Kids and Mental Health Now Top-of-Mind for Instagram, PLUS 2030 Predictions
Jim Louderback
Creator Economy Sherpa | Award Winning Curator, Moderator & Speaker | "Inside the Creator Economy" Newsletter | Board of Director | Geek
SPONSORED MESSAGE: A new report – The Power of Gen Z – paints a very unsuspecting picture of the rising consumer generation. They are mature, sensible, and their pragmatism will power the world.
Here’s what’s new and what caught my eye this week:
Timely Focus on Kids and Mental Health: The US Surgeon General released a report on kids and mental health, at roughly the same time as Instagram chief Adam Mosseri was talking to Congress about that exact same thing. It did not go well. Mosseri deflected, wouldn’t rule out a custom kids app, and blamed everyone else for the problem. Vox concluded that Meta simply doesn’t believe its services are harmful to kids. I don’t think reorganizing the research department over there is likely to help –– nor is the irony lost when Instagram announced the day before Mosseri’s testimony about their new focus on “Protecting Teens and Supporting Parents.”
Looking Forward to 2030: You’ll likely be flooded with prediction pieces over the next month, but I’ll try to just bring the most relevant ones here. First up, Ben Evans looks to the future with his annual “Visions” presentation. In this slideshow, he lays out what techies are expecting over the next 10 years –– with a focus on Web3 and the Metaverse. Definitely well worth browsing or watching the video. Oh, and if it’s predictions you crave, check out Peter Csathy’s top 10 as well. I disagree with more than one of them, but overall they will make you think.
Secret Details Revealed on TikTok’s Algorithm: Surprise, surprise. According to a New York Times report, TikTok uses “time spent” and “retention” as its two key metrics to keep you watching, swiping, and viewing. I could have written that about YouTube or Facebook too. But the article does have a wealth of in-depth information about how the algorithm works; it’s required reading for anyone creating content for Double-T. The piece is also a good resource for users, parents, and brands too.
QUIBIS:
This Week at VidCon Now:
Recommended by LinkedIn
Tip of the Week:
This week’s tip comes from Hannah Goldberg-Morse, Manager of Social Impact at MTV:
Working in the social impact space within the entertainment industry, I’ve found that content resonates most deeply with viewers when a creator is highlighting a topic they’re authentically passionate about or communicating based on their own lived experience. Authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose — whether you're behind the camera or in front of it –– are critical in developing a deeper and more sustainable relationship with your audience.
What We’re Watching:
This is our last newsletter of the year, but we'll be back in 2022! Feel free to share this with anyone you think might be interested, and if someone forwarded this to you, you can sign up on our website at VidCon.com — scroll down and select “VidCon Weekly Industry Highlights."
Have a great pause/holiday/whatever and see you in 2022!
Jim
Bachelor of Commerce - BCom from Nizam College at Hyderabad Public School
3y👍👍