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Twitter Launches New #ExtremeWeather Mini-Site to Help Maximize Climate Change Messaging

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twitter launches new extremeweather mini site to help maximize climate change messaging

As we look to the post-pandemic future, discussion around climate change is rising once again, with the IPCC recently warning that the impact of human-caused climate disruption is already irreversible, and that average temperatures will rise by more than 1.5 degrees over the next two decades, if we don’t work collaboratively to address it.

The expanded impacts of those shifts will cause massive disruption – not quickly, you won’t suddenly by plunged into ice age like conditions, nor faced with inhabitable heat straight away, as some skeptics seem to suggest. But climate change is happening, and as such, it’s important that we do all we can to both communicate the science behind climate rises, and maximize cooperation between nations to tackle this shift.

Which is where Twitter’s looking with its new #ExtremeWeather visualization project.

As explained by Twitter:

As extreme weather unfolds, people come to Twitter before, during, and after these events to talk about what’s happening. In fact, in a sample of English-language Tweets from 2013 to 2020, mentions of “climate change” grew an average of 50% over the 7 year period measured. This conversation has proven to be powerful and influential, as environmental activists use Twitter to raise awareness about the climate crisis, organize their communities, and connect with others passionate about protecting the planet.”

Twitter climate change research

Leaning into this use case, Twitter’s new ‘Exploring #ExtremeWeather’ mini-site provides a range of climate case studies and data insight, based on tweet trends,

The mini-site includes a range of interactive visualizations, created in partnership Brandwatch, NTT Data, and Sprout Social, as well as overviews that enable visitors to explore tweet discussion trends around key events, including the Australian bushfires, the Jakarta floods and the Texas freeze.

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Twitter Texas Freeze data

As you can see in this example, the visualizations look at both how the broader conversation has evolved on Twitter, along with specific elements of interest and discussion, which could help to both provide more context into how trends grow, while also offering more scientific background as to the impacts of climate change.

These #ExtremeWeather visualizations illustrate how climate change transcends all borders and highlight the importance of global collective action. We believe the developer community can play a key role in shaping how we prepare and respond to these #ExtremeWeather events by using our API in innovative ways, like building tools and dashboards that help people understand what’s happening.” 

In addition to a general overview, Twitter has also included specific tweet insight for each trend, identifying key mentions that sparked increased discussion around each event.

Twitter climate change research

Which is interesting when you also consider that Twitter has been identified as a key platform for climate change deniers and activists, who seek to use these same moments to bend the narrative in another direction, with bots, in particular, identified as a weapon of choice.

In the wake of the Australian bushfires, for example, researchers from Queensland University identified networks of Twitter bots that were using coordinated tweet pushes in order to play down the influence of climate change in the crisis, and instead amplify alternative, yet unfounded explanations relating to arson and government-imposed restrictions on controlled burns.

In 2019, Wired reported that bot profiles were still dominating political news streams, with bots contributing up to 60% of tweet activity around some events. And while Twitter is doing more to detect and remove bots, and address their impact in this respect, it is worth noting this additional element in Twitter’s broader push to showcase how its platform helps to connect people around crisis events.

Even so, this is an important initiative – and while it won’t become a mainstream, broad messaging tool to underline the impacts of climate change, it will help researchers develop more understanding of how to use tweet trends to explore key elements, particularly in relation to maximizing climate messaging, and encouraging action.

You can check out Twitter’s #ExtremeWeather mini-site here.

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

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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.

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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

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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.” 

“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.

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“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.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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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.

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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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