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Home » Social Media

Is Social Media Failing Small Businesses? New Survey Reveals a Hidden Blind Spot

Posted on July 7, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

According to new research released by GoDaddy, nearly half of all small businesses now run primarily online. These businesses use websites, marketplaces, and—most heavily—social media to reach their customers. That sounds impressive on paper. But behind the scenes, many entrepreneurs are hitting a wall. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Consumers Trust TikTok, Not ChatGPT: New Data Exposes a Major Marketing Shift

Posted on June 4, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

crowd running from AI and going to TIkTok

SOCi, a leader in localized marketing solutions, has just released findings that challenge how brands think about customer trust and discovery. According to its 2025 Consumer Behavior Index (CBI), consumers may be open to using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini for initial research—but they’re not buying based on what AI tells them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Fake Followers, AI Content, and Regret: Influencer Marketing’s Credibility Cliff

Posted on May 28, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Influencers say the most frustrating part of working with brands is being forced to sound inauthentic, with 1 in 4 influencers citing it as their biggest challenge.

 

Influencer marketing may be losing its grip. A new report from Typeform, titled Get Real: The Data on Influencer Marketing, suggests consumers are tuning out flashy content and turning up their skepticism. The report blends survey data and video responses from over 1,300 influencers, marketers, and consumers.

The findings paint a clear picture: connection beats curation. Flashy aesthetics and high follower counts no longer hold the weight they once did. People want truth over polish, and authenticity over algorithms. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

4 in 10 Americans Now Motivated by Social Media Influencers — A 24% Surge

Posted on May 7, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Mintel logo 2023

 

Influencers Are Fueling Positive Change Across America

A new Mintel report has unveiled a striking trend: 41% of U.S. consumers now say social media influencers inspire them to make positive life changes. That figure marks a sharp 24% rise since 2022, when the number stood at just 33%.

The increase is even more pronounced among younger generations. Sixty percent of Gen Z (ages 18–28) and Millennials (ages 29–45) report feeling inspired by influencers. This generational breakdown highlights how social media platforms are no longer just entertainment hubs but active spaces for shaping personal development. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

New Study Shows 98% of UK Travelers Can’t Fully Unplug on Holiday

Posted on May 2, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

british man on beach checking his mobile phone

Nearly All Brits Struggle to Unplug on Holiday, New Survey Finds

New research from travel insurance provider InsureandGo reveals that nearly every British holidaymaker finds it difficult to put down their phone—even while trying to relax. According to the survey, 98% of UK adults admit to using their phones on holiday, with many checking messages, social media, bank accounts, and even work emails from their sun-loungers. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Socontra Launches a Social Network for AI Agents to Handle Online Transactions

Posted on April 30, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Startup Led by AI Veteran Introduces a Social Network Where Bots Do the Work

A new AI startup wants to make bots do more than just answer questions or recommend playlists. Socontra, launched this week by AI researcher and entrepreneur Dr. Don Perugini, is building a network where AI agents interact directly with one another—no human input required. The idea is to automate everyday tasks, especially online shopping. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

New Report Exposes How Social Media Platforms Are Failing to Fight Hate and Extremism

Posted on April 29, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) has released its 2025 Digital Terror and Hate Report Card, revealing widespread corporate failure to combat online hate, antisemitism, and extremist propaganda. Presented at events with the New York City Council and the California State Legislature, the findings offer a bleak assessment of how major platforms are handling harmful content. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Aha Community’s Astonishing 4,933% Growth: How Korea’s Reddit Is Changing Online Dialogue

Posted on April 17, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Aha Community Sees Explosive 4,933% Revenue Growth

Aha Community Sees Explosive 4,933% Revenue Growth

 

In a market where digital platforms often rely on algorithms to steer engagement, Aha Community is taking a different route — and it is paying off in spades. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

New Survey Exposes the Mental Health Risks Lurking in Your Social Feed

Posted on April 15, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

navigating mental health in age of social media

A new survey from LifeStance Health has revealed how deeply social media is influencing mental health behavior across the U.S. The data shows that many Americans—especially younger generations—are turning to platforms like TikTok and Instagram not just for entertainment or connection, but for self-diagnosis, therapy language, and emotional validation. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Bluesky Gets an AI Upgrade That Could Finally Make Social Media Less Hostile

Posted on April 15, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

clrsky-homepage

A new tool called CLR:SKY is now available for users on Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform. Its purpose is simple but significant—offer real-time feedback on the tone of a post before it’s published. Instead of removing harmful posts after damage is done, this tool aims to stop them before they ever go live. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement Payments Are Finally Going Out—After Almost 3 Years

Posted on April 10, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

PayPal Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement payment

It’s been a long wait, but the payments from the Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement are finally being distributed—nearly three years after claims were first submitted. If you were part of this class action lawsuit and selected PayPal as your payment method, you may have already received your funds today, April 10, 2025. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement

Posted on April 10, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Update April 10, 2025

The payments for the Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement are being sent out, and if you chose PayPal to receive your payment, then you may have been paid today. I received payment today, April 10, 2025. Below is a screen capture of part of the PayPal email I received.

PayPal Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement payment

Here is the original post, originally posted June 24, 2022. Yes, it really has taken almost 3 years to receive payment

Posted June 24, 2022:

Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement

If you were a Facebook User (had a Facebook account) and used that account between April 22, 2010 and September 16, 2011 and visited a non-Facebook website that displayed the Facebook button, you may be eligible for a payment from a Facebook Internet Tracking class action lawsuit. I know that sounds complicated, but here’s a shorter version: If you had a Facebook account between April 22, 2010 and September 16, 2011, and visited websites such as a blog that had the Facebook Like button on it (to like the URL), then you are probably owned money. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Beacons Just Gave Creators the Tool They’ve Been Begging For

Posted on April 10, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

beacons for brands

Brands can track and manage creator campaigns with per-creator reporting in their Beacons for Brands dashboard.

 

Beacons, the AI platform already used by over 7 million creators, just launched something that might actually make influencer marketing easier—for both sides. It’s called Beacons for Brands, and it comes with an affiliate marketplace that puts data front and center. Finally. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Scroll Anxiety Is Real—and This Expert’s 28-Minute Fix Is Surprisingly Easy

Posted on April 2, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

New Term “Feedxiety” Puts a Name to the Everyday Stress of Scrolling—and One Expert Says There’s a Simple Way Out

If your thumb moves faster than your brain can handle, you’re not alone. The constant barrage of heated takes, breaking news, and doom-laced updates on your social feeds may be affecting your mental bandwidth more than you think. And now there’s a name for that creeping tension: Feedxiety. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

New HilltopAds Update Could Change How You Monetize Social Media

Posted on March 31, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

HilltopAds

HilltopAds has rolled out a new wave of updates, and anyone earning ad revenue online should take notice. The London-based ad network has made several feature changes in 2025 that target a persistent issue for publishers and advertisers alike: how to make better money from social media traffic with less friction. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

What Creators Really Want in 2025—And Why Brands Can’t Afford to Miss It

Posted on March 27, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

creator insights #paid

The creator economy isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s on track to nearly double—from $250 billion to $480 billion—by 2027. And as that pie grows, so does the need for clear insight into how creators think, spend, and plan. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Why Some Executives Dominate LinkedIn While Others Fade Into the Feed

Posted on March 13, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Graphic detailing the Everywhere Agency and SocialHP report.

LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers anymore. It has become the go-to platform for executives, thought leaders, and influencers looking to build their credibility and shape industry conversations. But while some leaders rack up engagement, others struggle to make an impact. So, what’s the secret? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Hate Speech Gets No Audience on Sez Us, The New Pro-Democracy Social Network

Posted on March 12, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

sez-us

Social media has long been a battleground. Outrage fuels engagement. Misinformation spreads faster than facts. Bad actors thrive while reasonable voices get drowned out. Sez Us is stepping in with a different approach—one that rewards thoughtful discussion and holds users accountable for how they interact. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Court Ruling Puts Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok on the Hook for School Disruptions

Posted on March 11, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

A group of Ontario school boards just won a big legal victory against some of the biggest names in social media. Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok tried to shut down a lawsuit that accuses them of harming students’ education, but the courts weren’t buying it. On Friday, Ontario Superior Court Justice Janet Leiper ruled that the case has merit and will move forward. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Alexis Ohanian & Kevin Rose Just Bought Back Digg

Posted on March 5, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

digg logo

Kevin Rose and Alexis Ohanian, two of the biggest names in early social media, are making headlines again. The former competitors—Rose, who founded Digg, and Ohanian, who co-founded Reddit—have bought back Digg and have a bold plan to reshape how people connect online. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Social Media Isn’t Working for Women—Here’s the Platform That’s Changing the Game

Posted on March 3, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Women are logging off. A recent study found that nearly half of women have abandoned at least one social media platform in the past year. Safety, privacy, and the exhausting flood of negativity have driven many to hit the delete button. But where do they go next? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Big Tech’s Grip on Social Media Is Slipping

Posted on February 28, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Frequency Logo

A major shakeup in social networking is underway. Project Liberty and Free Our Feeds are making sure that control over online conversations doesn’t stay locked in the hands of a few powerful companies. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

New App Ditches Toxic Social Media—Replaces It with Wins and Gratitude

Posted on February 26, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Take The Win

“It’s not social media, it’s social gratitude.” is key positioning for Take The Win.

 

Social media has a habit of making people feel worse. From endless comparison to mindless doom scrolling, many platforms thrive on negativity. But a new app called Take The Win™ is flipping the script. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

AEMG Acquires Global Podcast Network

Posted on February 17, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Big moves are happening in digital media, and this one could reshape the podcast industry. All Entertainment Media Group (AEMG) has officially acquired The Global Podcast Network (GPN) in a deal that’s set to rewrite the rules of business-driven podcasting. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Why HR Is the Missing Link in Your Company’s Social Media Strategy

Posted on February 13, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Companies use social media for marketing and customer engagement, but many overlook its potential for HR. A newly updated guide from McLean & Company, a global HR research and advisory firm, emphasizes why HR should play a leading role in shaping a company’s social media presence. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

DICK’S Sporting Goods Wants You: How Athletes Can Get Paid to Post on Social Media

Posted on February 10, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

DICK’S Sporting Goods Opens Influencer Program to the Public—And You Can Apply

Turning Social Media Into a Paycheck

DICK’S Sporting Goods is opening the doors to a unique opportunity for sports enthusiasts and content creators. What started as an internal initiative is now a full-fledged public influencer program, and applications are officially open. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

The Bold Plan to Put TikTok in Creators’ Hands, Not Billionaires’ Pockets

Posted on January 24, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

own the creative home page

The battle for TikTok’s future has taken an unexpected turn. A new movement, Own the Creative, has emerged to challenge the looming billionaire takeover of the platform. Spearheaded by Adam Juegos, an NYU alumnus and early YouTube influencer, this initiative aims to shift ownership to the very creators and users who make TikTok thrive. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Is TikTok Crushing YouTube? The Surprising Answer for U.S. Millennials and Gen Z

Posted on January 21, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

TikTok-USA-users-also-use-other-social-media-apps

TikTok-USA-users-also-use-other-social-media-apps

According to Omdia’s latest consumer survey, TikTok and YouTube are the top video platforms for 18-35-year-olds in the USA. These platforms have outperformed Instagram, Facebook, and Netflix, cementing their leading positions in the video space. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Why WeAre8 Could Be the Future of Social Media

Posted on January 17, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

WeAre8

In the bustling digital landscape, social media platforms have become a staple of daily life, connecting people worldwide. However, these platforms often thrive on controlling algorithms and exploitative economic models. Enter WeAre8, the new social media platform that’s changing the game by putting people at the center of its mission. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

The Surprising Shift in Gen Z’s Online Habits: From TikTok to Trusted Sources

Posted on January 14, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

New Gen Z Research Reveals a Shift Toward Credible, Expert-Driven Open Web Content

A new wave of change is sweeping through Gen Z, the so-called “TikTok Generation.” According to Raptive’s latest research, “DECODING GEN Z: The New Rules of Digital Trust and Influence,” this demographic is shifting gears, favoring credible, expert-driven content over the quick entertainment found on platforms like TikTok. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

VideoShops Revolutionizes Social Commerce with Same-Day Payouts and Easy Selling

Posted on January 10, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

VideoShops, a newly launched social commerce platform, is poised to revolutionize how people engage in affiliate retail. Unlike traditional systems, VideoShops empowers users to shop, share, and sell products effortlessly through their personalized digital storefronts. With its game-changing approach, the platform ensures users get paid the same day they make a sale, bypassing the cumbersome pre-approval processes typical of other affiliate programs. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Project Liberty’s Game-Changing Bid to Save TikTok

Posted on January 9, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

Project Liberty has officially submitted a proposal to ByteDance to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, presenting a vision that aims to reshape the social media landscape. This ambitious bid, led by Project Liberty Founder Frank McCourt, promises to transition TikTok onto a new, American-developed digital infrastructure that prioritizes user control and data privacy. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Quickplay Unveils ‘Shorts’—The Next Big Thing in Streaming for Gen Z

Posted on January 6, 2025 Written by Bill Hartzer

quickplay shorts

Quickplay is making waves in the streaming industry with the launch of “Shorts,” a game-changing tool designed to meet the growing demand for short-form content. Announced at CES 2025, Quickplay Shorts is set to redefine how media companies and streamers engage with younger audiences, especially the ever-influential Gen Z. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

BingX Bets Big on Creators: A Game-Changing Crypto Program Unveiled

Posted on December 13, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Empowering Creativity: BingX Launches the CreatorX Program

BingX, a cryptocurrency exchange with a global footprint, has unveiled its CreatorX Program—a bold initiative designed to redefine how content creators engage with blockchain and cryptocurrency. By offering structured rewards, extensive exposure, and opportunities for collaboration, BingX is giving creators the tools they need to excel in a fast-paced and competitive environment. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Nano-Influencers Are Changing the Game: How Canadians Shape the Creator Economy

Posted on December 11, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Canadians might not see themselves as influencers, but their social circles tell a different story. According to a new Léger study commissioned by Heylist, while 92% of Canadians deny being influencers, 74% admit to purchasing products based on recommendations from friends, family, or acquaintances on social media. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

NeoReach Acquires Influencers.com and Partners with Blueberry AI to Shake Up the Creator Economy

Posted on December 3, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

NeoReach Acquires Influencers.com

NeoReach, a prominent player in the Creator Economy, has made a major move to boost opportunities for digital creators. On December 3, 2024, the company announced its acquisition of Influencers.com, a domain that will anchor a revamped platform packed with tools to help creators thrive. At the same time, NeoReach revealed a strategic partnership with Blueberry AI, a leader in artificial intelligence for lead generation. Together, they’re rolling out solutions aimed at simplifying content management and maximizing revenue potential for creators worldwide. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Tired of Toxic Social Media? Meet the Gratitude-Based Platform Transforming Mental Wellness

Posted on November 22, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Designed for those inspired by sport, a personalized locker room becomes the home base for users to navigate to various features in the app, available to download on Apple devices in December 2024.

Designed for those inspired by sport, a personalized locker room becomes the home base for users to navigate to various features in the app, available to download on Apple devices in December 2024.

 

Kevin Brilliant left behind a coveted role as a behavioral scientist with the Chicago Bulls to tackle something even bigger: the mental health crisis. Inspired by his personal struggles and a career spent studying behavior, Brilliant is set to launch Take The Win™, the world’s first Social Gratitude™ platform. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

TikTok Influences Holiday Shopping: What 69% of Shoppers Say They Need to See First

Posted on November 22, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

The holiday season is here, and TikTok is proving to be much more than a dance video haven. A new survey from marketing agency MGH shows the platform is playing a massive role in shaping holiday gift ideas. Over half of the respondents (55%) admitted to finding gift inspiration while scrolling, and 39% actively searched for gift ideas on TikTok. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Threads Meets Compliance: Social Assurance Expands Social Media Support for Financial Brands

Posted on November 22, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Social Assurance- the leading content and compliance management solution for community banks credit

The digital marketing playbook just got a new chapter for community banks and credit unions. Social Assurance, a trusted name in marketing and compliance software for the financial sector, announced a major update: support for Threads. This integration opens doors for over 1,500 financial organizations across the U.S., enabling them to manage Threads alongside other social media platforms seamlessly. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

Yubo’s New AI Tool, SafeBlur, Blocks Harmful Content in DMs

Posted on November 1, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Yubo

Yubo has unveiled its latest tool, SafeBlur, a feature aimed at protecting users from inappropriate content in direct messages. SafeBlur, powered by AI, automatically identifies and blocks harmful images and messages, offering a much-needed shield for Yubo’s 80 million Gen Z users worldwide. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Social Media

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Bill Hartzer on Search, Marketing, Tech, and Domains.

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