Latest Influencer News in 2025
X TV App Looks Similar To YouTube; Will Offer ‘Tailored’, ‘Personalized’ Video Content
X, the social media company previously known as Twitter, is set to launch a new venture: the X TV app, aimed at enhancing the video viewing experience on smart TVs. CEO Linda Yaccarino announced the app, which promises to deliver real-time, engaging content directly to users' televisions and features an interface that closely resembles that of YouTube. A report said that this upcoming app is said to be a YouTube alternative and will include a trending video algorithm designed to present users with tailored content that is currently popular, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest trends and topics. Additionally, the app will utilize AI to organize videos by subject, making it easier for users to find content that matches their interests. One of the key features of the new X TV app is its support for cross-device viewing. This functionality will allow users to begin watching a video on their smartphone and then seamlessly continue on their smart TV, providing a flexible viewing experience that caters to the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Yaccarino highlighted that the app will feature an enhanced video search capability, making it simpler for users to navigate and discover new videos. While a specific launch date has not been confirmed, the app is expected to be available on most smart TV platforms soon. The announcement comes just in time when some experts believe that Threads, considered to be the main competition of Elon Musk X, is said to be overtaking the popular platform. The report shared that data from Apptopia is showing a steady increase in the number of daily active users for the Meta platform. In fact, their latest insights suggest that Threads may now have surpassed X in terms of daily active users - at least within the US market. This is a concern for X, which dominates when it comes to people's choice of platform for their daily sentiments.
Last Call For Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 Entries, Submissions Accepted Until Friday
The countdown is on for the Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 (GMAs), with the final submission deadline looming this Friday, April 26th, at 10am GMT. This marks the last opportunity for various influencer marketing companies, brands, and influencers to enter this prestigious competition, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the influencer marketing industry. Hosted by Hello Partner, the GIMAs are gearing up for their sixth annual ceremony, set to be held at the luxurious five-star Londoner Hotel on July 18th. According to a report, the awards night promises to be a stellar gathering of industry leaders, offering a platform to showcase innovation and excellence in influencer marketing. This year's awards will include several new categories in its Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 nominations to reflect the latest industry trends, including 'Best Micro-Influencer Campaign,' 'Best Use of User-Generated Content (UGC),' and 'Talent Agency of the Year.' These categories are designed to recognize the growing impact of micro-influencers, UGC's creative use, and talent agencies' critical role in shaping the industry. Past winners, such as Rahul Titus of Ogilvy, who last year described winning as "the absolute benchmark of the industry," emphasized the importance of participating in the GIMAs. Jessica Marshall from Awin also highlighted the awards as a unique opportunity for professionals to connect and celebrate the breadth of work across the industry. For those preparing their entries before the Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 deadline, the judges offer some advice: focus on robust data and analytics to back up your submissions. Danielle Goodall, a previous judge and Senior Advocacy, Partnerships & Events Manager for Volvo Cars, stressed the importance of including strong results and engaging content in the submissions, noting that these elements significantly influence the judging process. Key upcoming dates include the announcement of the judges on May 2nd, followed by the shortlist reveal on June 13th. Participants and attendees can look forward to a night of celebration and networking in July, where the best of the best will be honored. For further details on entry guidelines and to download the Entry Kit, participants are encouraged to visit Hello Partner's official website. The GIMAs represent a golden opportunity for those in the influencer marketing sector to gain recognition on a global scale and to showcase their contributions to the evolving digital marketing landscape.
Eva Evans’ Cause Of Death Revealed: Influencer Hanged Herself Years After Dad’s Suicide
Eva Evans, a popular TikToker known for her engaging lifestyle content and web series "Club Rat," has died in what appears to be a suicide, authorities said. She was 29. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Evans was found late Saturday night by a friend who had a key to her New York City apartment. The friend, who had last seen Evans alive on Friday morning, was shocked to discover her body and immediately called 911. In a report from TMZ, responding officers found no signs of a struggle or unusual injuries at the scene. A note was found near Evans, although the details of its contents have not been disclosed. While the immediate evidence suggests Eva Evans cause of death is suicide, the official outcone is pending further investigation, including toxicology results. The news of Evans's death was first shared by her sister, Lila, on social media. In a heartfelt tribute, Lila remembered Eva as a "sweet and loving sister," but did not provide details about the circumstances of her death. Eva Evans TikTok gained popularity for her candid portrayals of life as a 20-something in New York City and for "Club Rat," a web series that explored the city's dating scene. Although she did not frequently discuss mental health on her platform, she had previously opened up about her personal experiences with it. In a story shared with the organization Don't Mind Me, which supports individuals struggling with mental health issues, Eva revealed that her father had died by suicide in 2018, an event that deeply affected her. Eva Evans COD is a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles that individuals may face and the importance of mental health awareness and support. It underscores the vital role of friends, family, and mental health professionals in providing support and intervention to those in need. Recently, some groups have questioned the role of social media when it comes to individual mental health, with some districts trying to do everything to minimize exposure, especially when it comes to younger people. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, a suicide prevention hotline is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or via chat at 988lifeline.org.
The Most Followed Person On Social Media Is Not Even On TikTok And YouTube
Who is the most followed person on social media? The social media sphere continues to be dominated by a select group of individuals whose massive online followings make them some of the most influential figures globally. A recent analysis has identified the top 30 social media influencers worldwide, spanning platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). These are the influencers with the most followers on social media. This comprehensive list, which includes celebrities from sports, music, and entertainment, reflects their broad appeal and widespread influence across diverse audiences. Cristiano Ronaldo, the most followed person on Instagram, leads the pack with over 732 million followers, underscoring his immense popularity as a sports icon and the most famous person on social media. One most followed person on TikTok, music star Ariana Grande, also ranks high on the list, showcasing dual talents in her music career and skillful engagement with fans online. Their substantial followings demonstrate the power of combining traditional celebrity with savvy social media, enabling them to reach millions worldwide. The ranking also highlights influencers who initially gained fame through social media platforms, such as Kylie Jenner and the renowned YouTuber MrBeast, whose innovative content creation has amassed hundreds of millions of followers. Their ability to captivate audiences underscores the shift in how people consume entertainment and interact with celebrities today. The influence of these social media titans extends beyond mere numbers. They drive trends, shape consumer behavior, and profoundly impact the marketing and entertainment industries. Brands continue to leverage these influencers to reach vast audiences directly, making them pivotal in global promotional strategies. This year’s list not only celebrates individual achievements but also signals the evolving dynamics of global influence. Social media platforms remain critical in determining who garners attention and why, reflecting a world increasingly driven by digital interactions. As social media platforms grow and adapt, influencers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between brands and consumers, offering authenticity and relatability that resonate with younger, digitally-savvy generations. The top influencers of 2024 exemplify the power of combining personal brand development with strategic content creation, setting the stage for the future of digital influence and marketing.
Russia Sentences Zuckerberg’s Meta Spokesperson To 6 Years In Prison For Claims He Encouraged Russian Violence
A Russian court has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Andy Stone, the communications director at Meta, after convicting him in absentia of justifying terrorism. The charges, reported by Mediazona, stem from comments Stone made regarding Meta's temporary changes to its hate speech policy during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response to the conflict, The Andy Stone Russia issue stemmed from his announcement that Meta would allow certain forms of political expression on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, that would normally breach its rules, such as statements like "death to the Russian invaders." However, he made it clear that calls for violence against Russian civilians would continue to be prohibited. Despite these specifications, Russian authorities pursued charges against Stone, accusing him of making illegal calls for violence and killings of Russian citizens. The situation escalated as Russia declared Meta an extremist organization and blocked access to Facebook and Instagram within the country. These platforms, along with X (formerly Twitter), which was also blocked, were previously popular among Russians but are now only accessible via VPNs. The trial was conducted swiftly, beginning on a Friday and concluding by Monday with only two hearings. Andy Stone Meta, who resides in the U.S., was represented by a government-appointed lawyer, emphasizing the trial's expedited and contentious nature. The decision is seen to put Stone in a Russian prison. Besides the prison sentence, Stone has been barred from administering websites for four additional years. This case highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and international technology companies, particularly those like Meta, that have taken stances on geopolitical issues. It also underscores the broader crackdown on free speech and the suppression of dissent within Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The trial and conviction of Stone in absentia marks a significant moment in the complex relationship between global tech firms and Russian regulatory and judicial systems.
Facebook Scam Uses Death Notices To Gain Access To Your Account In New Phishing Attack
As social media becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, it also grows as a fertile ground for cybercriminals, with phishing attacks becoming more prevalent on platforms like Facebook. Users are currently being targeted via Facebook scams by deceptive posts with emotional appeals via Facebook death announcements such as "Look who died?" or "I can't believe you're gone. May you R.I.P," which lead to fake login pages designed to steal personal information. These Facebook death scams or Facebook phishing scams are digital fraud techniques where attackers pose as legitimate institutions to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. On Facebook, this often involves posts or messages that mimic genuine requests from the platform but lead to malicious sites. To safeguard against these threats, it is crucial not to click on suspicious links. Recognizing phishing attempts can be challenging, but sure signs can help identify fraudulent activity: Messages demanding money, promising extravagant gifts, or threatening account deletion. Requests for personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Links that look unusual or out of character for the sender. Here are additional indicators specific to email phishing: Unusual greetings or tone, spelling and grammar mistakes, and inconsistent email addresses or domain names. Emails that convey urgency contain suspicious attachments or ask for personal data. Facebook recommends several proactive measures to enhance security: Enable alerts for unrecognized logins to detect unauthorized access attempts. Use two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Ensure that all communications regarding your Facebook account come from official domains like fb.com, facebook.com, or facebookmail.com. If you suspect you've fallen victim to a phishing attack on Facebook, immediate actions include: Resetting your password and logging out of unfamiliar devices that can access your account. Reviewing your account's recent activity and the legitimacy of any emails from Facebook. If locked out of your account, use the "Find Your Account" feature on Facebook to initiate recovery, using known devices and following on-screen instructions to reset your password. By staying vigilant and informed about these potential scams, Facebook users can better protect their personal information and maintain the integrity of their online presence.
Ohio GOP Looking To Ban Social Media On School Wi-Fi, Phones In Class
In a move aimed at enhancing educational focus and mental health among students, Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would lead to an Ohio ban on social media use and limit electronic device usage in schools. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by State Rep. Tom Young (R-Washington Township), seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of social media and promote a healthier learning environment. Observing the impact of social media on his children, Rep. Young described the emotional toll it takes, from increased pressure to concerns over privacy despite parental controls. "The pressure, the tears—it's just not worth it," Young remarked, highlighting a common sentiment among parents witnessing the anxiety and distraction linked to constant digital connectivity. The bill, known as House Bill 485, would not only lead to phone ban in schools, and prohibit the use of personal electronic devices like computers during class, but would also block access to social media sites through school Wi-Fi. Exceptions would be made for emergencies, healthcare needs, or specific learning accommodations. Echoing the sentiment, Parma City School District Superintendent Charles Smialek shared positive feedback from existing policies that restrict phone use. Smialek supports the statewide initiative but expressed concerns about preserving local decision-making authority in schools. Critically, the legislation also requires middle and high school students to attend courses highlighting the negative aspects of social media, ranging from the potential for addiction and misinformation to cyberbullying and privacy issues. This educational component aims to equip students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly. Despite the proposed benefits, the bill faces challenges, including concerns about its implementation without additional funding. Public schools, already grappling with budget constraints, are expected to absorb the costs associated with the new policies. The initiative has sparked a broader debate on the role of technology in education and its impact on student wellbeing. Recently, a mom from Arkansas lobbied for social media platform TikTok, to be more responsible with their content. The mom's son is said to have committed suicide because of videos found on the platform. Hers is just one of the many cases that suggest social media has a strong impact on the Youth's mental health. As Ohio stands alone without statewide health education standards, the move to integrate digital literacy and safety into the curriculum could set a precedent for addressing modern challenges in student health and education. The bill's progress and its implications for Ohio's educational policies will be closely watched in the coming months, with potential nationwide implications as other states observe the outcomes of Ohio's bold step towards redefining the use of technology in classrooms.
Watch: Influencer Makes Money Rain On Beach; Drops Wads Of Cash From Helicopter
In today's bizarre influencer news or extraordinary display of generosity (whichever way you see it), social media influencer Bel Ponciano made headlines by dropping over £1,500 from a helicopter to unsuspecting beachgoers in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil. The fitness influencer, known for her dramatic gestures, was filmed scattering banknotes from the sky as tourists and locals scrambled on the sands to collect the fluttering cash. The incident took place on a sunny morning, with Ponciano captured grinning broadly as she released notes of various amounts through the helicopter's small window. The beach, typically a scene of leisurely sunbathing and relaxation, quickly turns into a frenetic treasure hunt as the influencer drops money from the helicopter. As seen in her Instagram, people gathered the money under the clear blue skies. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6CBJ4bRrQt/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Ponciano, who has a following of 100,000 on Instagram, later shared the video of her airborne cash giveaway, which has since gone viral, attracting nearly 50,000 views and hundreds of enthusiastic comments from fans. Followers praised her for her selflessness and the joy she brought to an ordinary day at the beach. One fan remarked, "Well done warrior, success shines brightly, you are a good person." This is not the first time Ponciano has been involved in public money giveaways. Earlier this year, she was seen throwing cash from a building window and later from a supercar - actions that have cemented her reputation as a benefactor with a flair for the dramatic. Her acts continue to inspire her followers, with one commenting, "You can earn money as it falls from the air while taking a beautiful walk in our wonderful city!" Ponciano's latest stunt not only highlighted her penchant for grand gestures but also sparked conversations about the role of social media influencers in public life. As she continues to challenge the norms of influencer engagements, Ponciano remains a figure of fascination and controversy. Her parting message to her followers: "Never give up on your dreams! Only God can stop you, nobody else! Next time, it will be from a rocket."
Tesla Layoffs: Entire US ‘Growth Content’ Team Fired As Elon Musk Changes Mind On Advertising
A substantial Tesla layoffs is currently underway in the Elon Musk-owned company, Tesla Inc., impacting its newly established marketing team and other departments, as part of a broader company restructuring. This move marks a significant reversal from its brief venture into more traditional advertising approach initiated under Musk less than a year ago. The Tesla layoffs have profoundly impacted the entire U.S. "growth content" team, a group formed just four months ago and comprised approximately of 40 employees. According to Bloomberg, this team, led by senior manager Alex Ingram and global team leader Jorge Milburn, was among those who were let go. While the U.S. marketing team has been significantly reduced, a small marketing staff remains active in Europe. Tesla Marketing Team Fired Additional job reductions were reported in Tesla's design studio and its facilities in Hawthorne, California. These cuts are part of what Musk has described as the "largest-ever job cuts" at Tesla, aimed at reducing the global workforce by more than 10%. Bloomberg recently reported that Musk is pushing for a 20% reduction in staff, which could translate to over 20,000 job losses. This Tesla marketing layoffs coincide with a challenging period for Tesla. Its stock fell 3% by midday Monday in New York, contributing to a year-to-date decline of over 40%. Tesla's performance ranks second-worst in the S&P 500 Index for this year. Musk commented on the effectiveness of the disbanded marketing team's efforts on social media platform X, noting that the advertisements created were "far too generic" and could have been associated with any car brand. This reflection follows a period of experimentation with traditional advertising, which was a departure from Tesla's longstanding reliance on word-of-mouth for brand promotion. The cuts and strategic reversals occur amidst broader challenges for the company, including a slowdown in global EV sales and heightened competition in the market. Additionally, Tesla's advertising shift had overlapped with Musk's acquisition of the company formerly known as Twitter, which has been struggling with a significant drop in advertising revenue amid controversies over content moderation and Musk's public statements.
TikTok Posts 185% Growth In Three Years Among US Adults: Statista
Despite scandals and legal challenges continuing to swirl around TikTok, its popularity among American adults remains on an upward trajectory, with an impressive 185% growth in usage over the past three years, according to Statista Consumer Insights. This TikTok growth has solidified the company's position as the fourth most popular social media platform in the United States, trailing behind giants like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Statista's data reveals a fascinating trend in 2023: 40% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64 were regular users of TikTok, a significant leap from just 14% in 2020. The app's allure is even more pronounced among the younger demographic, with nearly 60% of 18 to 29-year-olds regularly engaging with the platform. This youth-centric popularity is further underscored among U.S. teens, where TikTok has emerged as the most frequented social media platform. The TikTok follower count growth comes amid increasing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers calling for a TikTok ban, who are concerned about the app's ties to its parent company ByteDance and the Chinese government. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," which mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok unless it can sever its connections with any entities deemed a "foreign adversary" within six months. The bill, however, faces a challenging path ahead, with significant legislative hurdles and skepticism about its passage in the Senate. Despite these challenges, TikTok's cultural impact in the U.S. is undeniable. It has become a trendsetter in music, dance, and comedy, mainly due to its innovative short-form video format and a sophisticated algorithm that tailors content to user preferences. This legislative scrutiny and the platform's explosive growth underscore the intricate landscape of social media where innovation, privacy concerns, and international politics converge. As TikTok continues to captivate a growing audience, the outcome of the legislative process will be closely monitored, potentially setting precedents for how foreign-owned social media platforms operate in the U.S. The next few months will be pivotal for TikTok as it navigates these challenges while striving to expand its influence and user base across America.
Mona Lisa Rapping Video Goes Viral: ‘DaVinci Is Rolling In His Grave’
Have you ever imagined what it would be like if Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa were alive today—and rapping? Well, you don't have to imagine anymore. In a surprising display of artificial intelligence capability, Microsoft has launched VASA-1, an AI that can animate portraits and synchronize them with audio to create lifelike videos. Among its first demonstrations, VASA-1 has brought Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to life, having her perform a rap originally delivered by actress Anne Hathaway in 2011. The tech giant released the video showcasing the Mona Lisa rapping, no longer just a subject of serene portraiture. The Mona Lisa rapping by Microsoft performs Hathaway's "Paparazzi" rap. This novel use of AI has captured both amazement and unease as it blurs the lines between artistry and technology. VASA-1 stands out by enabling animations from single images, based on audio inputs, to create expressive videos. This technology follows trends seen in other AI tools like Alibaba's EMO and enhances the scope of digital interaction with art. Microsoft's innovation rides the wave of advanced AI tools transforming media experiences. Its partner, OpenAI, has developed Sora, a text-to-video model that similarly generates realistic videos from textual descriptions. Google's Lumiere offers comparable capabilities, though such tools are currently available to a limited user base. Despite the playful demonstration, the introduction of VASA-1 raises significant ethical considerations. The history of AI-driven video manipulations, often termed as deepfakes, includes examples like the 2019 MIT project that created a fictitious speech by President Richard Nixon. While impressive, these technologies pose risks of misinformation, with experts cautioning about their potential misuse. Microsoft acknowledges these concerns but remains optimistic about VASA-1's positive applications. The company suggests that the technology could enhance educational tools, improve accessibility for those with communication impairments, and provide new companionship and therapeutic support. As Microsoft commits to responsible AI development to benefit human well-being, the tech community and the public continue to watch closely. AI's potential to enrich and complicate our interaction with digital media is becoming increasingly apparent.
How To Mute People On Instagram And Facebook? Practice Can ‘Preserve Your Mental Wellbeing,’ Says Expert
In this digital age, where online interactions can often become overwhelming, experts are highlighting the benefits of using the mute function on social media platforms to preserve mental health and maintain a healthier digital environment. This simple action can help users create personal boundaries without severing ties, allowing them to stay connected while avoiding social media mental health effects. In a report, Bailey Parnell, the founder of the Center for Digital Wellbeing, emphasizes that muting accounts that cause repeated upset is akin to setting digital boundaries. This method helps users maintain their social and professional networks without compromising their mental peace. According to Parnell, while muting does not cut off communication entirely, it effectively shields one from negative interactions. Monica Amorosi, a licensed trauma therapist based in New York City, warns against the dopamine-driven cycle of engagement that can come from reacting to provocative or aggravating content. She points out that while it's important not to create an "echo chamber" by avoiding diverse viewpoints, social media should not solely be a source of frustration or negative emotions. Instead, it should serve as a platform for positive interactions and learning. How to Mute People on Instagram: Go to the individual’s profile or a post. Tap on the three dots at the top right of the profile or post. Select "mute." Choose to mute posts, stories, or both. How to Mute People on Facebook: Find a post from the person you want to mute in your news feed. Click on the three-dot menu on the top right of the post. Choose “Snooze for 30 days” to temporarily mute or “Unfollow” to stop seeing their posts permanently. You can also unfollow someone directly from their profile page by clicking the “Friends” button and then selecting “Unfollow.” These steps allow users to control what they see on their feeds, effectively managing their online experiences and reducing stress. This practice of muting not only helps maintain mental well-being but also empowers users to curate their digital spaces in ways that are beneficial to their daily lives.
Ogilvy Creates New Division Specializing On Health Influencers: ‘New Frontier” In Marketing
In response to the growing trend of people seeking medical advice on social media, WPP-owned advertising giant Ogilvy has announced the formation of a new division dedicated to health influencers. This health influencer marketing aims to harness the influence of vetted experts to provide accurate health information and combat widespread misinformation online. As the internet becomes a primary source for health-related queries, concerns about the accuracy of available information persist. Studies indicate a significant portion of health content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram comes from individuals without medical credentials, leading to the spread of potentially harmful misinformation. For instance, non-expert content dominates discussions around critical topics like dermatology and vaccinations. To address these challenges, the Ogilvy health influencer program will collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to promote credible health information through influencers who are experts in their fields, such as medical professionals and knowledgeable patients. According to a report, these influencers will share their personal experiences and knowledge about various health conditions, offering advice that ranges from symptom identification to lifestyle tips for managing chronic illnesses. Rahul Titus, global head of influence at Ogilvy PR, emphasized that authenticity and credibility are now paramount in marketing, particularly in the health sector. "Own your conversation around health, or someone else will," Titus stated, highlighting the need for authoritative voices in the online health discourse. The division's strategy includes ensuring influencers clearly disclose any affiliations or sponsorships with pharmaceutical companies and maintaining transparency with their audience. This approach is crucial as regulations vary globally regarding direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines, with strict limitations in places like the UK. Caroline Howe, CEO of Ogilvy Health, noted the evolving role of medical advice sources, stating, "The family doctor is no longer the sole gatekeeper." With more people living with chronic illnesses and seeking wellness advice online, social media influencers vetted by Ogilvy could play a pivotal role in improving public understanding of health issues and treatment options. This initiative not only aims to make everyday health more accessible but also seeks to enhance the reliability of online health information, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
You Can Buy A Classing Fodero Dining Car On Facebook Marketplace For Only $35,000
A piece of Pennsylvania's dining history has been listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, offering enthusiasts of Americana and retro charm a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the past. The Fodero Dining Car, located in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, is on the market for $35,000, presented as a complete unit ready for transport to a new location. This classic dining car needs some repairs. It has served as a beloved local eatery for decades under various managements. Most notably, it operated as Risser’s Family Restaurant for 35 years, serving traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. The diner was a community staple until it closed following the death of owner Ernie Risser in 2014. According to a report, the car has changed hands and identities several times since then. In 2015, it was renovated and reopened as the Blue Star Family Restaurant and was later renamed Rocky Family Restaurant in 2018. Despite these changes, the diner retains much of its original interior, including the classic red and blue booths that add to its nostalgic appeal. Seller Mike Weaver emphasizes that the dining car is being sold as a whole and not for parts. "We own the property and plan to repurpose it. The restaurant was demolished but the original diner car is being saved and we are trying to sell it," Weaver explained. He also noted that while the dining car does not come with the land it currently occupies, he offers transportation options for moving the structure. This sale represents a chance to revive a piece of Americana. The dining car offers potential buyers the opportunity to own and operate a slice of history, perhaps reintroducing a bygone era of roadside diners to a new generation. The charm and history embedded in its structure will likely attract those looking to invest in a unique piece of the past, providing a ready canvas for those wishing to bring a nostalgic dining experience back to life. Deals like this, however, pose a problem as scams are rampant on the platform. A 2023 study shows that over 270 million active accounts on Facebook Marketplace are likely fake, making the possibility of a Facebook Marketplace fraud high. Hence, you must be well-informed on how to avoid getting scammed, especially today when online shopping is at an all-time high.
TIkTok Lite EU Suspension Looms As Commission Reviews App’s Addictive Features
The European Union has initiated a second formal investigation into TikTok, focusing on its newly launched TikTok Lite app rewards program. This program has raised concerns over potential addictive effects on users. The European Commission has given TikTok 24 hours to submit a comprehensive risk assessment report or face possible fines. TikTok Lite, introduced earlier this month in France and Spain, features a "Task and Reward Program." How to use TikTok Lite: It compensates users for engaging with the platform, such as watching videos, liking it, or inviting friends to try the app. According to a report, this program is particularly under scrutiny for its potential to foster addictive behaviors, especially among minors. Despite claims from TikTok that the program is restricted to users aged 18 and older, the EU has criticized the app for not having effective age verification processes. Margrethe Vestager, the EU's antitrust chief, emphasized the responsibility of online platforms under the Digital Services Act to identify and mitigate user risks. "The Commission has opened a compliance case that urges TikTok to submit an assessment and provide more information on how it is protecting its users from potential risks on their platform," Vestager stated. EU industry chief Thierry Breton likened the addictive potential of TikTok Lite to that of light cigarettes, underscoring the serious concerns about the program's impact on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and reduced attention spans in children. "Endless streams of short and fast-paced videos could be seen as fun, but also expose our children to risks of addiction," Breton explained. This probe marks the continuation of the EU's stringent oversight of TikTok's operations within its jurisdiction. The first case against TikTok, still ongoing, involves issues related to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, and the management of content that could be harmful or addictive. The outcome of this investigation of TikTok Lite in Europe could lead to significant operational changes for the company in the region, especially under the terms of the Digital Services Act, which requires large platforms to comply with strict regulations aimed at combating illegal and harmful online content. The EU has made it clear that it stands ready to impose interim measures, including potentially suspending features of TikTok Lite, unless the company can demonstrate its safety and compliance. For the past few weeks, TikTok has been under numerous scrutiny and challenges, with the US government hot on its heels trying to persuade the company to sell and turn its back on Chinese ties.