TDC Dispatch: The top digital news and insights from May 2023

From Scrolling to Exploring: The Future of Social Media

– written by Ellen McConnell // Junior Communication Designer

Imagine a world where scrolling through social media isn’t just a passive experience, but an immersive journey through 3D environments. Well, that world might be closer than we think.

Let’s talk about the tech giant that needs no introduction – Apple. When it comes to building up hype, Apple has got it all figured out. We’re talking about the Apple AR/VR headset that has been in the works for what seems like forever. Apple has been tinkering away on this bad boy for years, but it’s yet to see the light of day. But now, it seems like the company is finally getting serious about releasing the highly anticipated gadget.

The development of virtual reality technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage with social media. Users could potentially attend virtual events and concerts, engage in virtual conversations with friends and followers, and even explore branded virtual environments. The possibilities are endless.

But the impact of Apple VR on social media doesn’t stop there. The technology could also open up a whole new world of advertising opportunities. Imagine interactive VR experiences that allow potential customers to fully immerse themselves in a product or service, creating a level of engagement that traditional advertising methods could only dream of. 

While VR technology is nothing new – meta released their first headset ‘Meta Quest’ in may 2019 – tech giant Apple now offering up their own creation into the game creates a certainty for innovation and competition from other competing manufacturers.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple’s AR/VR headset has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage with social media.
• The impact of Apple VR could open up a whole new world of advertising opportunities.

LinkedIn launches new collaborative articles powered by AI

– written by Juliana Calache de Freitas // Account Manager

Recently, a lot has been discussed about the benefits of AI as a creative writing partner – particularly, the ability to overcome writers’ block and spark ideas for content development. 

One company that seems determined to join the clout is LinkedIn. The world’s largest professional network launched in early March a new feature “called collaborative articles”, which uses “AI-powered conversation starters” to prompt discussions between thought leaders on the platform. 

How does it work? 

Collaborative articles are knowledge topics published by LinkedIn, with insights and perspectives added by the LinkedIn community. These articles begin as AI-powered conversation starters, developed with LinkedIn’s editorial team. Following, a select group of experts can contribute with their own ideas, examples and experiences.

Who can contribute?

LinkedIn invited a select group of experts to contribute insights within these collaborative articles. These are members who are likely to be experts in a certain topic based on their work experience, skills proficiency, and prior engagement on the platform. 

If you’re a LinkedIn member who’s been invited to contribute, you can click “Add your perspective” to add your contribution to a section in a collaborative piece. Once a member has contributed, their network will be notified via the home feed and it will be listed under the contributor’s activity. They will have the option to share the article to their network by reposting the article to their feed.

Why contribute?

LinkedIn experts are determined based on the level of activity they have on the platform, from posting their own content to engaging with their homepage. Contributing to collaborative articles can help grow a member’s network and position them as a reputable source of information.

Key Takeaways:

• LinkedIn has launched a feature called collaborative articles, using AI-powered conversation starters to prompt discussions among thought leaders on the platform.
• Collaborative articles are knowledge topics published by LinkedIn, with insights added by the LinkedIn community. A select group of experts can contribute their ideas, examples, and experiences.
• Members who have been invited to contribute can add their perspective to a section in the collaborative article, which will be shared with their network, helping them grow their network and establish themselves as reputable sources of information.

Meta Expands ‘Meta Verified’ Verification Subscription Program to Users in the UK

– Mckenzie Slomp // Senior Digital Manager

Meta Verified has begun rolling out to users in the UK.

Meta launched the first stage of Meta Verified with users in Australia and New Zealand back in February, before expanding it to the US the following month. And now, it’s the UK’s turn to start buying blue ticks – though, there has been one significant change to the offering since its initial release.

When Meta expanded the program to the US, it pulled its increased reach element for Meta Verified profiles, which would have given subscribers more exposure potential within both apps.

Meta hasn’t provided any insight as to why it’s opted to withhold this element, but it could be that it conflicts with its ad offerings, with users also able to pay for post boosting, which is essentially the same thing, just on a per post basis.

The verified service, which seems to be currently aimed at creators, requires subscribers to have a display name matching the government ID they submit, and users will have to pay separately for Instagram and Facebook verification, (£9.99 for the web service and £11.99 on mobile).

Key Takeaways:

1. A verified badge helps your community know it’s the real you. 
2. Get exclusive features like stickers on Facebook and Instagram Stories as well as 100 stars a month on Facebook to support other creators.
3. Receive protection from account impersonation with proactive account monitoring.
4. And finally, take advantage of direct account support and help from a real person on common account issues.