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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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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.

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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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• 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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Could AI become your close friend? What if becoming “invisible” could help your business stand out? Have your heard about Instagram's new DM features? In this episode of Mindful Bytes, you'll be introduced to a new AI gadget and how it can potentially become your next friend. We'll explore using the private feed to deepen connections with your audience and new DM features coming to Instagram.

What to Expect:

• AI and Connection: Ashton introduces a new AI device called “AI Friend,” which acts like a virtual companion, and discusses the implications of AI in fostering connections.
• Becoming Invisible to Stand Out: Brian introduces a counterintuitive strategy—using DMs and private feeds to build meaningful, one-on-one connections instead of relying solely on public feeds.
• Instagram’s New DM Features: Olivia discusses how Instagram is shifting focus to DMs with new tools like birthday notifications, stickers, and customizable themes.
• The Future of Social Media: The panel discussed the declining impact of public posts and the increasing importance of private conversations in building authentic relationships.

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!