A confounding computer bug called “Heartbleed” continues to cause a major security concern for Internet users everywhere. Because this security hole could potentially leak confidential information, web users are advised to change their passwords to prevent theft of email accounts, credit card numbers and other sensitive information. As a general reminder, passwords for all secure sites should be changed on a regular basis, usually every six weeks as a best practice.
Millennials grew up in the digital age, so it comes as no surprise that they value peer-promoted content over professional reviews when consuming news and media. It’s reported that user-generated content (UGC) is trusted 50% more than other media. UGC creates a level of trust between a brand and its consumers and typically receives more engagement than brand-generated content. Now, social media marketers are increasing the focus on interactive social campaigns and sharable content in order to boost engagement and brand loyalty among this younger demographic.
Earlier this week, Twitter began rolling out a major profile redesign that looks very similar to Facebook. The new look includes more user information and several new features like highlighting the most engaging posts, larger profile images, and a customizable visual header. Seeing as though the majority of social media users are notorious for resisting change, the drastic adjustments in appearance prompted heightened criticism for Twitter’s new look and its vast similarities to Facebook. Take heed skeptics, the network will also be releasing fifteen new types of ads and improved ways to target users over the next few months in the hopes of winning over e-commerce companies and mobile game developers.
Tourism Ireland and HBO recently partnered to bring the television series Game of Thrones to life. After filming in Ireland over the last three seasons, the tourism board is eager to capitalize on the show’s cultish following. A handful of popular consumer brands were also eager to get in on the action from Sunday’s season 4 premier by tweeting hilarious puns related to the show and its plethora of characters, regions and plot lines. Similarly, Albuquerque, New Mexico has seen a significant increase in visitors as a result of popular television show Breaking Bad and New Zealand experienced success in branding itself as the real Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings.
From sharing juicy gossip to promoting a brand at an event, secret sharing apps are quickly becoming the new “it girl” of social media. Heineken, for example, has developed a way to make disappearing images engaging by giving attendees of Coachella music festival the inside scoop on unreleased artist lineups by sending them photo clues throughout the weekend. Publishers are also taking advantage of anonymous sharing apps like Whisper and Secret, both used to share gossip and secret content.