. Places where we have ownership of our digital communities. And where creative work and great ideas benefit the originator as much as the shareholder.

This is the true power of decentralization. And why its going to change how we all think about social networking.

Rick Porter is the CEO and Co-Founder of DSCVR, a blockchain-based social platform built entirely on the Internet Computer Protocol.

Got something to say about Web2 social media or anything else? Write to usor join the discussion in our Telegram channel. You can also catch us on Tik Tok, Facebook, or Twitter.

DisclaimerAll the information contained on our website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Any action the reader takes upon the information found on our website is strictly at their own risk.

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Web2 Social Media Sucks. Can Web3 Break the Disillusionment? - BeInCrypto

BeReal is an unpredictable and boring social network app and that’s what makes it fun – CNBCTV18

Mini

BeReal is a social networking app that has most recently caught the interest of the internet generation. The French app gives you only two minutes to share what you are doing by taking two simultaneous photos from your phone. It is addictive, it is boring and it will frustrate you.

The social network was invented so that people had a way of keeping in touch with our friends and family, whom they cannot see on an everyday basis; to feel more connected to their loved ones. Soon, things started to change not for the better and instead of putting up photos and videos of what we were doing, we started doing it for the 'Gram, showing off our "best" selves to our friends and followers.

BeReal (pronounced Biril) is a French app that changes all of that. Every day at any random time, everyone on the app will be notified to post a photo. In two minutes. Which, in all honesty, is way scarier when you actually do it. The pressure is is very...Real.

With BeReal, it is what it is. And it is very boring. If Instagram is filled with photos and videos of beautiful people at exotic locations, engaging in all sorts of adventures, BeReal is your half-naked neighbour sitting in the living room eating Dal Roti, watching Netflix. The app does not give you time to freshen up and fix your appearance.

At any given point in the day, you could receive a notification on your phone, saying its Time to BeReal and you have to post within the two-minute window. The app takes two photos simultaneously one from the back camera and one from the front and if you post late, it notifies your friends. So, everyone will know if #WokeUpLikeThis really happened or if its just a hashtag.

The whole point of the app is to be authentic and sometimes being authentic means being mundane and boring. The apps official description even says, BeReal wont make you famous. If you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram. Regardless of how many million followers one has on Instagram, everyone is going to look not-their-best on BeReal. It is just a matter of whom you want to look not-your-best in front of.

First Published:Aug 09, 2022, 10:42 AM IST

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BeReal is an unpredictable and boring social network app and that's what makes it fun - CNBCTV18

SMEs overwhelmed by distraction of comms technology, networking platforms – ComputerWeekly.com

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have always been time-poor, with a pressing need to maximise any investment they make in tooling to support their ecosystem growth and business development opportunities. Research from Whitespace is suggesting that such companies are now becoming overwhelmed by the noise and distraction of social media channels, communication technology and networking platforms, which are failing to help businesses collaborate with specialists and experts, limiting innovation.

Explaining the rationale for undertaking the study, The Whitespace 2022 collaboration report, the collaboration and targeted networking platform provider, said it was attempting to assess the current collaboration landscape and whether current technology offerings are actually addressing the needs of modern organisations in a digital era, that is the communication and collaboration tools that are necessary for the world of hybrid work.

Whitespace believes its survey shows that existing tools, while powerful in their own right, fail to hit the mark when it comes to creating truly effective, dynamic collaboration. It added that the world has moved on since collaboration just meant a thread of emails, shared documents and getting together in an office or gathering for a meeting. With the hybrid, dispersed workforce and collaborative teams that span the globe, the emphasis has switched to dynamic, digital collaboration.

A key finding of the survey was that SMEs were searching for a service that covers all aspects of collaboration fitting seamlessly with their existing IT to inspire innovation and new product development.

Three out of five SMEs said they found the current plethora of collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and LinkedIn frustrating, and 78% said they found traditional social channels both noisy and distracting. Just over two-thirds (68%) said they spend more time than theyd like to sifting through communication tools to find content relevant to them. In addition, 64% said they wanted targeted collaboration communities that are relevant to their interests, expertise and profession.

Three-fifths of SMEs in the survey said they wanted access to high-value communities of influential individuals, where they can hold safe and secure discussions. Over half wanted just one place for online communities, workspaces and client portals, saving time and increasing productivity.

The results also showed that SMEs are particularly interested in finding ways to collaborate externally with experts who they otherwise wouldnt be able to reach. Three-quarters highlighted external collaboration as being important to accessing skills they dont have internally, while nearly three out of five SMEs said collaboration helped them think more creatively to provide innovative offerings.

The SMEs also stated that they are interested in enhancing internal collaboration with the ability to share materials and documents remotely and securely. This was seen as particularly important to enhancing their ability to work from anywhere. Some 68% said better internal collaboration would help their businesses think differently or more creatively.

The survey further revealed that SMEs are particularly interested in IT offerings that focus on high-quality contacts with the ability to bring genuine value to their business. Nearly four in five SMEs said they wanted a platform that provided an easy way to find the right person to collaborate with.

The need to reach out to colleagues and external parties, using technology that makes discussions safe and secure, and the sharing of documents instantly, without fear of security breaches, is particularly important to SMEs, saidWhitespace chief marketing and revenue officer Andrew Webber.

They know collaboration is vital to the success of their work, scoring it nine out of 10 for importance. The Shift collaboration platform gives organisations their own collaboration space, integrated with their existing IT infrastructure, into which they can invite their staff, customers, clients, colleagues and partners to experience a seamless online business development environment. This delivers the high level of curated collaboration that SMEs are crying out for.

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SMEs overwhelmed by distraction of comms technology, networking platforms - ComputerWeekly.com

The Angie Q Podcast: The power of networking – WNCT

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) In this episode of The Angie Q Podcast, The Power of Networking were giving you top tips and practices to master the skills of networking. Whether youre trying to grow your career or expanding your network in a particular industry, networking is a skill that will open many doors.

Networking doesnt have to be intimidating. Each conversation that you engage in needs to be intentional and genuine. Networking can change your life for the better.

We are sharing some strategies and our own personal experience with networking. Well also break down several different methods in detail to reach your own personal goals. Each method is proven to work.

Angie is also joined by WNCT intern, DestinyMyles, who shares her experience with networking and her advice to young professionals entering the workforce just like her. You can follow Destinys journey on her Instagram account @DestinyAmyaa.

New episodes of The Angie Q Podcastcome every other Friday. Join the conversation. Wed Id love to hear from you. Send me an email with questions you want to be answered, topics you want to hear, and if youre interested in being a guest.

Email Angie attheAngieQPodcast@gmail.comor message us on one of her social media accounts @AngieQtv.

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The Angie Q Podcast: The power of networking - WNCT

Cancer to Sagittarius, These zodiac signs set thirst traps for their crush on social media – PINKVILLA

Ever since its inception, social media has evolved to offer people something new. What was once a networking tool has now transformed into a place where everyone can unwind, stalk their ex-es and even find a new mate. Perhaps this is the reason why so many star signs use it to set thirst traps for their potential lovers. From Cancer to Sagittarius, take a look at zodiac signs who have a tendency to do so.

Cancer

Cancer is the queen of doing things indirectly much like their crab counterparts. They do not approach the object of their affection head on. They would rather in gently circle in and show their interest by enticing them and setting thirst traps for their crush on social media. Be it posting spicy pictures of themselves having a night out on the town with their girlfriends or snapshots of them spending a cosy night at home alone, their pictures paint a thousand words.

Sagittarius

When it comes to matters of the heart, Sagittarius is often surprising coy. They hesitate to approach someone they like, but would rather try to subtly catch their eye by befriending them on social media. Right from posting drool-worthy images of food from lavish vacations to flaunting their physique while working out of the gym; Sagittarius will try every trick in the rulebook. Their sole goal is to catch their crushs attention and make a lasting impression.

Leo

One of the proudest fire signs, Leo does not take kindly to being rejected. This is why they seldom approach a potential partner themselves. They prefer being wooed, so a large part of their social media presence is designed to attract the one they truly care about. Many times, a Leo will stalk their lover on social media and set thirst traps to entice them.

Disclaimer: While these attributes are generic, these are primarily focused on your zodiacal qualities; all the above traits may not necessarily hold true for you.

Also Read: Libra to Sagittarius: 4 Zodiac signs who end long-term relationships to marry someone else

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Cancer to Sagittarius, These zodiac signs set thirst traps for their crush on social media - PINKVILLA