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Facebook Will Add New Labels to All Posts from Politicians Which Mention Voting

Published

4 years ago

July 16, 2020

facebook will add new labels to all posts from politicians which mention voting

Facebook has announced that it will now add new labels to all posts from federally-elected officials and presidential candidates which mention voting or ballots, irrespective of whether the posts contain misinformation or not.

As you can see here, the new labels will include a ‘Get Voting Information’ CTA, which, when clicked, will take users through to a page on the USA.gov website (right screenshot above) which outlines various questions and answers about the voting process.

The update is a significant policy shift from Facebook, which has been heavily criticized over its refusal to add labels or warnings of any kind to posts made by politicians, or submit such to fact-checks, despite other platforms moving to take more action.

Back in May, Twitter sparked a new battle with US President Donald Trump after it added a warning label to these tweets.

Twitter found that the while Trump’s comments on mail-in voting did not violate platform rules, as such, they did warrant a warning label, given that they could mislead people as to how the mail-in process functions, and subsequently reduce voter participation.

The following day, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized Twitter’s approach, saying that social platforms shouldn’t be the ‘arbiters of truth’:

“Private companies probably shouldn’t be, especially these platform companies, shouldn’t be in the position of doing that.”

Since then, as noted, Facebook has seen ongoing backlash to its hands-off approach in this respect, culminating in a well-publicized ad boycott that’s likely to cost the company billions.

As such, it’s interesting to see Facebook alter its approach, even slightly, in this respect.

That’s a positive sign, as it shows that Facebook, and more specifically Zuckerberg, is listening, it is hearing what the community is saying, and it is slowly evolving to meet those expectations. Facebook is still standing firm on its decision not to fact-check political ads, which remains a key point of contention, but maybe, with this small example, we are seeing that Facebook is looking to change its broader approach.

Zuckerberg noted that the company would look to add new labels to tweets from politicians in a live-stream announcement to address the rising concerns late last month.

There’s still some way to go on this yet, and much debate to be had over the benefit of such labels, weighed against the potential harm of interference. But for those looking for change at the company, this is a relevant shift.

At the least, the new labels should help to ensure that Facebook users are given the opportunity to learn more about voting claims, while Facebook is also aiming to encourage more Americans to participate in the November poll via its Voting Information Center push in news feeds.

SOCIAL

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

1 month ago

March 18, 2024

Max

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

SOCIAL

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.