Morgan Pastner Jaffe

Hi Morgan! Thanks for an interesting read it gets you thinking if each social media app has shelf life.
It’s not uncommon for social media apps to fizzle out and Facebook is one of the biggest examples of that. a decade ago Facebook was the most popular social media app and one of its kind. With Instagram’s rise, the app so decline among young users as they shifted platforms. I think Instagram is trying hard to replicate the TikTok experience with its reels feature. Instagram users have even compared the two apps and jokingly said that “Instagram is trying too hard to be like tiktok”. Banning TikTok has been in talks for a while and if it does happen I think Instagram might have a chance but it’s not guaranteed. The demographic that ig was popular among might still continue to use it but the newer generation has already moved to other social media apps. However, if they are able to engage that generation it’ll save them from going downhill.

Like Olivia, I can’t manage how many apps there are. The nature of these application is fleeting if they are only focus on younger users. They shouldn’t forget that there are other demographic still using these apps who might have the financial capabilities to respond to advertisements. Even Facebook, which seems like a dying social app is still being used by organizations and community groups because it is better equip for that purpose compared to other apps. The main focus should still be on current users and how they are still interacting and navigating the application.

The older I get the harder it is for me to keep up with all these social media apps, and if it wasn’t for this course and my colleagues, I probably would only know a few. The target audience for these platforms, tend to get younger and younger, as new generations are established.

I think it is only a matter of time before some of these go extinct.

Who remembers My Space? The failing of My Space can be contributed to increased competition, excessive spending, and continuous legal battles. Focusing on increased competition, your platform is only as robust as your user base, therefore if your user base isn’t growing neither is your platform. Though some challenges are out of some’s control, providers need to ensure they are consumer centric, innovative, and educated on competition, if they want to remain on the forefront.

What Happened To Myspace? And Why Did It Fail?

Hi Morgan,

You touched upon many facets of what’s happening in the social media world. As a user, I have reached a saturation point and can’t handle any more social media apps, but from a marketing perspective, I don’t see Meta losing much ground, at least shortly. I believe for so many brands, primarily where I work, Meta is where their audience and apps like TikTok are not even used. I understand it’s not true for all the brands. That’s why I believe it’s okay to have a few healthy functioning platforms rather than many average-performing platforms.

I also want to touch on the massive layoffs that took place not only in social media companies but other top technology companies. We hear a lot of negativity, especially around Twitter layoffs, because of how it was executed. I read yesterday that at least Meta paid their parting employees huge severance packages and an apology, while I didn’t understand the sudden firing and re-hire policy of Twitter.

Have to imagine it comes down to value: What value are these apps’ audiences getting from their experience? What value from the content (entertainment… education… distraction…) and what value from the community (friends… family…) When audiences cease to find value in the experience, they’ll move on.

Ultimately, I am someone who uses way too much social media. In fact, I dread every Sunday when my iPhone gives me an analysis on how much I am on my phone and what apps are taking over my life. I have always thought that I may need to put some restrictions on my own phone to help with such a soft addiction. Because of this, I do like to understand how these apps may survive if they are not properly employed and worked on. I feel that if companies can no longer track data habits as easily as they could before the IOS update, they may need to switch to a subscription based pricing model. One that would allow users to use their platforms but only if they pay for them. Something that may wean thousands if not 100’s of thousands of users (like myself) off of these platforms. These platforms themselves have a hard enough time staying relevant, where as facebook is dwindling and BeReal is picking up traction, so adding in the problem of revenue may just be the end for a lot f them.

Similar to Henry, I use social media way too often. I swear I pick up my phone for 3 minutes and scroll through 8 TikToks only for it to be 3 hours later and my eyeballs are burning from staring at my phone for so long. I remember a couple of weeks ago reading a similar article about the decline of social media, and I thought that man was crazy for writing that, but I feel like it’s starting to make sense. As for using the apps, mentioned above, I have heard of, or use, all but Gas (which I have never heard of). Personally, I’d like to believe that social media is not going downhill, because like what am I doing getting this degree? But, that’s for another discussion. I hope that social media is just going through a snafu right now and will return to being on the rise.

Hey Morgan!

Thanks for the great read! I’ve been an avid user of both Facebook + Instagram since the early days, but I barely use Facebook anymore. Watching them each evolve has been fun but also frustrating at times. I agree with Samara’s point about wishing each app still had a specific purpose. I miss that as well. I honestly find it a little overwhelming to spend significant amounts of time on multiple apps now! They all have too many components and features. It makes my brain hurt. I really just want to see what my friends are up to. Instagram has turned into a constant stream of marketing video content. It no longer feels authentic in my opinion! Everything is perfectly curated (I’m guilty of this as well) and it’s impossible to tell what is real. I don’t want to spend all my mental energy scrolling through sales pitches.

Hi Morgan!

I am on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat but feel like I rarely use them these days. I don’t know if there is much they could do to draw me back in. To me, the apps are so repetitive and I feel like I am seeing the same content across all of them. I am interested to see where Elon takes Twitter. Hearing about some of his ideas intrigues me.

Hey Morgan,
I always get wary of apps that are owned internationally because it’s hard to know what the intentions of foreign countries are. Especially when it comes to China, I think there has been an unspoken mistrust ever since the COVID pandemic, I personally have never used TikTok or BeReal but I’ve seen a lot of hype surrounding them in my friend groups. I think part of the success these apps have is because they appeal to the vanity and fame that comes with “going viral” which is the goal for a lot of Gen-Zers using social media. Microinfluencers and even casual users want that attention.

I think apps like Meta and Snapchat would benefit from leaning into that appeal, it’s a powerful motivator and does not die down, just changes form.

Really interesting. I hadn’t heard about this and imagine it’s only a matter of time before they can do the same via your driver’s license for domestic flights.

I’m sure the logic is something along the lines of “in a public place, you have no expectation of privacy” which applies to where the picture was taken but not necessarily how it was used.

Is this any different than a company running a CCTV security solution on their property and then saving the recordings for a fixed period of time? Is the act of being recorded that’s unsettling, or the fact it can be so seamlessly associated with your travel records?

This is kind of wild technology, I’m kind of impressed we’ve gotten this far but I agree it’s a little concerning when it comes to privacy. I think this type of system could also lead to a lot of benefits concerning criminal activity though! I don’t know how often people fly to escape the country or state but I imagine this sort of imaging system would easily catch them.

The weirdest thing to me is the fact that this technology was just implemented without any news on it (or maybe there is, I don’t really read airline news that often.) It can be argued it’s an invasion of your privacy or not- but the fact is that this would definitely make a lot of people uncomfortable, so it seems like a strange business move to just implement this out of nowhere.

Hi Morgan,
Wow this was so interesting to read. I think I would be a little creeped out as well if they told me that they were gonna store a photo of me for up to 12 hours. I feel like if you have ur passport and ID what else do they need to use to identify you. I would not like this at all especially already boarding the plane, where you can’t really do anything about it at that point. I am curious to see if this is something that is going to stick around. I also have not flown since the pandemic so maybe things have changed. SO crazy!!!!

Definitely raises questions about how much privacy are we letting go of for convenience. Ex-president Donald Trump signed an executive order back in 2017 that gave permission for the busiest U.S. airports to run facial recognition on passengers traveling internationally. to speed up boarding and customs processes and to advance the safety and security of air travel. I was interested in learning of what other information they collected besides passport photos, turns out there is no other data being captured or stored. However, this is just the beginning, we didn’t have a say in our passport photos being used for biometric comparison who knows if in the future they started storing this data for convenience?

I’m in the same mindset of feeling uncomfortable that suddenly your identity was stored and used without your knowledge. The fact that you only were aware of this feature while you were at the gate, seem a bit suspicious than the airline simply disclosing this new protocol to their customers prior to the flight date. What would have happened if the system glitched and did not capture you when you entered the facility? Or in the case what happened in Disney land with the wrist bands. What happens if the system fails to scan you properly or even mistook you for someone else? As someone who has been in a situation where TSA has pulled me or someone I know from a line thinking we were someone else is a bit terrifying.
Customers may resist with having prior knowledge of the new feature before seeing it in use, however, there should be transparency to inform customers of new procedures in case of a system error.

Interesting post Morgan! I wasn’t aware that they did this but it is now making sense. I recently traveled with American Airlines as well and I was wondering why they didn’t take my passport. They scanned my face and looked to see if the pictures matched and told me to go through. I thought this was a weird experience. However, my assumption was that they had my passport on file already because I am an avid traveler,, especially with American airlines. I don’t know how I feel about this new technology in airports. Do they not need to ask us for permission to be able to store these photos and information in their system? I don’t remember being asked permission for this.
Now that I have done it and see the use of it, I would most likely accept it. However, it would of been nice to be informed and learn more about it first.

Wow didn’t realize they did this! I recently flew American Airlines internationally but didn’t have the same experience. From a national security standpoint, I understand this new system. When it comes to keeping our boarders safe, there isn’t too much I would say that is “taking it too far.” Asking for permission or consent, defeats the purpose of national security if criminals trying to escape the country don’t give consent.

Hi Morgan,

This is super interesting — I’m going to be traveling abroad next month and if I hadn’t read your post, I don’t think I would have been prepared for having my picture taken at the air port! Although privacy is definitely a concern, I wonder if this way is more secure. Instead of relying on a human to identify us by comparing our faces to our photos, I wonder if the machine is more accurate.

It’s interesting to think about the other ways we’ll see biometrics be used in the future. By now, we are all used to scanning our faces to unlock our phones. I can also guess that people are using biometrics to unlock their houses. I bet that we’ll start using it to get into our offices or cars in the future if it’s not already a thing!

Hi Morgan,

I had no idea they implemented this! It definitely feels a little invasive, but I can understand it from a security point of view. (as much as it makes me uncomfortable with my info being stored) I agree with Kate, it’s fascinating to think about how biometrics will be used more frequently in the future. I don’t really think about it anymore when I unlock my phone, but from a security standpoint, it’s a genius innovation. It streamlines the process and allows for contactless verification with 99.5% accuracy. For international travel, it will be revolutionary.

Hi Morg!

So interesting, I didn’t know this was a thing. I do remember traveling internationally pre-covid and using Clear to help get through CBP and that required my picture to be taken to ease the process, but I had consented (and paid) to that. I think it’s so crazy, all the new technologies that are coming out using AI to improve certain processes. Sometimes, I even think it’s overkill, like I didn’t see anything wrong with the way CBP was operating beforehand. I do have to agree with you that it is a little weird that they are just using your picture with no prior agreement, but who knows maybe it was in the fine print no one ever reads!

Hey Morgan,
I have mixed feelings about this kind of technology. I always think of the movie “iRobot” where the robots created to help humans ended up becoming sentient beings that wanted to be free and not in service to humans. Any technology can get buggy and be used against use. Which brings me back to my point, how are BCP making sure the photo stored are safe and only used for verifying your identity when you’re present? It feels like a violation, even from the beginning, no one issued a warning before or explained the new process. I understand staff is probably too busy for that kind of interaction, but the airline could’ve sent a “pre-flight” email giving a rundown.

I think the technology can be great for minimizing security risks, but the privacy risks for sure need to be addressed.

Hi Morgan, this is super interesting and admittedly a bit frightening. I think this opens a whole can of worms that could really backfire if put in the wrong hands. Who’s to say this type of technology won’t be implemented elsewhere? As someone who is a little more reserved with their data (I refuse to use face ID to unlock my phone) it feels a bit like I’m being forced to give away information, or in this case my likeness, with no real say in the matter or who will be allowed to use it. I understand it’s an issue of security but I would think it opens the door for other issues like profiling and bias (as we all know technology isn’t always the most accurate tool) as well. I think if this type of technology is going to be implemented then there needs to be heavy and thorough regulations regarding its use.

Hi Morgan!

First Blockbuster, now this! You bring up a good point about the cable companies tendencies to “bundle”. If anyone has noticed a trend, lately, it’s that the newer generations want to have freedom to choose from different options. They want to consume the media they want.

I believe it would be in the best interest of the cable companies if they merged with some of these streaming services. Comcast is a huge media mogul, they technically don’t “have to” per see. However, to stay relevant and reach a very important segment that their cable packages are missing (Millennials and Gen Z) this merger would be mutually beneficial.

Thanks for the post!

Hi Morgan,
I totally agree its a pain/hassle to call or go to Comcast because if you call it takes forever to reach a representative. Sometimes you got to tell your reason for calling to multiple representatives until you reach the correct person who can help and that takes time.

I currently have Comcast and you’re right about the bill always fluctuating, which is why I’ve been thinking of canceling my service with them. I don’t watch television as much anymore and I’m always on Netflix or Youtube now. I don’t think theses providers will go extinct perhaps merge with other services and also lower their prices. I think these providers will evolve and keep up with new trends and changes. Great post by the way!

Hi Morgan,

Truthfully, in the next decade, I do think a lot of these TV providers will become extinct or there may come a time when there is just one main provider. Contracts with TV providers can get quite expensive, plus you’re locked in for “X” amount of years. With streaming services, there’s no contracts and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

I don’t watch TV very often and I’m finding that when I do watch TV, there’s really nothing to watch. There’s a few shows I follow here and there, but they’re probably available on the streaming services as well.

Streaming services are convenient, not overly expensive and give a user the ability to self-serve. It will be interesting to see how this sector changes as IoT and streaming services evolve.

One thing I am interested in is how streaming services will inevitably connect more significantly with IoT devices ? Will your purchase of yoga pants prompt a streaming service to push exercise videos? Or will your reservation on an Alexa, bring up romantic movies on your Netflix feed? The desire from programmers for their algorithms (a word that I will never spell correctly without spell check) to move from intuitive to instinctive will require interlocking facets of everyone’s external lives (monitored by IoT devices) and the internal workings of online data. While this seems a little creepy, I’m hopeful that my algorithm makes it easier to choose what to watch on a friday night, because I seem to spend an endless amount of time trying to pick the best new show or movie to watch! What’s the matter with me? Choice fatigue friends. PS if you have a recommendation for something you think maybe I’ve been sleeping on, let me know!

Hey Morgan great read

I believe that cable will never go extinct. I think more people will stop using cable as more technology and streaming services advance more but I think they will always have a niche market that they can reach out too and still be profitable.

I think cable providers need to find a way to make there services cheaper. I know some people with cable bundles that cost them over 200 dollars a month when you can watch practically anything for free off the internet.

Dealing with cable companies is frustrating, and it’s one of the main reasons why I haven’t had cable in years. Why should I pay an exorbitant amount of money every month for hundreds of channels that I’ll never even watch and the poor customer service that goes along with it? No thanks. I (and many other) like streaming services because they provide a ton of content for a relatively low cost.

Cable and Internet providers are already pivoting – look at Comcast (Xfinity) and their Xfinity Home service, which utilizes smart devices and realtime monitoring as part of a home security bundle. I think we’ll see more providers moving towards these subscription-based services as a way to differentiate themselves from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. They obviously can’t compete, so they need to enter a different market in order to stay alive.

Hey Morgan,

I enjoyed reading your post!

I recently got an officially smart TV in the last year. I was surprised at how cheap they are now. Before we had it was “hacking” an old tv by hooking it up to an Xbox to make it smart. So now not only do we not use the Xbox, but we also haven’t been using cable for years.


But to answer your question, although I do think that cable providers will stop providing cable, I can already see choices they are making to branch out into other services, like how Comcast does internet.

It makes sense to go this route since they already have deep knowledge and expert staff to understand the utility industry. I think it also makes sense because even if they don’t end up merging with other companies to stay in the television industry, people who use smart TV are always going to need access to the internet.

Hey Morgan,
I for one think there is more value is having streaming subscriptions over being locked in a cable contract for just the 10 channels I actually watch. I think cable is a traditional thing for our culture but I would love for it be abolished as it doesn’t really suit the changing atmosphere of streaming shows and movies. You make some valid points, cable either needs to keep up or go away!

Hi Morgan,

As a cable cutter myself, I have been (for the most part) satisfied with streaming in terms of savings on a monthly basis. To me, the money I have saved on switching to a streamed version of cable has outweighed the benefits of the quality of service you get from a cable provider. With that being said, I do not see cable going extinct until streaming services can match the quality of cable. As long as there is a need for high quality television, cable will prevail.