Julia Hodges

I don’t think this is a wise business move. Like Phil, I appreciate the effort toward mental health, but I don’t see how removing themselves from social platforms is helping that larger issue. Content is not inherently toxic because it’s on social media, so by passing on the opportunity to put positive, self-love messages out there (like Dove and…[Read more]

First off, I’m a big fan of Hidden Brain and downloaded that episode for a later listen.

I’m a Jeep owner and was excited when I heard about the “Easter eggs” that the manufacturers hide in window etchings, wheels, etc. (mine is in one of the front lights).. Apparently the brand has been doing this for decades, since before social media, so…[Read more]

This is interesting… I wish Netflix was less secretive with its data, and we could better understand their reasons for this. Per Kathryn’s comment, perhaps it’s trying to reach gamers, or maybe it’s a tactic to further engage non-gaming viewers in their content. I think there are a lot of directions this concept could go… like what if you’re…[Read more]

I’m all for automated ordering, but only if the robot can do better than 85 percent! That said, I feel like a more effective, less divisive solution already exists with mobile ordering. I usually order on apps since it makes customization way easier, and I’ve found order accuracy is superior to talking to a person (and holding up the drive thru…[Read more]

I share your concerns that niche social media platforms like TRUTH could exacerbate the echo chamber problem, but at the same time, are the people who join fringe channels open to hearing the other side anyway? I think Greg makes a great point that there are limits to how impactful a non-major social platform can be.
I also don’t think TRUTH is…[Read more]

I had the same chain of reactions to this news. At first I was like what?? but it does make sense given how Pinterest could help PayPal capture more e-commerce growth… though $45 billion is quite the price tag. Apparently Microsoft “only” paid $26 billion for LinkedIn back in 2016.
Anyway, the potential acquisition got called off today:…[Read more]

This is unbelievable to me. Kathryn’s post and your comment just sent me down a wormhole of reading articles about TikTok’s haphazard censorship. I still don’t understand how having the word “nazi” in your bio wouldn’t automatically get you banned… what alternative context is there? Based on my minimal understanding of algorithms, I can maybeee…[Read more]

Oooo I didn’t know about this “did you read the article” retweet prompt. I love that. Who knows if it will do any good, but I think it would push me take a step back and actually read the article.
However, I’m not sure if the new warnings that Dan mentions will help as much… I feel like a lot of people will think to themselves “yeah! that’s why…[Read more]

I totally missed this news! I remember when Instagram first starting hiding likes for random accounts as part of a test, and oh boy, did it throw my agency’s influencer and social media departments for a loop.
I think putting the power in people’s hands is definitely a positive change for mental health. I’m wondering if hidden likes impacts the…[Read more]

I echo Dan’s concerns about the mental health impact of social media on youth…well, on all of us but especially kids and teenagers.
Your post prompted me to Google existing laws, or I should say one single law from 1998: the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and of course, one of the first search results was a study titled…[Read more]

I don’t know what I’d do without Venmo, but then again, you’re right that a lot of the functionality isn’t really unique. A lot of my Venmo payments are to/from people whom I’m not physically with, so NFCs wouldn’t help there. However, I can definitely see NFCs becoming the defacto way to pay at places like farmers markets, artist booths, etc.…[Read more]

I sometimes like the convenience of QR code menus, but I think it depends on the establishment. For example, if it’s an order-at-the-counter, fast-casual spot, I think convenience is paramount, so they make sense. However, I agree that they can detract from the communal dining experience at sit-down restaurants. In addition to the connection…[Read more]

I relate to Kathryn’s perspective. I’m solidly on Team Physical Books, but your post has me questioning if I’ve written off audiobooks too quickly, because I do enjoy podcasts while driving. It’s interesting how closely we associate mediums with different experiences even when the content is the same (e.g., how a physical beach read signals…[Read more]

I remember I was immediately drawn to these fries when I saw the ads (the mouthwatering photography is what got me) and haven’t gone to Wendy’s since without ordering them. What’s interesting to me is that I’ve never thought of the sea salt as a healthier alternative, and had Wendy’s led too strongly with the “healthy” message, it probably would…[Read more]

I agree with you, Lesley (and everyone else) that this will change Reddit, likely for the worst for users and better for advertisers (who will have more control over where their ads and promoted content run w/ Reddit’s new “walled garden” approach- link interesting article on that below.)
I respect how clearly Reddit marks promoted posts versus…[Read more]

I agree, Sunaina! Dove is an OG when it comes to cause marketing and authentic content. I’ve been impressed by how they continue to make headlines with fresh, meaningful campaigns 20 years after the first real beauty ads ran, (like the 2021 “Show Us, It’s on Us” campaign where Dove offered to cover modeling fees for its diverse talent pool.)…[Read more]