SOCIAL
Twitter Moves to the Next Stage with DM Encryption
Twitter’s shift to full DM encryption is a step closer, with the new screenshots showing exactly how encrypted messages will function in the app.
As you can see in this image, posted by Twitter designer Andrea Conway, you’ll soon have a slider that you can use to switch on DM encryption in the app, providing additional privacy protection for your chats.
Within each encrypted chat, you’ll also be able to access the specific cryptographic key for that conversation, giving you more insight into the security coding for each, and another means to ensure that your conversations are contained to you and the recipient.
In addition to this, users will also see a notification in their chats to confirm that encryption is enabled, adding more assurance.
DM encryption will bring Twitter more into line with other messaging apps, which are all moving towards enhanced privacy, despite concerns from some law enforcement groups that this could also facilitate criminal activity.
With no way for anyone to access encrypted exchanges, even the apps themselves, that then means that criminals can also use messages as a way to connect, without fear of detection, which has been a key point of concern raised about Meta’s push to enable encryption across all of its messaging products. But despite opposition, Meta’s moving ahead with that plan anyway, and Twitter is also set to move into line with the same.
Twitter chief Elon Musk has long touted encryption as a key development, in order to provide more reassurance to users, which would also, eventually, be extended to encrypted video and voice calling between accounts as well.
That plan was stalled early on in Musk’s tenure, as the company also instituted a crackdown on child abuse material, with Twitter’s trust and safety lead Ella Irwin saying that DM encryption could impede its efforts to weed out this element.
But now, Twitter’s moving ahead – and with journalists regularly leaking internal exchanges and messages as part of the ongoing ‘Twitter Files’ expose, that could also help to let users know that they won’t be subjected to the same snooping that Musk has facilitated in this respect.
So, really, the main privacy protection that you could be gaining from this is from Twitter itself, and Musk’s ideological crusade to uncover the truth behind various conspiracies. Musk regularly engages with these type of concepts, and jumps ahead in unmasking what he sees as media manipulation – but in many cases Musk has also been incorrect, or has re-angled certain conversations in order to support a certain viewpoint, as opposed to revealing what’s really at play.
But with encryption, more users will be able to trust that their DMs are not being monitored, and that they’ll be able to interact with freedom, knowing that these are, in fact, private chats. Which could also play a key role in the next phase of expanded payments in the app, which is another part of Elon’s ‘everything app’ plan. Secure messaging would also facilitate more secure payments, a key element in establishing this as a habitual behavior.
Twitter says that DM encryption is coming very soon.
SOCIAL
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.
SOCIAL
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
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.
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