SPOTLIGHT: Media Filter Bubble, Millenials Messaging

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

While talking with a client I’ve known nearly 10 years, the conversation moved to the concept of a filter bubble. Everyone needs to understand those just for their own education on how you are shown media, online content, and why there is no such thing as a universal Google ranking. Eli Pariser gives a great 9 minute TED Talk about this issue, and it’s still very relevant.

We also have news this week about social media used by Millenials (born 1981-1997), some time-saving new WordPress features, and the latest search marketshare numbers that show a surprise.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

News You Should Know

Millennials Love Kik, Snapchat and Other Messaging Apps

Traditional text messaging isn’t dead, but it’s facing stiff competition from messaging apps like WhatsApp and Kik says a Pew report.

WordPress 4.3 Brings Improved Password Security, Easier Text Formatting

Latest release, named “Billie” in honor of famed jazz singer Billie Holiday, also adds easier menu changes, site icons and more. I LOVE the new keyboard formatting shortcuts. Give them a try.

comScore Releases July 2015 U.S. Desktop Search Engine Rankings – comScore, Inc

Google Sites led the explicit core search market in July with 64 percent of search queries conducted. The big news is that Bing & Yahoo just reached 33% market share in North America. Stop ignoring them if you are.

SPECIAL: Filter Bubble TED Talk Video

Eli Pariser: Beware online “filter bubbles” | TED Talk

As web companies strive to tailor their services (including news and search results) to our personal tastes, there’s a dangerous unintended consequence: We get trapped in a “filter bubble” and don’t get exposed to information that could challenge or broaden our worldview.