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Curious about the latest in AI and mixed reality technology? Discover how Meta is pushing the boundaries with groundbreaking innovations. Join Shawna, Olivia, and Brian on Mindful Bytes as they unpack Meta Connect 2024's jaw-dropping announcements. From the affordable Quest 3s headset to significant updates in Horizon World, we share our insights, including Shawna's surprising transformation from VR skeptic to enthusiast. Plus, hear about our exciting upcoming virtual event that promises to bring the future of social platforms into sharper focus.

Experience the power of AI like never before. We shine a light on Meta's revolutionary AI "Imagine Edit" feature, which allows users to effortlessly modify images. Picture changing clothing items in a photo with simple descriptions! This episode also highlights Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban on AI-powered glasses, a game-changer for the visually impaired. As we marvel at these technological leaps, we also weigh the dual-edged sword of AI-generated images, which can both inspire creativity and introduce the risk of misinformation.

Our discussion doesn't stop there. We explore how AI might redefine social media interactions, with assistants that mimic users' voices and appearances, and the incredible real-world applications of the new Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Looking ahead, we consider the potential and implications of future AR glasses, Meta's Orion glasses, touching on safety concerns and futuristic possibilities like self-driving cars. We invite you to be part of our live metaverse updates and welcome questions and feedback from our listeners. Prepare yourself for a peek into a sci-fi-like future that's closer than you might think!

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Can we trust reviews anymore, or have they become part of the marketing game? In this episode of Mindful Bytes, we discuss the reliability of online reviews. With the rise of fake and paid reviews, can consumers trust what they’re reading anymore? The podcast panel explore how reviews have evolved, and how marketers are manipulating them. From buying fake reviews to the possibility of buying bad reviews to sabotage competitors, this episode asks the hard question: are reviews still trustworthy? Join Brian, Shawna, Olivia, and Ashton as they discuss personal experiences, potential solutions, and some ideas for what might come next in the review landscape.

What to Expect:

• The Shift from Brand Loyalty to Review-Based Purchasing: We discuss how consumers have moved away from relying on brand names to trusting reviews—and whether that trust is misplaced.
• The Problem with Fake Reviews: How marketers are buying positive reviews to increase sales, and the tricky ethics behind incentivizing reviews for untested products.
• Can We Trust Influencers? Olivia raises the question of influencer credibility and the lack of regulation on paid endorsements.
• The Possibility of Bad Reviews Being Bought: Brian explores whether companies might be paying for negative reviews to harm competitors.
• Signs of Fake Reviews: Tips on how to spot repetitive, unnatural, or overly generic reviews that might be red flags.
• A Future of Verified Influencers? Brian shares an idea, could platforms create a rating system for influencers to help consumers determine their trustworthiness?
• Word-of-Mouth’s Comeback: Brian shares another idea based on how consumers are increasingly trusting friends’ recommendations over online reviews, and how social media could play a role in connecting buyers to trusted reviewers.

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Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!

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How safe is social media for our kids? On this episode of Mindful Bytes, we explore the app Zigazoo, often dubbed "TikTok for kids." Discover how Zigazoo aims to provide a safer online environment for children aged eight and up with features like parental controls, human-reviewed content, and educational challenges. The panel weigh the pros and cons of this platform, from fostering creativity to concerns about the long-term feasibility of human content review. Join us as Shawna and the panel dissect the innovative aspects and potential pitfalls of Zigazoo.

As we look beyond Zigazoo, we tackle the broader issue of child safety on social media platforms. Can you trust parent reviews, and do they align with your values? We discuss the impact of exposing young children to potentially inappropriate content, and the implications of platforms lowering age limits. The conversation highlights the developmental effects of early social media exposure, emphasizing the need for parents to set boundaries and think critically about the role of social media in their children's lives.

Lastly, we focus on Instagram’s new safety measures for teens and the complexities of social media. Reflecting on platforms like Lego Life, we examine the impact of social validation on young minds and how Instagram's teen accounts aim to create safer experiences. Despite these protections, doubts linger about the efficacy of tech companies in safeguarding teens from harmful beauty and fashion standards. We wrap up the episode by discussing the effectiveness of supervision and calling for listener feedback on these vital issues. Don't miss this compelling discussion on the future of social media for children and teens.

Support the show

Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

Affiliate Links:

• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!