April 19, 2023
The Latest Trends Transforming Tech
Tech companies are transforming products and services. Meta’s making Instagram more creator-friendly with new features that connect creators with brands and agencies. The app’s also rolling out Reels updates to optimize video and audio editing. Instagram’s founders are launching a new, AI-moderated news app called Artifact. TikTok is pushing in-stream shopping, while Twitter is expanding character limits for paid subscribers.
The AI race keeps accelerating. Elon Musk recently incorporated a new company, X.AI, while startup Anthropic is raising money to compete. Following Microsoft, Google is taking steps to integrate generative AI into search. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman denied rumors around training GPT-5, while Amazon told stakeholders it’s “investing heavily” in generative AI.
Governments and Online Platforms Intervene on Information
The flow of information has perhaps never been more controversial. Social gaming platform Discord is in the spotlight after national security secrets appeared in a group chat—the decentralized platform is currently being investigated by the FBI. AI tools are causing governments around the world to develop regulatory measures, and Italy looks ready to lift its temporary ChatGPT ban.
In the U.S., lawmakers and social media companies continue grappling with information dissemination. Montana’s legislature passed the first state ban on TikTok, while Twitter has taken criticism for labeling NPR and BBC ‘state-affiliated media.’ To address growing disinformation, some former high-level U.S. officials are calling for a renewed focus on strategic communications. To fill gaps from depleted local newsrooms, student reporters are stepping up to tackle state government coverage.
Changing Demographics are Shaping the Future of Communications
Unique audience insights are shifting strategies in communications outreach. Recent data show more consumers are using social media to shop online, including younger and older generations. The saturation of influencer content has led some creators to embrace ‘deinfluencing,’ highlighting which products to divest from. In a fast-paced PR landscape, communicators must stay on top of microtrends, which can emerge and fade-out within weeks, if not days.
With increasing audiences valuing belonging, brands are assessing communications to ensure inclusivity. Technology and AI are ushering in new work paths and practices. More Gen Z members are dropping out of the workforce to start businesses as new data show remote work demographics grew younger and more diverse during the pandemic.
Transforming Tech, Information Oversight, and Developing Demographics
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