Latest Influencer News in 2026
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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.
TikTok Ban Update: ‘Complicated’ Sale Could Take Over A Year, Sen. Warner Says
Sen. Mark Warner, the leader of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has brought to light the critical issue of potentially removing the control of TikTok from the Chinese Communist Party. During an interview for CBS\' Face the Nation, Warner has placed the national security risks posed by this widely popular video-sharing app at the forefront of his concerns. He has specifically highlighted the risk of the Communist Party having access to American data, a concern that has gained significant traction in recent times. \"More than the power of eyes that your network reaches on a daily basis. And that information and many young people on TikTok get their news, the idea that we would give the Communist Party this much of a propaganda tool as well as the ability to scrape 170 million American- million Americans personal data, it is a national security risk,\" the senator said. The House recently passed a \'TikTok ban\' bill, part of a foreign aid package, with bipartisan support, aimed at forcing the sale of the company in the U.S. This growing concern about the app\'s connections to China and its potential risks to U.S. national security has led to a significant increase in efforts to pass new laws about it, underscoring the national importance of the issue. Previous attempts to address TikTok\'s ownership in the Senate have encountered significant hurdles. However, the upper chamber is now expected to consider the foreign aid package, indicating a potentially faster path for the measure. US President Joe Biden has also expressed his readiness to sign the package into law, which could signal a shift in the political landscape. This potential change could have significant implications for the future of TikTok and its users. Supporters of TikTok are pushing back against new laws that could limit how people use the app. They argue that TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment but also a significant part of modern culture and a source of income for many. For instance, it has provided a platform for diverse voices and creative expression and has also been a source of livelihood for content creators. Senator Warner acknowledges these benefits, but he\'s concerned about the potential influence of the Chinese government on TikTok\'s operations, especially in light of the recent TikTok ban vote. The discussion surrounding the TikTok ban update not only brings attention to the tensions between the U.S. and China regarding technology and national security but also has significant implications for the ongoing debate over data privacy and security. As lawmakers grapple with the complexities of regulating platforms with international ties, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance. The outcome of this debate could impact millions of users and shape the future of data privacy and security.
Mom Says TikTok Inspired Son’s Suicide; Platform Promoted Death, Self-Harm Videos
Jennie Deserio, a mother from Arkansas, is raising awareness about TikTok effects on mental health after the loss of her son, Mason Edens, who died by suicide. Deserio found out that Mason regularly watched distressing videos on TikTok that promoted depression and suicide. His liking of such content highlights the dangers of excessive social media consumption among youth. Deserio discovered over 15 videos on Mason\'s account that directly promoted suicide, with some encouraging the same method he used. Despite the videos\' alarming nature, many remained on the platform, receiving thousands of likes. TikTok\'s algorithm may have unwittingly exposed Mason to such harmful materials, such as suicide in teens videos, which could have contributed to his death. “I completely believe in my heart that Mason would be alive today had he not seen those TikTok videos,” DeSerio said in an interview. Class act DeSerio is part of a legal action against social media companies, which challenges the legal protections afforded to platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This lawsuit seeks accountability for social media\'s impact on mental health. It highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and heightened awareness of the mental health implications of excessive social media use among youths. Mason\'s case is one of several highlighting the pervasive issue of harmful content on social media platforms. Advocates argue that TikTok effects on brain, saying the platform’s addictive and manipulative design poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable young users. As DeSerio awaits her day in court, she has become a vocal advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of unchecked social media consumption among children and teens. Her efforts underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the evolving challenges posed by digital platforms and their impact on mental well-being. The social media platform is currently under scrutiny by the US government regarding privacy issues.
Influencer Ingests Toad Venom And Details The Feeling: ‘Being Ripped Out Of Your Body’
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be ingested by venom from a poisonous toad? Well, one social media influencer, is sharing his own experience with details of his harrowing encounter with psychedelic toad venom. Influencer Dakota Wint recently shared his terrifying journey after ingesting frog toxins during a spiritual retreat in Mexico. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Wint described vivid hallucinations during his ‘toad venom retreat’ - he imagined alien serpents attempting to separate him from his physical body, leading him to believe his demise was imminent. \"It felt like my own funeral,\" he said in the video. The practice, known as \'speed-toading,\' involves consuming the psychedelic toad medicines extracted from the bufo alvarius toad. While traditionally used by indigenous communities for medicinal purposes, it has gained popularity among tourists visiting Tulum, Mexico, seeking spiritual experiences. However, toad venom effects on humans are not something to take lightly. During the ingestion process, whether through licking the toad\'s back or smoking its venom in a dried paste form - this truly carries significant risks. Despite claims of being a \"miracle cure\" for modern ailments like anxiety and depression, psychedelic toad venom is potent and can induce intense hallucinations and psychological distress. Moreover, its consumption can lead to persistent psychosis and other adverse effects. The effects are said to be akin to ingesting Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew that can be found being prepared in some communities in the Amazon. Wint said it was easier to ingest the South American brew. The real issue As stories like Wint\'s highlight the potential dangers of experimenting with drugs, it\'s crucial to zero in on the real reason why some people go to the extremes to try these experimental ‘cures.’ Addressing such concerns as mental health, for example, should have been the more pressing concern. Seeking professional guidance and treatment for mental health issues is always recommended over unregulated substances. Additionally, educating oneself about the risks associated with different substances and making informed decisions can help prevent harm and avoid potentially life-threatening situations. In light of Wint\'s experience, experts emphasize the importance of responsible decision-making and caution against the allure of experimental drugs. While seeking spiritual enlightenment or relief from mental health issues, individuals must weigh the potential risks against the perceived benefits of such substances. Moreover, the accessibility of these drugs, particularly through social media influencers, underscores the need for greater awareness and education regarding their dangers. Authorities and health organizations advocate for comprehensive drug education programs and accessible resources for those struggling with substance abuse. By promoting a better understanding of the risks associated with drug use and fostering open conversations about mental health, communities can work together to prevent effects like Wint\'s from recurring. On the other hand, cases like Wint’s also highlight the extremes some influencers go through for the sake of content. Recently, two fitness influencers lost their lives while filming their social media materials.
MrBeast Just 10 Million Subscribers Away From Being Most Subscribed Youtube Channel
There’s an ongoing battle for the top spot on the most subscribed YouTube channel, and it’s a close match as to who would emerge victorious - and that’s T-Series vs MrBeast. MrBeast YouTube subscribers are closing in at 253 million while T-Series subscribers are still enjoying a good lead at 264 million. Now the American YouTuber is not just steadily closing in on T-Series, but is actively challenging the Indian music label and movie studio. With a massive following, MrBeast aims to overtake T-Series as the most subscribed channel. This bold challenge from MrBeast, a popular online personality, inspires many, as he seeks to disrupt the status quo and redefine the YouTube hierarchy. According to a report, the recent subscriber growth rates highlight the thrilling contrast between the two contenders. MrBeast YouTube channel has gained seven million subscribers in the last month alone and has been on a meteoric rise, while T-Series only managed to attract two million. Over the past year, MrBeast has seen a staggering 105 million increase in subscribers, significantly surpassing T-Series\' 23 million. This rapid growth is a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding MrBeast\'s journey. T-Series, a powerhouse in the Indian music and film industry, has held the number one spot on YouTube since surpassing PewDiePie in 2019, becoming the first channel to reach 100 million subscribers. MrBeast, who dethroned PewDiePie in November 2022, is now on the verge of surpassing T-Series, with projections indicating it could happen by mid-2024. The competition between T-Series and PewDiePie was intense, with the latter initiating a subscriber race after being overtaken by the music label. MrBeast actively supported PewDiePie during that battle and is now taking on the challenge himself. The race is intensifying with only 41 million subscribers separating MrBeast from T-Series. However, MrBeast is not just a contender but a community leader. He is mindful not to repeat the mistakes made by PewDiePie and has taken proactive steps to engage positively with the community. This active involvement of MrBeast makes the YouTube landscape a dynamic and exciting battleground, making the social media channel a powerful platform for individuals and their various causes. Recently, MrBeast sparked debates among fellow YouTubers when he suggested that longer content could address the adverse effects of staying exposed to Social Media for a long time.