June 28, 2023
Companies and Regulators at Odds Over Tech Changes
Rapid changes in technology have raised tensions among companies and regulators. The FCC is preparing an investigation into caps on broadband data usage, but political deadlock may prevent it from proceeding. The FTC has sued Amazon, accusing the company of deceptive methods enrolling customers in its Prime program.
Newspaper publisher Gannett is suing Google over alleged violations of antitrust practices in advertising. Twitter has resumed payments for Google Cloud following a cost-cutting move by Elon Musk. More social media executives are emulating Musk’s management strategies, from verification to staff consolidation. Protesters on Reddit have disrupted Google searches by making forums private, preventing content from surfacing.
To Prevent Burnout, Employees and Employers Must Prioritize Wellness
Across media and communications, more employees are grappling with increased demands and expectations. A survey of local journalists shows vast majorities reporting burnout, an unsustainable development as media continues to fracture. The American Press Institute has provided resources for newsrooms navigating journalist burnout.
For PR pros, burnout can also be a big concern—large numbers of professionals don’t feel comfortable sharing mental health concerns with employers. More young people are reassessing work-life balance by considering careers outside the United States. Employers can better support today’s workers by providing flexible schedules and adopting comprehensive hybrid support.
Reliance on Social Media Impacts Consumer Choices
Changing digital and economic conditions have impacted consumer choices. While more Americans are getting their news from social media, consumption globally has slowed. A new qualitative research study provides insights into why young people avoid news subscriptions, citing lack of content exclusivity and burdensome maintenance.
Website publishers are raising concerns about a recent change in the Facebook algorithm. The tweak has significantly reduced inbound web traffic—many websites rely on Facebook clicks, down due to the platform’s pivot to video-heavy content. YouTube has released an in-depth consumer insights report, revealing increased viewer expectations around customized online experiences.
Sequence Summaries: Tech Tensions, Worker Wellness, and Consumer Conditions
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